<strong>Cruise ship tours:</strong> Most major cruise ships around the world are largely out of action in the wake of the coronavirus, with some moored off the coast of southwest England. Local resident Paul Derham has started offering boat tours to go check them out.
Cruise ship tours: Most major cruise ships around the world are largely out of action in the wake of the coronavirus, with some moored off the coast of southwest England. Local resident Paul Derham has started offering boat tours to go check them out.
Courtesy Dr. Kate Dingley
<strong>Amazing view:</strong> Derham operates the local Mudeford Ferry. Last month, while transporting passengers on the seven minute journey from Mudeford Quay to the beach, Derham noticed the boat got a pretty great view of cruise ships berthed nearby.
Amazing view: Derham operates the local Mudeford Ferry. Last month, while transporting passengers on the seven minute journey from Mudeford Quay to the beach, Derham noticed the boat got a pretty great view of cruise ships berthed nearby.
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<strong>Experienced cruiser: </strong>Derham spent 27 years working at on cruise ships, starting as a cadet and later becoming a deputy captain for P&O. His insider knowledge of the industry meant he was well positioned to give innovative and fun tours.
Experienced cruiser: Derham spent 27 years working at on cruise ships, starting as a cadet and later becoming a deputy captain for P&O. His insider knowledge of the industry meant he was well positioned to give innovative and fun tours.
Courtesy Dr. Kate Dingley
<strong>In-demand activity</strong>: What started as a post on Facebook has grown into a popular tour, garnering interest across the world. "I am completely overwhelmed with the attention," Derham tells CNN. "And a little bit proud, without being big-headed, that we managed to pull if off."
In-demand activity: What started as a post on Facebook has grown into a popular tour, garnering interest across the world. "I am completely overwhelmed with the attention," Derham tells CNN. "And a little bit proud, without being big-headed, that we managed to pull if off."
Courtesy Dr. Kate Dingley
<strong>Huge scale:</strong> From Derham's boat, it's possible to get a sense of the scale of these vast ships from a unique vantage point. "Seeing them out at seat gives you the context," says one passenger, Kate Bingley.
Huge scale: From Derham's boat, it's possible to get a sense of the scale of these vast ships from a unique vantage point. "Seeing them out at seat gives you the context," says one passenger, Kate Bingley.
Courtesy Dr. Kate Dingley
<strong>Controlled situation: </strong>Derham's tours are weather dependent. Although his boat can carry more people, he only takes 30 passengers out at a time, to allow for social distancing.
Controlled situation: Derham's tours are weather dependent. Although his boat can carry more people, he only takes 30 passengers out at a time, to allow for social distancing.
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<strong>Friendly welcome</strong>: Derham and his passengers are allowed to get 50 meters from the vessels -- close enough to wave to the crew on board. Derham knows the captain of the P&O cruise ships Aurora and Arcadia of the Seas, which have both been seen in these waters.
Friendly welcome: Derham and his passengers are allowed to get 50 meters from the vessels -- close enough to wave to the crew on board. Derham knows the captain of the P&O cruise ships Aurora and Arcadia of the Seas, which have both been seen in these waters.
Courtesy Dr. Kate Dingley
<strong>Continuing attraction: </strong>Derham plans to continue his Ghost Cruise Tours throughout September and October -- as long as the UK weather holds out and the ships remain moored nearby.
Continuing attraction: Derham plans to continue his Ghost Cruise Tours throughout September and October -- as long as the UK weather holds out and the ships remain moored nearby.
Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images