Cruise ship coming to Gran Tarajal - Sunday

[Archer]

Gran Tarajal are hosting another cruise ship. The first of a new programme of arrivals, and the first since the harbour was wrecked by all the Korean ships sunk in the storm Emma at the start of this year.

The Balmoral, Fred Olsen lines ship from Southampton is scheduled for Sunday 02 Dec, and again at the end of the year (28th).

Although this is scheduled as the 'first', they did try it before but the facilites weren't prepared fully. Now they have done some reworks, as well as removing all the 8 sunken ships ( the last leaving just last week on a barge bound for a Gran Canaria scrap yard).

Tuineje Ayuntamiento have planned a programme for the cruceros, including some folk dancing, markets etc.

Good luck.

[Captain Sensible]

The programme of Events for the cruise ship and locals this Sunday:

[windermeregolfer]

The programme of events for the cruise ship and locals this Sunday:

From that programme it looks like the cruise ship will be leaving 2 / 3pm?

[Archer]

Balmoral has arrived! Not sure what time it will leave. Maybe they want to make the most of the daylight to show the passengers the island view as they leave.

[Captain Sensible]

A photo taken today and on the Ayuntamiento de Tuineje's Facebook page:

[Archer]

   

[Johnrgby]

She is just short of 218 Mtrs, slightly longer than The Aidacara currently berthed in  Puerto Rosario.

[Archer]

This ship arrival, today, is a big deal for GT. If the passengers don't whinge like when they had a trial cruise dock there a few years back (TUI) then others may follow.
Gran Tarajal wants more visitors to appreciate what is on offer - different from the other 'commercial' resorts. Arena Negra helped. And has now put them on the map as the premier music event on the island. Bigger, better acts promised next year.
By the way, the ship hasn't left yet. Let's hope they enjoyed their visit.

[windermeregolfer]

Four of us went down from Caleta to see the ship and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the family day that had been put on to mark the occasion of the Balmoral's berthing in Gran Tarajal. It wasn't just the ships passengers that were enjoying the day the town was packed with locals as well.

Surprised it was still there at gone 6pm as the coaches were returning passengers at 1.30pm as we left.

I was amused at the what was a civic reception being given on the dock side for a party of what appeared free loaders in their smart cloths   

My photos of the day - 

                           

                     

[windermeregolfer]

There is an interesting news item in The News From The Canary Islands this week, I thought The Balmoral left 3 or 4 hours later than planned not 22, see attached link -

Canary News