New benefits for cruise passengers from the deepened Calshot Harbour.

Deeper Harbour Benefits Cruise Visitors

Photos by Dawn Repetto and Sean Burns

The work to deepen Calshot Harbour in 2016 continues to reap benefits. Before the work was done, the depth of the harbour restricted the size of boats that could enter the harbour meaning that visiting ships could only use their zodiacs. With the deepening and the removal of a small reef, ships' tenders can now move in and out facilitating a much quicker and more comfortable transfer of passengers. We hope this will now attract even more cruise ships to visit and enjoy everything Tristan has to offer.

The use of tenders happened for the first time during the visit of the MS Seabourn Sojourn on the 31st January 2018. As well as allowing more passengers to be transferred per trip, in more comfort, and with an easier step ashore, it also enabled the cruise ship's crew to bring ashore equipment to set up a gazebo on the harbour as an alfresco passenger lounge.

Tristan's Search & Rescue RIB escorts the first tender into harbour. The MS Seabourn Sojourn's tender enters Calshot Harbour
Tristan's S&R RIB escorts the first tender into harbour. The MS Seabourn Sojourn's tender enters Calshot Harbour
The MS Seabourn Sojourn's tender approaches the harbour steps The tender moored by the harbour steps.
The tender approaches the harbour steps. The tender moored high up the harbour steps.
Seabourn Sojourn crew set up a gazebo for guests on the harbour. Improved embarkation and disembarkation from tenders at the harbour.
Seabourn Sojourn crew set up a gazebo with chairs and supplies for guests on the harbour. Improved embarkation and disembarkation from tenders is now possible at the harbour.
A 'penguin' comes ashore from the MS Seabourn Sojourn Even a 'penguin' got ashore easily, perhaps lured by Léo Duval's welcoming bagpipes. Leo Duval playing the bagpipes to welcome visitors ashore.