Ocean Albatros, a Danish ship specialising in Arctic, Antarctic and Southern Ocean expedition cruises, brought a group of 127 travel media and agents to Alderney on Saturday 27th April 2024.
Greeted by Visit Alderney, States representatives and the Alderney Wildlife Trust, the visitors were treated to train rides on the Channel Islands’ only working railway and walking and wildlife tours before returning to the ship for an afternoon exploring the Swinge and Les Etacs, home to a majestic Gannet colony.
The visit by UK, European and international journalists and travel agents was made possible following the involvement of Bruno Kay-Mouat of Alderney Shipping and Channel Seaways.
The 104m (341ft) luxury Ocean Albatros is 50% more environmentally friendly than traditional expedition vessels and offers 95 comfortable staterooms and suites with unobstructed sea views.
She sailed from Portsmouth overnight to be greeted by Caroline Gauvain of Visit Alderney and Boyd Kelly, States Member responsible for tourism.
Mr Kelly said: “Although the primary purpose of the owners was to demonstrate the vessel’s impressive features, their decision to include a visit to Alderney was a marvellous opportunity to showcase part of the island to the travel industry.
“I am grateful to Bruno Kay-Mouat for proposing this visit and to the staff and volunteers of the Alderney Wildlife Trust, the volunteers of the Alderney Railway for facilitating the train journeys, as well as the Harbour staff and the Tourism Officer for their support.”
