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Manx Cat

The Isle of Man Steam Packet's newly-acquired fast ferry arrived in Portsmouth on 16 July following a delivery voyage from Hobart, Tasmania. The 96-metre wave piercing catamaran, currently named Incat 050, will undergo an extensive structural refit that will double passenger capacity to more than 800 persons. The project will involve the addition of a new aft accommodation module, a new sky lounge, a stern loading ramp, and a complete new interior including the overhaul of the existing passenger accommodation. The re-built vessel will emerge with an as yet undisclosed Manx name and will replace the monohull Viking (Ex-SuperSeacat Two) on the Liverpool-Douglas route in 2009.

Jade Good for Southampton

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has become the latest cruise operator to base a ship at Southampton. Norwegian Jade (2006/93,558gt) arrived on 30 May and will provide cruises to the Mediterranean, North Cape, Western Europe and British Isles. The former Pride of Hawaii will offer NCL's “Freestyle” cruising whereby passengers are free to use any of the 12 restaurants and dining rooms, and 11 bars and lounges at anytime. Norwegian Jade is one of three Jewel class ships to be based in Europe, along with Norwegian Gem at Barcelona and Norwegian Jewel at Dover. Shame about the livery...

Independence Day

Royal Caribbean has introduced the third of its Freedom class cruise ships at Southampton. The 160,000 gt Independence of the Seas, which shares the distinction of being one of the largest passenger ships ever built, slipped into her new homeport at first light following delivery from Aker Finnyards Turku shipyard a few days earlier. The new arrival can accomodate 4,370 passengers and 1,360 crew over 18 decks. Despite costing £400 million each, Royal Caribbean are pressing ahead with plans to introduce the first of a new class of 220,000gt Genesis class ships in 2009.

Brazil-bound

The ex- RFA Sir Galahad has sailed from Portsmouth for the last time. The landing ship, which was ceremonially handed over to the Brazilian Navy early last December, finally left for her new home on 8 April after mechanical problems had caused a number of delays. Since renamed Garcia D’Avila after a distinguished captain and war hero, the ship will significantly bolster Brazil’s diminutive amphibious forces.

Ace Ventura

Ventura (2008/116,000gt), the largest ever cruise ship built specifically for the UK market sailed into her home port of Southampton for the very first time on 6 April. Fresh from the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the £300 million ship arrived to a warm reception despite unseasonal snow showers and freezing temperatures. Her official naming ceremony will take place on 16 April, when she will be christened by Dame Helen Mirren. To ensure the traditional Champagne bottle breaks without any hitches a la Queen Victoria, a crack team from the Royal Marines will abseil down the hull to do the honours.