It seems that Holland America’s cruise ship Prinsendam has made herself very popular in the round-Britain cruise holiday market. She received a hearty welcome at Ilfracombe in North Devon on Friday. The townsfolk were apparently very disappointed when sister ship Rotterdam’s visit, which was scheduled for May, had to be cancelled because of inclement weather.

Although Friday was by no means a beautiful, sunny day, that did not prevent the town crier and a number of local dignitaries warmly welcoming the 700 passengers, mostly from New Zealand, Canada and America.

Vera Root from New York said “Ilfracombe is very charming because everything is how it's always been and the people have been very friendly.”

Maureen Brixius from Florida went on a day trip to Exmoor. She had the following comment: “We loved it; what's not to like? Even with the rain it was perfect.”

Captain Tim Roberts welcomed the Mayor of Ilfracombe, Rod Donovan, and his wife Councillor Janice Donovan on board the ship. There then followed a very traditional plaque exchange ceremony. Nearby RAF Chivenor also joined in the fun with a helicopter crew carrying out a fire-fighting exercise.

On Thursday Prinsendam made a call to nearby Bristol. Believe it or not, this was the first ship to call here for more than ten years.

The captain and a number of his senior officers made use of the opportunity to inspect Brunel’s SS Great Britain. For those who do not know their maritime history: this was the first steam powered screw propeller ship to make a transatlantic crossing way back in 1845.