12-May-2005

Harwich International Port will welcome the first cruise call of the 2005 season on 15th May, with the arrival of the Jewel of the Seas. Operated by Royal Caribbean International, it will arrive at Harwich from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will perform ten cruises this season out of Harwich.

Carrying 2,500 passengers and with a gross tonnage of 90,000, the Jewel of the Seas is the largest vessel to use Harwich International Port. With amenities such as a ten-story glass-constructed atrium, glass elevators facing the sea, and allocated classroom and meeting room space, it is one of the newest and most modern of the Royal Caribbean fleet. This first cruise of the season will take the Jewel of the Seas to Scandinavia and Russia, including stopovers at Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki and St Petersburg.

Harwich International Port will also this season welcome the Thomson Celebration, arriving on 24th July. Previously named The Noordam, it was formally renamed in a ceremony earlier this month. It is a new ship in the Thomson fleet, having previously been operated by Holland America Line.

The Thomson Celebration, measuring 214 metres in length and with a capacity of 1,300 passengers, will carry out seven cruises from Harwich throughout the summer season. The newest addition to the Thomson fleet will sail to the Norwegian Fjords and will visit the Baltic Sea. Facilities include a two-storey show lounge, a fully-fitted health club, three restaurants, five bars, a nightclub, cinema and various other entertaining and relaxing amenities.

David Gledhill, Chief Operating Officer of Harwich International Port, commented:

“This will be another marvellous cruise season for Harwich International Port. Yet again, we will welcome some of the world’s largest cruise operators.

He continued:

“The decision by Thomson to call at Harwich International Port is a huge boost to the region; we are pleased to welcome such a prestigious cruise liner, and are delighted to have made this partnership with Thomson.”

In addition, the Port is also expecting turnaround calls from the Ocean Majesty, Discovery, Funchal, and Westerdam. In total, Harwich will welcome 43 calls this year.