A MAGICAL ship sailed into to Portland Harbour yesterday for a fun-fuelled inaugural visit.

The Disney Magic arrived at Portland yesterday morning as part of a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Florida to Copenhagen.

At more than 300m long, and with 2,909 passengers aboard, the Disney Magic is the biggest ship ever to dock at Portland Port, made possible by the newly completed birth extension.

Launched in 1998, the vessel is the first of what has expanded to become a four ship fleet including the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

In honour of the maiden call, the ship’s Captain, Marco Nogara, and shipboard officials welcomed the Portland Port team aboard for a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony.

Addressing the crew, chairman of Portland Port Christopher Langham said: "This is many first; it is the first time we have had the Disney Magic, and the first among the Disney liners to visit and it is also the largest ship to date.

"We are a relatively new cruise ship port and we have been trying to attract people to Dorset which I think has a lot to offer. We are a gateway to places like Stonehenge but Dorset is also a world heritage site with a wonderful coastline."

The award-winning cruise liner promises guest an immersive Disney experience including world premier movies, Broadway-style shows in the 1000-seat Walt Disney Theatre and an after hours grown-up’s deck.

Among the elaborate dining experiencing is the Animators Palate restaurant in which diners can experience the restaurant, and its waiters, transform from black and white to colour throughout courses.

On board, children can pursue their favourite interests, be it science or art, transform into a pirate or princess in the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and meet their favourite characters from Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow.

Ian McQuade, general manager of Portland Port, said: "There are thousands or ports around the world and it is a highly competitive business. Every port wants a big ship to dock there so we have to draw them in with what we have to offer."

The vessel was the first to make use of the ports 340m birth extension which was unveiled last month.

The extension has established Portland as one of only a few English Channel ports that can take ships of such size.

Mr McQuade said: "Since we have started having the bigger ships it has really raised our profile; it has suddenly changed the way we are viewed in the industry. People are coming here to see Dorset. They was to visit the local castles and stately homes- explore quintessential England if you like.”

"Unfortunately I cannot control the weather in Stonehenge or the traffic around Corfe Castle so we do what we can to make sure the experience visitors get ashore is a positive one."