The Port of Southampton extended a warm welcome to the Norwegian Spirit cruise ship on 31 May as she arrived at the port for the first time.
To mark her maiden call to the Port of Southampton, a traditional plaque and key ceremony took place on board with Port Director Alastair Welch and Commercial Manager Rebekah Keeler taking part in the official exchange with the ship’s Captain.
The 75,400 Gross Tonnage vessel can accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers and arrived at the port, docking at Mayflower Cruise Terminal. The ship, which was launched in 1998, is the only ship in the Spirit class of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.
The vibrant hull artwork is a strong characteristic of the Norwegian Cruise Line ships and the Norwegian Spirit is no different. Her hull is adorned with a pair of dolphins jumping waves ahead of a crowned female figure.
Alastair Welch, Port Director, said: “We were delighted to welcome Norwegian Spirit on her maiden call into Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port. We welcome around 2 million passengers each year into the port which generates around £2 million for the economy on each visit.”
Eamonn Ferrin, Vice President and Managing Director for the UK, Ireland, Israel, South Africa and the Middle East markets at Norwegian Cruise Line said: “The arrival of the Norwegian Spirit into Southampton marks an exciting time for Norwegian Cruise Line and we look forward to welcoming her on her maiden call into the Port of Southampton, following a 13 day cruise across Europe.”
