Cruise Ship Van Gogh at Larne 18th July 2005

Cruise ship Van Gogh opened Larne's cruise ship season by making the first arrival of the year on the 18/7/05. The vessel arrived from Greenock to pick up passengers for a short cruise to the Western Mediterranean Sea and in the process made her second ever visit to Larne, the first visit being last autumn on the 21/11/04.

Arriving off the port around 1730 the ship held position to the north of number one buoy awaiting her intended berth on Curran Quay to become available. Local tug Sarah McLoughlin provided transport for the pilot, who boarded the cruise ship at 1830.


Sarah McLoughlin returns to Larne after boarding the pilot.	With the Larne pilot on board Van Gogh waits for the departure of European Mariner before entering port

European Mariner already on Curran Quay and loading for her 1900 sailing to Troon finished cargo loading operations slightly early and sailed at 1840 allowing Van Gogh around a 45 minute window where the harbour would be clear of traffic, the next movement being the 1930 departure of European Highlander to Cairnryan.


Three views of Van Gogh passing in the channel. On her way into Larne harbour she passed Stena Seafarer on Continental Quay and European Highlander on MacKean Quay. Photos: Larne Ferry Web (click to enlarge)
	Postcard shot of Van Gogh passing Chaine Memorial Tower on her way into Larne. Photo: Larne Ferry Web (click to enlarge)

Van Gogh passed into the channel at 1850 and made her run up to the turning circle off Ballylumford Power Station. She was then assisted in her swing to starboard by Sarah McLoughlin which pushed under the port side bridge wing.


Sarah McLoughlin assisting Van Gogh to swing at the south end of Larne Harbour. Photos: Larne Ferry Web (click to enlarge)

Van Gogh makes her approach to Curran Quay. Photos: Larne Ferry Web (click to enlarge)

The approach to the berth at Curran Quay was seemingly going smoothly with the first head rope being secured ashore but the stern of the ship failed to come round on cue, despite the best efforts of Sarah McLoughlin pushing on the starboard quarter. The stern began to drift across the harbour in the off-shore breeze and further tugs were called to help the cruise ship alongside. Donna McLoughlin and David F were quickly on the scene to assist fleet companion Sarah McLoughlin. All three tugs together pushing against the starboard quarter managed to get the stern moving toward the quay and Van Gogh was finally all fast on Curran Quay at 2015.

111 passengers joined the ship at Larne with all passengers and luggage being processed in under 1 hour 30 minutes allowing the ship to get away at 2150, 10 minutes ahead of schedule despite the earlier berthing delays. The Van Gogh's next port of call after Larne was due to be Lisbon after which she would sample the delights of the Western Mediterranean region including calls at Gibraltar and Tangier. At the conclusion of her cruise, Van Gogh is due to return to Dublin with the passengers who joined at Larne being transferred from Dublin by bus.

Van Gogh is scheduled to make 2 further calls at Larne Harbour in 2005 on winter cruises in November and December.

Van Gogh departing Curran Quay for her cruise to the Mediterranean.
Photo: Larne Ferry Web (click to enlarge)