Azura, Britannia (II), Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2, Marella Explorer UK Debut, Ventura & Marella Discovery 2 UK Debut
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, all cruise lines suspended operations from various dates in March 2020.  Marella Explorer was returning to Nab anchorage on the 18th April, to be replaced by Marella Discovery 2.  Discovery had been a once familiar face back in 2005 and 2006 as Legend of the Seas, which began Royal Caribbean's cruising from Southampton.  She had left Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on the 4th.  Originally heading for Lisbon, she was refused entry due to Coronavirus cases onboard.  I decided to try Hythe pier again.  It was the final day before suspending operations and not one person got on or off the ferry during that time.  It was incredibly sad as Saturday's are usually bustling.  Explorer cast off just before 10am and had to turn around before meeting her fleet mate at Fawley.  Visibility became poor but I don't believe in photoshop so these are exactly how it was.  I had to catch the bus (which were down to one per hour) so couldn't stay for Discovery docking.
For photos of the rest of the Coronavirus Southampton lay-up ships, go to 2020 in the Southampton Stalking Index.

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© Patricia Dempsey 18th April 2020
Not to be reproduced without permission