One of the world’s largest luxury sailing ships has been forced to delay a ‘dress rehearsal’ voyage around the south coast of England following Boris Johnson’s decision to delay Freedom Day.
Golden Horizon, a steel-hulled, five-mast cruise ship, was due to arrive in Portsmouth on Monday but the trip has now been cancelled over Covid fears.
The 525ft vessel, a near-replica of the 1913 ocean ship France II, was expected to arrive on England’s south coast ahead of a six-day ‘dress rehearsal’ cruise before it set sail for Scotland from Harwich, Essex, on July 1.
However, a spokeswoman for Tradewind Voyages said it has taken the decision ‘not to operate the dress rehearsal’ which was set to take place from yesterday, adding it was now working hard to ‘redesign our UK season.’
Instead, the Golden Horizon will embark on two ‘dress rehearsal’ voyages in line with current Covid restrictions, which will depart from Portland on July 1 and 7.
Golden Horizon (above), a steel-hulled, five-mast cruise ship, was due to arrive in Portsmouth on Monday but the trip has now been cancelled over Covid fears
The 525ft vessel, a near-replica of the 1913 ocean ship France II, was expected to arrive on England’s south coast ahead of a six-day ‘dress rehearsal’ cruise before it set sail for Scotland from Harwich, Essex, on July 1. Pictured: The dining room
However, a spokeswoman for Tradewind Voyages said it has taken the decision ‘not to operate the dress rehearsal’ which was set to take place from yesterday, adding it was now working hard to ‘redesign our UK season’
The ship, which arrived in Weymouth Bay today and will move to Portland at 7am tomorrow, will then depart on its inaugural cruise to Plymouth on July 19 – earmarked as the delayed Freedom Day.
It will then continue on its UK season based from Dover, with the Golden Horizon’s final UK voyage now being from Harwich, taking in the Cowes Week Regatta on August 4.
A statement said: ‘The Dress Rehearsal Voyage due to depart on June 22 was at full capacity which did not meet the Government’s latest rules.
‘Tradewind Voyages have been overwhelmed by the support from the Dress Rehearsal guests, it would have been unfair to reduce numbers to remain on the single voyage.
Instead, the Golden Horizon will embark on two ‘dress rehearsal’ voyages in line with current Covid restrictions, which will depart from Portland on July 1 and 7
The ship, which arrived in Weymouth Bay today and will move to Portland at 7am tomorrow, will then depart on its inaugural cruise to Plymouth on July 19 – earmarked as the delayed Freedom Day
It will then continue on its UK season based from Dover, with the Golden Horizon’s final UK voyage now being from Harwich, taking in the Cowes Week Regatta on August 4
Golden Horizon has two outside bars and a piano bar, alongside an on-board spa, gym and even a library
‘The decision has been made to offer two Dress Rehearsal voyages to comply with restrictions these will depart Portland on the 1st and 7th of July respectively.’
The ship, which previously had its inaugural voyage delayed from May due to the pandemic, has 140 outside-facing cabins with ‘traditional features and furnishings’ and is capable of carrying some 300 guests.
Guests in the high-end cabins – or Owner’s Suites – have access to a private living room, dining area, walk-in wardrobe and are able to order 24-hour complimentary room service.
The ship, which previously had its inaugural voyage delayed from May due to the pandemic, has 140 outside-facing cabins with ‘traditional features and furnishings’ and is capable of carrying some 300 guests
Guests in the high-end cabins – or Owner’s Suites – have access to a private living room, dining area, walk-in wardrobe and are able to order 24-hour complimentary room service
Golden Horizon arrives in Weymouth today ahead of moving onto Portland tomorrow to prepare for its ‘dress rehearsal’
Golden Horizon, the world’s largest tall ship which is used as a cruise ship, has had her inaugural voyage from Portsmouth delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions
Tradewind says: ‘All 140 cabins are outside facing, so guests can enjoy the breath-taking views. Cabins evoke the luxury and facilities expected of a boutique cruise ship, whilst retaining charm, adventure and romance of a truly historic sailing vessel.
‘Our ship uses the wind and currents and follows the sun to allow adventure seekers to travel the world in a unique way.
‘Our philosophy is to be powered by nature whenever possible and we intend to sail, without using propulsion, for around 70 per cent of each season.’
Golden Horizon has two outside bars and a piano bar, alongside an on-board spa, gym and even a library.
Cruise operator Tradewind Voyages describes the ship as ‘relaxed, casual, elegant and without unnecessary formality,’ adding: ‘We have created an environment which will encourage our guests to return to time and time again, and to share their stories and experiences.’
Tradewind Voyages Head of Sales Mark Schmitt said: ‘It is of course upsetting to have to change our itineraries again due to the restrictions imposed to combat the global pandemic, I am hopeful that the new voyages sailing along our beautiful English South Coast will be of interest to our guests and travel agent partners.
‘All the team at Tradewind Voyages are very excited to be taking delivery of the Golden Horizon in Portland before she starts her global journey.’