#SwoopSail - An impressive visitor to Dublin Port this weekend will be one of the world’s largest tall ships, the Spanish Navy’s trainee ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Before the arrival of this striking four-masted majestic steel-hulled schooner at 370ft, a small cruise had taken up Berth 18 on the North Wall Quay extension. This is located next to the Tom Clarke Toll-Bridge where last weekend at this berth was occupied Swoop-Antartica's high-end luxury cruiseship Hebridean Sky. As previously reported those on board had elevated views of the Dublin Riverfest Bank Holiday held event in which other cruiseships were also in port.

The all-suite ship of five decks was renovated in 2016 at a cost of $10 million. The upgrade work is reflected with these only outward facing cabin suites.

At around 4,200 gross tonnage, this 90m ship is certainly small given the ever increasingly giants in service or that are on order. The 1992 Italian built Hebridean Sky, however belongs to a league of small intimate vessels where guests expect high levels of luxury based on this 5-star experience cruiseship.

Spacious cabins ranging from 20 - 34 sq m (215 - 366 sq ft), including a capacious Owner's Suite, dedicated single cabins and the option of outside balconies in the higher cabin categories

Each of the ‘suite’ accommodation is at least 225 square ft. They offer a choice of either twin- or queen-sized bed, flat-screen TV, mini-bar and sitting area with a sofa-bed. Also included are independent temperature controls and a marble-appointed en-suite bathroom.

As Hebridean Sky is an adventure ship cruising Antarctica, stern step provides easy access into zodiacs as an alternative to the gangway. This cruise in northern hemisphere, saw the ship depart Dublin where the vessel made a call to Waterford yesterday before calling to Portsmouth today.

The ship under a different guise, Sea Explorer had spent a lay-over period while berthed in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. On that occasion several years ago, the vessel was alongside St. Micheals Pier, where recently the private charter motor-yacht veteran Talitha called for maintenance repairs.

#CruiseMedley – Cruiseships small and large called to the capital to add to the summertime atmosphere of Dublin Riverfest's gathering of tallships that graced the Liffey quays, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Hebridean Sky, the intimate sized ship of just 4,200 gross tonnage had berthed at the North Wall Quay Extension. The pier lies to the east of the Tom Clarke toll-bridge, where the new two-berth cruise berth is to located.

Guests of the Swoop-Antartica adventure ship could been on the uppermost deck at the stern. From this elevated view they could overlook the toll-bridge and beyond to the busy scene of tallships in the direction of the city-centre.

At the end of this ‘extension’ of the North Wall where the tallships met to welcome thousands over the three day event, was berthed in Alexandra Basin the 44,000 gross tonnage Artania. This ship had sailed from Bremerhaven, Germany. 

On the Sunday of the Dublin Riverfest, the UK ThunderCat powerboat team were based opposite of the Phoenix Reissen operated cruiseship that been the Poolbeg Yacht Boat Club & Marina. As pictured above the ThunderCats carried out a behind the scene flag-nation display practise involving race-crew members standing on the craft's twin hull. 

On the Bank Holiday Monday, Cruise & Maritime Voyages 46,000 gross tonnage Magellan, the UK operator’s current flagship called to the port for the first of five ‘home-porting’ calls. This is where Irish guests can join the 1,450 passenger ship that continued to Liverpool as part of a cruise to the Norwegian fjords.

According to CMV's Irish agent, JMG Travel, these Irish direct cruises have been sold-out. Following their success, a repeat season but with more direct cruises from Dublin is already scheduled for 2018.

The title of CMV flagship for Magellan will however be gone by next year’s season, as of this Thursday, the newly acquired successor is to be named Columbus at a ceremony in London. The 63,000 gross tonnage flagship will too be making a call to the Irish capital later this month. Albeit with a smaller capacity of just 775 passengers.

Also making a call on the Bank Holiday Monday and staying overnight was Hal America Line’s Prinsendam. As previously reported on Afloat, the smallest ship of the HAL cruise-fleet at 37,000 gross tonnage made an appearance for RTE TV's 'The Local Eye' series when calling to Killybegs.

The cruiseship with tiered stern decks remains in port until departing tonight. Likewise of Magellan this cruiseship is also bound for Merseyside.

Finally, the capital port's latest caller, Crystal Symphony docked today in Alexandra Basin. The 51,000 tonnes ship will too overnight and is operated by Crystal Cruises.