Welcome to ~SHIPS~DORSET~ where those interested in ships, shipping, and wider maritime matters from Dorset and the surrounding region meet to share, learn & enjoy.
Join our ~Ships~Dorset~ group on FaceBook ... ... see what's "going on" around our shores ...
Our events can be enjoyed via Zoom & at our Dorset venue ~~ do join us.
Our events are "hybrid" ~ enjoy online or at our Dorset venue ~ see & hear about Good Hope Castle, Mauretania, World Swan II and many more ships - brought to you by our enthusiastic speakers.
Talks & Meetings on Ocean Liners, Cargo Ships, Ferries, Mariner's Memoirs, Paddle Steamers, Cruise Ships, Naval History, Ship Design, Maritime Memories and much more ~ enjoyed by ships & shipping enthusiasts ~ a community with common interests
JOIN US ... Ask for a guest invitation to join your first event ... info@shipsdorset.org
~SHIPS~DORSET~ Images of the Month - June 2026 ~ 1of2 ~ AIDAluna & AIDAsol ~ at Portland - May 2026
~Ships~Dorset~ contributor Paul Dallaway was on hand to photograph this rare event at Portland Port UK when two of AIDA Cruises’ Sphinx Class ships were berthed alongside one another on 22nd May 2026. AIDAluna was third of the class and the final Sphinx “original”. Her four further fleet-mates in AIDA’s seven ship series, including AIDAsol, were labelled the “Icarus” variant. AIDAluna used the Deep Water Berth (top), whilst AIDAsol took the OCP Berth (nearest the camera) … you may be able to spot a few minor changes in appearance. Paul was also on hand when AIDAsol called on 5th May during a short cruise from Hamburg to the Channel Islands, Cherbourg and Portland.
~SHIPS~DORSET~ Images of the Month - June 2026 ~ 2of2 ~ AIDAsol ~ at Portland - May 2026
The series were built by Meyer Werft at Papenburg in Germany at an estimated cost of €315 million to €360 million per cruise ship. Propulsion via two propellers is powered by 4 Caterpillar MaK 9M43C engines with manoeuvrability support from 2 bow-thrusters and 2 stern-thrusters.
Key Dimensions [AidaLuna / AidaSol] … Gross Tonnage = 69,200 / 71,300 … Length = 252m … Beam = 32m (at waterline, 38m max) … Passengers = 2,050 / 2,190 … Crew 610 to 680 … Speed = 19.5 knots (service) / 21.5 knots (max) … in service since 2009 / 2011.
To view previous "Images of the Month" click our Image Archive link ...
