The Cruise Season Concludes - Mein Schiff 4

The cruise season is all but over for the Greenock area this year.

A few smaller vessels will be around but tonight saw the 'Mein Schiff 4' depart outbound for Liverpool.

It's been a good season with many new cruise ships coming our way and we now look forward to next year.

Then we'll have more early starts while we hope and pray for favourable weather.

I hope the visitors to the area have enjoyed their cruises and their time ashore.

 Departing the Ocean Terminal

Passengers Bid a Fond Farewell

Heading out to Sea

 Solitary Figure Bids Farewell

Into the Sunset

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Britannia - First Greenock Visit

P & O Cruise's flagship 'Britannia' arrived at Greenock this morning for her maiden visit to the port.

She appeared at Gourock just before 07:00 and the sun was there to greet her arrival.

Then on to Greenock and past the Esplanade before canting and berthing at the Ocean Terminal.

There was a fair crowd at the Esplanade to see her arrival, though the sun didn't stay long enough to enjoy.

She will be departing around 17:00 this evening if all goes to plan.


 Off Gourock

 Passing Gourock

 Approaching Greenock

 Flags to Meet Britannia


Twin Funnels


Majestic in the Sunshine

 Off the Esplanade

 With 'Eclipse' in the background


'Annie' greets 'Britannia'


Beginning to Cant


Canting

Final Stages of Berthing

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

MS Eurodam - Greenock Visit and Self Tour

The Holland America Lines cruise ship 'MS Eurodam' made an early arrival at Greenock this morning - appearing before 06:00.

As I was up nice and early I caught a few images as she arrived.

Went home for a change and then back again as an invited guest to take a self tour and enjoy a sumptuous four course lunch.

This was served by a very friendly and attentive restaurant staff - who also treated the diners to an impromptu chorus of a lively song from their country of origin.

My impressions once aboard was that she was very well equipped and the decor carried a degree of old style elegance.

I felt at home as I wandered the decks and took in the ambience.

I found the crew to be very helpful and friendly. We exchanged information as they advised me on locations aboard, and I for my part on how best to get in to town and where to get their shopping done.  They only have a few hours ashore so this local knowledge would be invaluable.

One of the chefs I spoke with was keen to try haggis so I pointed her in the right direction and explained how best to cook and serve the entire haggis, neeps, and tatties experience.

I hope she enjoyed.

Then back ashore and some home time before returning to catch her departure late afternoon.

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and one I hope to manage again.


Arriving at Greenock Esplanade

 Rembrandt Dining Room

 Atrium Looking Down

 Observation Deck

 Radar and Comms

 Observation Deck

Lido Pool Complex

Tamarind Restaurant


 Burmese Disciples

 Promenade Deck

Looking Aft

 Interior

 Cabins

Departing the Ocean Terminal

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

Celebrity Silhouette Calls in to Greenock

The Solstice Class cruise ship 'Celebrity Silhouette' arrived this morning on her first visit to the Clyde.

One of the larger visitors this year she has an occupancy of 2,886 passengers.

She is expected to depart around 18:00 tonight outbound and there has been a change of destination as she heads to Le Havre rather than Holyhead as intended.

 Passing Gourock Inbound

Approaching Greenock Esplanade

 Upper Decks

Canting at No1 Buoy


Going Astern to Greenock Ocean Terminal

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.com - better resolution and options to licence.

'Royal Princess' Departing Greenock

The 'Royal Princess' paid us another visit today arriving at around 06:30 and canting off the Ocean Terminal ready to sail straight off this evening.

Too early for me to get some images this morning, but popped down to see her depart for Kirkwall this evening.

 Berthed at the Ocean Terminal


Esplanade Before Departure

 Pilot Cutter ' Mount Stuart'

 Speed Building

 Outward Bound

Heading for Kirkwall

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Greenock Esplanade This Evening

A trip to Greenock this evening to watch the departure of the cruise ship 'MSC Splendida'.

Rewarded with a fair bit of activity on the river and all visible form the Esplanade.


Coming off the Berth


Heading out to No 1 Buoy

Looking Splendida

Pilot Cutter 'Gantock'

 Passengers Bid Farewell

'Endurance' Bound for James Watt Dock

Little and Large

 Brave Swimmer

 Dredger 'Deo Gloria'

Windsurfer with Little Wind  

'Flintercape' bound for Greenock Ocean Terminal

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.