Category Archives: Cruises

Voyage reports

The Ross and the Woltemade

Posted on 30/09/2016 by JA

When it comes to talking about salvage tugs two names really stand out: the John Ross and the Wolraad Woltemade.  The John Ross was built in Durban in at the James Brown & Hamer yard in 1976 and was named … Continue reading →

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Royal Star. A personal glimpse

Posted on 13/03/2016 by JA

One of those odd bits of luck that struck me during a visit to Durban, was spotting the Royal Star up at the ship repair area of the harbour. The date I do not recall, but it did lead to … Continue reading →

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QE2. A personal glimpse

Posted on 13/03/2016 by JA

One of the many ships that interested me is the QE2, I was in primary school when she entered service and literally grew up and saw her as she matured into the legend she is now. My first physical encounter with her … Continue reading →

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Marco Polo. A personal glimpse

Posted on 13/03/2016 by JA

One of the many ships I was fortunate enough to visit was MV Marco Polo. when she called at Durban. She was originally one of five identical sisters of the Ivan Franko class and built by VEB Mathias-Thesen Werft, East … Continue reading →

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Island Princess. A personal glimpse

Posted on 13/03/2016 by JA

Another ship that I was fortunate enough to visit was Island Princess. She called in Durban on 25 March 1996, and was the first of 3 ships that we visited in a week. I had always taken a fancy to … Continue reading →

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Royal Viking Sun. A personal glimpse

Posted on 12/03/2016 by JA

Royal Viking Sun was scheduled to call on 22 November 1996, and we headed down to Durban to see her.  Originally built in 1988 for Royal Viking Line, she was currently carrying the same name, but with Cunard branding. It … Continue reading →

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Sagafjord, a personal glimpse

Posted on 11/03/2016 by JA

Having seen Vistafjord before, I was not all that keen to see Sagafjord,  I found Vistafjord very disappointing, and didn’t really expect too much from Sagafjord,  Her arrival in Durban was slated for 14 February 1994 and a ship visit … Continue reading →

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Rotterdam, a personal glimpse

Posted on 11/03/2016 by JA

The week of 26-29 March 1996 was a busy one for our group of ship watchers. We had three ships lined up for that week, starting with Island Princess and ending with Holland America’s Rotterdam. In between these 2 visit … Continue reading →

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Royal Viking Queen. A personal view

Posted on 11/03/2016 by JA

The Royal Viking Line is no more, but the legacy of their ships does live on. They were an upmarket cruise line and had very modern and pricey vessels. They also called in South Africa, usually on round Africa voyages. … Continue reading →

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Durban Shipwatch: Avalon

Posted on 05/02/2015 by JA

When we arrived in Durban in March 1992, I was very happy to see the Avalon alongside. Recently retired from her St Helena role, she was in Durban under the name Avalon, and theoretically starting a series of voyages carrying … Continue reading →

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