Giant cruise ship arrives in Cornwall – and immediately leaves

It was due to be the largest cruise ship to visit Cornwall this year, but after arriving at dawn, it immediately turned and left. Wondering if it was something they said, people in Falmouth watched as the mammoth 181,541-tonne MSC Virtuosa slipped into the bay just after 6am today (Friday, May 31), before quickly turning around and headed back out to sea.

In what will be a blow to many local businesses relying on increased trade from the visit, the 331m cruise ship is now heading to Southampton after canceling her day in Cornwall at the last minute. It is understood that after bringing the luxury liner to anchor off Pendennis Point, it was decided that the north-westerly wind was too strong to carry her approximately 5,000 passengers into Falmouth Harbour.

Two weeks ago there was a dramatic sight when the 952m Caribbean Princess dropped anchor in a small bay on the Roseland peninsula, using St Anthony Head to shelter from strong south-easterly winds as which carried its passengers to Falmouth. However, stretching over 100 meters longer, the much larger MSC Virtuosa did not have that option this morning and was faced with the tough decision to abort the visit.

Read more: Dramatic footage as large cruise ship docks at tiny beach

With a maximum passenger capacity of 6,334 guests, some of those on board the huge ship could be seen on their balconies catching a glimpse of Falmouth at sunrise this morning before heading back for another day at sea. Falmouth will have another chance to welcome MSC Virtuosa later this year when the cruise ship returns in October, hopefully in better winds.

There are 11 images in this photo story – click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to see them all.