en.Wedoany.com Reported - Portland Port in Dorset, UK, has for the first time welcomed two AIDA cruise ships on the same day, with sister ships AIDAsol and AIDAluna berthing simultaneously, marking a historic moment for the port.

This milestone event coincides with the 30th anniversary of Portland Port's operations, and coincidentally, also the 30th anniversary of AIDA Cruises. Key figures from Portland Port and AIDA exchanged commemorative plaques. The two cruise ships carried a total of 4,388 passengers, many of whom disembarked to join shore excursions or use the complimentary shuttle bus service.

Ian McQuade, Commercial Director of Portland Port and Chairman of the UK Cruise Association, stated that this is another memorable milestone for the port. Although the port regularly receives AIDA ships and passengers, this is the first time two vessels have berthed simultaneously. McQuade noted that AIDA has provided strong support in the development of the port's cruise business. This year, the port will welcome 52 cruise ship calls, hosting over 100,000 passengers, and is expected to inject approximately £13.5 million into the local economy.

AIDAsol arrived in Portland from Fishguard, Wales, as the penultimate stop on its 9-day round trip. AIDAluna made a call during its 14-day round trip from Hamburg. Volunteer ambassadors from Dorset welcomed passengers at the port, the Weymouth Ukulele Band performed for returning passengers, and volunteers from the Nothe Fort artillery unit fired a three-gun salute.

Typically, around 45% of cruise passengers join organized excursions to various attractions in Dorset and beyond, including Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Bath. Most of the remaining passengers choose to use the port's complimentary shuttle bus service, staying in Portland or heading to Weymouth.

McQuade added that cruise tourism is increasingly popular, and significant behind-the-scenes work is done to attract and accommodate cruise ships, providing an important economic boost for local businesses regardless of the season. Since the commissioning of its $35 million deep-water terminal in 2023, Portland Port has been able to accommodate larger vessels, including those up to 350 meters in length, at two opposite berths on the same day.

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