Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 856

  JanT, Dover

Yet again I open my curtains this morning to see two more cruise liners, a splendid sight in anybodies book.
Well done to DHB for getting these ships to make Dover a stop over.

Agree Kevin some great pictures below always good to see that those cameras have been busy.

Also good offer for Father's Day from myFERRYlink for those Dad's who enjoy golf




Tuesday, 10 June 2014 - 11:41

 

Post 855

  Kevin Charles, Dover

Great photos, as usual, and the cruise ship season really is in full swing now. I believe Silver Cloud has actually visited Dover before, I think in 1994. The port didn't have dedicated cruise terminals back then so the ship was moored on the cargo terminal.

Tuesday, 10 June 2014 - 08:32

 

Post 854

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

The small but cool and elegant Silver Cloud departing for Antwerp last night with the champagne definitely on ice..
And now for the latest FATHERS DAY suggestion...this time from My Ferry Link...read on..
The par-fect Father’s Day getaway with MyFerryLink
MyFerryLink offers travellers a free round of golf at Golf & Country Club de la Côte d’Opale

To celebrate Father’s Day, 15 June, Dover-Calais ferry operator MyFerryLink has secured an exclusive two for one golf deal with Golf & Country Club de la Côte d’Opale, located just 20 minutes from Calais. MyFerryLink is offering its customers the chance to get one free 18-hole round of golf worth £21 and a free bottle of red wine for every green fee purchased this June. With MyFerryLink fares starting from just £29 per car for a day return, you can treat dad to a game of golf across the Channel for as little as £50 for both of you.

Nestled in between the woods of Ruminghem and the forest of Eperlecques, this 18-hole course has amazing views of the coastline between Dunkirk and Calais. Styled on American greens, the Golf & Country Club de la Côte d’Opale will challenge the best of the best and bring out the competitive streak in dad!

To claim this offer, customers simply quote the MyFerryLink two for one deal when booking a round of golf, then hand in their MyFerryLink lane hanger upon arrival at the course. This offer is valid from 1 to 30 June 2014. Customers are advised to book their tee time in advance. For details of how to book and more offers at the club, including a group green fee offer of just £90 for 9 people, visit www.myferrylink.com.

MyFerryLink operates up to 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £19 each way for short breaks (72 hours) and £29 return for a day trip, with other special fares available online.

To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100

-Ends-

* *

Some exotic machinery moving down the Channel on sunday evening .
This superyacht is Phoenix2. Don't know a great deal else about her, thought for one moment it was the one that rested here last year..but no. Looks fabulous of course...that's Calais blistering in the background. Very long distance shot as you can see.

There were huge container ships in abundance on the move Sunday night, or late sunday evening...took this one through the sinking smog. Its the Hanjin Harmony. Huge...the size of several world cup football pitches no doubt..

More exciting cruise liners in today...the oh so colourful AIDA STELLA plus the Azamara Journey. Brilliant stuff Port of Dover


Tuesday, 10 June 2014 - 07:36

 

Post 853

  PaulB, Dover

Todays visitors - The Saga Sapphire left and on the right...Silver Cloud. The sleek Silver Cloud is another inaugural visit ...


Monday, 9 June 2014 - 18:40

 

Post 852

  Jon Miell, Dover (sandettie@btinternet.com)

Ed Connell, any chance of a full copy of the lifeboat and Seaking 125 ?

Monday, 9 June 2014 - 07:10

 

Post 851

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

TREAT DAD to a BEER in BRUGES



Yes indeed - Treat Dad to a beer tasting trip to Bruges this Father’s Day with DFDS Seaways
- Price for three day return from only £39 for car and 9 passengers on Dover-France routes

Why not go the extra mile for Father’s Day this year (15 June) and treat your Dad to a special beer tasting trip to Bruges? And with DFDS Seaways offering crossings from both Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk from as little as £39 return for a car and up to 9 passengers, you needn’t break the bank to get there.

In under an hour’s drive from Dunkirk and less than an hour and a half from Calais, you can reach the charming medieval city of Bruges, where Belgian beer and chocolate abound. If you are interested in how Belgian beer is made, then why not take your dad to the Halve Maan (The Half Moon) brewery; the city’s famous, family-run brewery. Guided 45-minute tours are available for only 7,50 euros per person, where you can learn all about all about the special combination of malt and hops, as well as sample the beers that many consider to be the finest in the city.

Home to some 50 chocolatiers, Bruges is also the unofficial chocolate capital of Europe, where visitors can indulge in a sumptuous array of hand-crafted chocolates.

During your short two-hour crossing on DFDS Seaways’ award-winning ferry service to Dunkirk, or 90 minute crossing to Calais, you can relax onboard with a Costa coffee, or enjoy a delicious hot meal in one of our restaurants. You can also shop for last-minute holiday essentials and luxuries, or if you’re travelling with younger children, unwind in one of the café areas as they play in the dedicated children’s area. Whoever you are travelling with, your holiday starts as soon as you board the ferry!
DFDS Seaways sails up to 44 times a day between Dover and France, providing passengers with flexible crossing times, a luxury travel experience and convenient travel options.
To find out more information, visit www.dfds.co.uk, or telephone 0871 574 7235.

ENDS

* * *
The Braemar arriving yesterday Sunday in the early afternoon. Caught it prowling slowly across the harbour while out enjoying a bit of the al fresco along the seafront. 'Twas a very busy and enjoyably warm day along the seafront, lots of our sun-starved populace out and about..ice creams were very popular..
The Braemar's arrival almost caught me out.
This pic above of the Braemar was taken just before she left ...taken about 8.15pm last night as it was beginning to darken. What is notable about this picture is the almost pencil looking line right across it. ..do you see it..just behind the soon to depart Braemar. Sadly it looks like pollution. Perhaps its the price we pay for the warm weather.


PS: the Silver Cloud is in today. Small and sleek - no picture as yet.
Added at 08.30: Saga Sapphire arriving




Monday, 9 June 2014 - 06:59

 

Post 850

  PaulB, Dover

Wow! that's a cracking picture below Ed so it is. Brilliant!
Will have a couple of pix of The Braemar tomorrow Brian especially for yourself..

Sunday, 8 June 2014 - 20:27

 

Post 849

  brian, sunny location.

I note that the braemar has made a visit,parked up earlier this afternoon.

Sunday, 8 June 2014 - 17:28

 

Post 848

  Ed Connell, Dover

Dover lifeboat "City of London II" at the Folkestone Air Show yesterday with the RAF Sea King, range safety boat and the Folkestone Inshore Rescue Boat which unbelievably the locals have built themselves and does not belong to the RNLI.



Sunday, 8 June 2014 - 11:00

 

Post 847

  PaulB, Dover

Busy evening one way or another with all the comings and goings. On the cargo front the Columbian Star changed places with the Lady Rascise and with the ferries crossing the harbour more these days and the cruise liners departing...well there is so much going on and it is all adding up to exciting times. Picture above shows our familiar friend departing the eastern exit around about 5.30 pm last evening, heading off to Oslo - its all happening in Norway these days.
Also in harbour yesterday of course was The Marina. The Marina is an attractive ship for sure and it's always good to take pictures of that sleek look...the pic above is from earlier in the day saturday, taken once the early grim weather of the morning departed. Below we have her leaving around an hour after Ryndam last night. The 66,000 tonner was off to Zeebrugge in fine style as you can see.
One of these days yours truly will be on the deck photographing backwards....

Great ships coming in these days. Dover is always worth a visit.

Sunday, 8 June 2014 - 06:07

 

Post 845

  PaulB, Dover

Another exciting few days again for Dover...more fab cruise ships in today but a little more on that in a moment. Just to tie up yesterday first. The picture above is a wide view of the harbour showing both the ongoing harbour works on the sea wall and the Ocean Princess as a delightful backdrop in the distance. They appear to have upped the ante on these defence/repair works once again..powering forward, working with gusto when the tide is out

The picture below shows the Ocean Princess departing the harbour last evening around 5.30pm en route to Bergen in Norway. It was a gorgeous colourful evening as she left through the eastern exit and headed out into the Channel..blue sky blue sea..all was right with the world.

Great stuff in the post below there from Kevin with the up to the minute arrivals this morning. The Ryndam and the Marina are in..pity its a grey ol' morning right now but there we are. You cant have everything.

Great to have the list again Colette...helps us keep abreast of things for sure..otherwise yours truly would be truly astray.
Have mentioned it at the top again for easy reference as things sometimes go down the page fast. Keep doing it.

Glad you made those acknowledgements there John marking the D-Day anniversary..interesting bit of info and a nice pic that too of the Discovery.


Saturday, 7 June 2014 - 07:07

 

Post 844

  Kevin Charles, Dover

Today's visitors - Holland America Line's, Ryndam and Oceania Cruises', Marina. Another busy day for port and town!




Saturday, 7 June 2014 - 07:02

 

Post 843

  ColetteB, Dover

Sea News is Ace!!!
Good luck to Dover Harbour Board with the HRO, workshop date 15th July is in my diary


And now for more Cruise Ships.

As said on my last cruise schedule, tomorrow we see the Ryndam return & the beautiful, elegant, sophisticated Marina cruises into Dover once again, last here September 2012. The Braemar's in on Sunday for the first time this year.

On Monday the 9th June, two cruises arrive, the Saga Sapphire is back at CT1, TR & the inaugural visit of Silversea Cruises, the Silver Cloud cruises into CT2, TR (cameras ready guys)

The following day Tuesday 10th another two cruise ships, the AIDAStella is back at CT2, PoC & the luxury cruise liner, Azamara Journey complete with butler service arrives at CT1, PoC, she was last here in May 2012.

Nothing then until Friday 13th June when another Costa cruise arrives here in the shape of the Costa Classica at CT2, PoC. I don't recall her coming into Dover before but maybe our Sea News guru's will enlighten us.

The following day Saturday 14th June another two cruise ships, the Braemar returns to CT2, TR & the Ryndam returns to CT1, TR.

Ending the week on Sunday 15th June (Fathers Day) the Saga Pearl II arrives back to CT1, TR.

On Monday 16th June the Black Watch returns back to CT2, TR.

Tuesday 17th June the Saga Sapphire is back at CT1, TR.

No cruise ships then until Sunday 22nd June when the Saga Pearl II returns after her short cruise, to CT1, TR & the beautiful Ocean Princess returns to CT2, TR.

No cruise ships then until Thursday 26th June. I will be back then



Friday, 6 June 2014 - 22:16

 

Post 842

  John Mavin, Dover

Looking at the D-Day Memorial events at Normandy today I notice five cruise ships in the area, all of which have visited Dover. Off the beaches are the Marco Polo, Minerva and Discovery; whilst the Sea Cloud 11 is in the Caen Canal and Fred Olsen's Braemar is at Le Havre.

I think the Discovery has visited only once - in June 2012.



Friday, 6 June 2014 - 13:01

 

Post 841

  PaulB, Dover

The small but beautifully packaged Ocean Princess is back in again...for the first time this year. As we say..she is relatively small, weighing in at approximately 30,000 tons, but the sleek design looks great basking in the high bright but very early sun. Yes a very early arrival for this one...this picture immediately below was taken at 5.50am and even then she appeared to have been in harbour for quite a while.
Below we have a pic of the crane that's been operating down at pier 2 or as Ed calls it ED2, to give it its proper name. Lots of development work going on there, for more detail see also Post 752..a very large crane this one reaching into the heavens as you can see.


Friday, 6 June 2014 - 06:44

 

Post 840

  PaulB, Dover

Port applies for powers to deliver a great future for customers and community.
________________________________________________________________

A key milestone has arrived today with the submission by Dover Harbour Board of a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) to Government in order to increase its powers and deliver on its firm commitment to play a major role in the regeneration of both port and town.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: "This is a great moment for the Port and for Dover. It represents a clear sign of our commitment to both deliver our flagship Dover Western Docks Revival project, currently being so positively received and supported, and crucially to be able to further support our community with charitable donations through a new community fund.

It is a major step forward in delivering the shared vision that we are developing with our customers and community."

Since the Port’s Annual Consultative Meeting held last month, at which the decision to appoint its first community director was announced, a workshop for local elected representatives has been arranged in order to establish the process to deliver this key appointment.

Furthermore, the Port is very much looking forward to continuing engagement with local stakeholders on the establishment of the community fund and the vision for Dover Western Docks Revival. A public workshop is to take place on 15th July – further details to be announced soon.

Mr Waggott added: "I sincerely hope for a swift granting of the HRO so that the momentum to transform the port and town of Dover will allow us all to experience the great future in which we all wish to share just as soon as possible. In the meantime, I encourage the people of Dover and all of our stakeholders to come to our workshop in July and help us shape the community fund together. These are exciting times for all of us in Dover!"


Tim Waggott pictured.


Thursday, 5 June 2014 - 16:17

 

Post 839

  vic matcham, Dover

You are right Paul first page I look at each morning, this looks like the only post I will end up giving out views but they will only go one way and that is up well done and keep them coming.

Thursday, 5 June 2014 - 07:50

 

Post 838

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

Six Local Men in Peak Condition to Raise Funds for Charity - Plus the Delights of Dover Seafront below...

Six men from Dover are undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge in early July to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). The men, Chris Harbidge, Michael Hillier, Mike Cocklin, Charles Sherred, Jack Stewart and John Brayne, who all work for DFDS Seaways at the Port of Dover, will attempt to ascend and descend three mountains across England, Scotland and Wales within a 24 hour period. They will leave Dover on Sunday 6th July and head to Ben Nevis in Scotland to tackle their first mountain. From there the team will leave for Scafell Pike in North England and then, last but by no means least, tackle Snowdon in Wales. The men hope to arrive back in Dover late on Monday 7th July after an extremely long trip in a minibus!

The team has taken on this challenge for two different charities, which both provide essential support to the wider community. The RNLI saves lives at sea by providing a crucial search and rescue service, as well as offering advice and support to those affected by flooding. MacMillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical and financial support to those affected by cancer. Both of the charities are close to the hearts of the members of the fundraising team, who are hoping to raise as much money as possible for each charity before, during and after the challenge.

If you would like to support these two charities, you can donate via the team’s JustGiving page, which is: www.justgiving.com/teams/DFDSDoverThreePeaks

Many thanks as ever to DFDS SEAWAYS for the info. Huge good luck to all the guys involved


* * *


DOVER SEAFRONT in FLAMING JUNE
Okay...maybe its not quite so flaming just yet. But give us some delightful sunshine like we had last weekend and we can hold our own with all the best places. The seafront here in Dover is a great place for a stroll so if you are not a regular, then get on down here...its full of nice surprises. At the moment we have wild flowers colourfully proliferating along the seafront. A purposeful collection of meadow-like flower beds designed specifically for the occasion and the occasion is now as you can see in the pictures. To add to your joyfull stroll we also have fabulously exotic cruise liners to delight the eye, and for those who are not familiar...the ferries make a super backdrop coming and going all day. Yours truly lingers regularly and is ..ahem.. often forced after much arm twisting to enjoy a glass of wine or two and heck even a light lunch!
Hythe Bay Restaurant, Dover Marina Hotel, Cullins Yard, and the Premier Inn all along the seafront are all great fun.


Pictures above taken last weekend as June busted out all over..
Nice one there below of the French sloop Ed. We are building up a good collection of warships, glad to see Vic enjoying it all too. Excellent.
Many thanks once again to DFDS SEAWAYS for the top story. Good luck to all the guys. I'm worn out just thinking of it...give something if you can. Great cause.



Thursday, 5 June 2014 - 06:48

 

Post 836

  vic matcham, Dover

Thank you for that but they are years behind our latest war ships which are the best in the world.
Even the USA have said we are 50 years behind having what the UK have .

Wednesday, 4 June 2014 - 16:34

 

Post 835

  Ed Connell, Dover

French sloop "Lieutenant de vaisseau Lavallée" stooging about in the Southwest lane earlier today.



Re Vic's comment below (775):

The USS Mount Whitney and her sister ship the USS Blue Ridge are command ships which are fairly long in the tooth but are packed with electronic equipment, quote:

"Alleged to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned, Mount Whitney incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under his or her command.

The Mount Whitney can transmit and receive large amounts of secure data to and from any point on earth through HF, UHF, VHF, and SHF (satellite communications) communications channels. This electronic technology enables the Joint Intelligence Center and Joint Operations Center to provide the most timely intelligence and operational support available in the Navy."



Wednesday, 4 June 2014 - 14:20