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Shortly after 5am this morning, 5 August, Azamara Pursuit, the largest ever Cruise Ship to dock in Warrenpoint Port sailed majestically up Carlingford Lough, under the watchful eye of an assortment of cameras, drones and mobile phones, whose owners had forsaken a few hours sleep to see the spectacle.
It could scarcely have been a better morning, in start contrast to the arrival of the first cruise ship of the season a few weeks ago. The 5.45am sunrise really excelled, turning the clouds over Carlingford Lough into a radiant orange that reflected off the water as the thirty thousand tonne craft slowly made her way to port.
At 181 metres it's 40 metres longer than the Seatruck that plys the route daily.
The Mourne Shore and Mourne Venture tug boats were entrusted to guide her up the lough and then in the delicate job of turning her around to face outwards for the onward journey and docking her safely. In total it took around 15 minutes to turn and berth.
Pursuit is scheduled to leave around 7.30 tonight so in the meantime feel free to take a spin down to The Point and if you find any visitors on tour make sure to give them a good welcome.
