Cruise to view P&O's Aurora 18 June 2000
Words and Pictures by Martin Longhurst
During Balmoral's short stay on the South Coast, she offered an opportunity for the folk of Swanage, Bournemouth and Yarmouth to see P&O's brand new cruise liner Aurora berthed at Southampton.
The weather was perfect as Balmoral shaped up to come alongside Bournemouth Pier's eastern landing stage.
Captain Gellatly gently eased the ship on to the Pier |
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In the Solent we passed one of the Sail Training Association's new vessels on trials out of Southampton, where she had just been completed. |
The Aurora towered above Balmoral. Many of her cabins have individual balconies.
The striking lines of her stern are topped by the red duster, as she is registered at London
The red topped lifeboats can be seen along her length - some are equiped as landing boats for smaller ports
Our final view of this fine vessel as we headed back to the Solent
One of Red Funnel's car ferries, Red Eagle, bound from East Cowes to Southampton
At the end of a beautiful sail, Balmoral backs away from Bournemouth Pier
Turning to the west, she heads for Swanage, her final call for the evening.