Iona, Disney Magic, Golden Horizon, Anthem of the Seas, Regal Princess (II), MSC Virtuosa & Marella Explorer
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, all cruise lines suspended operations from various dates in March 2020.  Five ships on the 7th August 2021, which was just like old times!  Plus there were a couple of bonuses as we headed in.  As well as Anthem ahead and Virtuosa behind, Disney Magic had left at 1.30am on its second Seacation so passed us as we approached Nab Tower for the pilot.  Meanwhile the sailing ship, Golden Horizon was at Alpha Anchorage for the Fastnet race.  The 8770grt vessel was originally ordered by Star Clippers to be Flying Clipper but due to a dispute, was instead charted to Tradewind Voyages.  She entered service in 2021 doing UK Seacations after the British government gave the green light to domestic cruises.  On the 15th July, the ship was arrested at Dover due to a dispute between Star Clippers and DIV Group, parent company of Brodosplit shipyard.  Star Clippers were willing to take the vessel, despite being two years late but money and debts became an issue, so the yard announced in June 2020 that Tradewind Voyages would operate it.  Matters were settled and she was allowed to resume sailing.  In Southampton, Iona was waiting.  The weather was awful so I didn't bother waiting for the MSC to dock or Marella Explorer to arrive.
Due to weather and Iona's 9pm departure time, I didn't bother going for the sailings so got them from the window.  I'd forgotten I'd locked the windows, so the first of Regal is a bit crap.  By the time Iona sailed, she had a light show on her aft.
The review of my Regal Princess cruise is here.  For photos of the rest of the Coronavirus Southampton lay-up ships, go to 2020 and 2021 in the Southampton Stalking Index.

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© Patricia Dempsey 7th August 2021
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