Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2026

36 reasons to visit Poole Harbour Rosie Macnamara, cruise manager at Poole Harbour Commissioners, shares five reasons why cruise ships should call at Poole in Dorset, England, on a British Isles itinerary Breathtaking scenic approach – arriving in Poole Harbour offers unforgettable views of cliffs, bays, and sandy beaches along the Jurassic Coast, England’s only Unesco Natural World Heritage Site. The harbour itself is internationally recognised for its rich wildlife and protected habitats. 1 Convenient berthing – the harbour has a dedicated cruise berth with direct coach access and a short walk into Poole’s historic Old Town. 2 Proven turnaround experience – Poole’s proximity to major airports makes it straightforward to travel to and from the port so guests enjoy a smooth and personalised experience. 3 Unique harbour experiences – cruise guests can view the harbour’s islands, including the iconic Brownsea Island, take birdwatching cruises, visit heritage attractions and more. Zodiacs can also be deployed from the berth with harbour master approval. 4 Ideal south coast excursions – perfectly positioned for exploration, guests can discover the harbour or travel a short distance into Dorset or Hampshire with a selection of curated tours within a 30- to 45-minute radius. 5 MARKETWATCH Photo:Russel Cotes Museum Photo: Birds of Poole Harbour Photo: Maksymilian Michalczewski Interferry demands halt on EU ETS Global ferry association Interferry has demanded a pause in the rollout of the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System (ETS) for ferries following the EU council’s decision to exempt road transport from the same system. Interferry claims the difference in regulations for shipping versus road transport is impacting the modal shift between sea and land. It says every euro increase in the freight rate risks pushing freight volumes back to the already congested European road networks. While Interferry supports decarbonisation efforts, it believes the funds collected via the ETS should be put towards “support for production of e-fuels and substantial investments in electrification of EU ports”, according to Johan Roos, director of regulatory affairs at Interferry. The EU council’s approach to implementing the ETS has placed the ferry sector at a disadvantage, said Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry (pictured below). “This action must remain in place until road transport is also an ETS and funds collected are actually ring-fenced for maritime decarbonisation.” 5

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