Maritime enthusiasts were in for a treat as two grand cruise ships arrived in Dorset.

The Regal Princess and Norwegian Getaway cruise ships arrived at Portland Port yesterday, bringing a total of 9,000 passengers to the county.

Dorset Echo: Taken by Zoe AytonTaken by Zoe Ayton (Image: Zoe Ayton)

The first to arrive at around 7am was the Regal Princess, carrying 4,272 passengers.

It is on a 25-day, one-way trip from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale.

Dorset Echo: Taken by Ken DeadmanTaken by Ken Deadman (Image: Ken Deadman)

The ship was built in 2014 and has 18 decks and was christened by the original cast of 'The Love Boat'.

Earlier this year, the vessel took centre stage in Channel 5's show, The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea. The 20-episode series followed groups of holidaymakers as they sailed through the Mediterranean aboard the luxurious Regal Princess.

Next to arrive was the striking Norwegian Getaway - identifiable by its eye-catching flame-haired mermaid livery - will be arriving at Portland Port. It is carrying 4,819 passengers.

It is on a 16-day, round-trip of northern Europe including France, England, Ireland and Germany.

Dorset Echo: Taken by James PerkinsTaken by James Perkins (Image: James Perkins)

With a length of over 1,000ft, the vessel was the ninth-largest cruise ship at the time it was christened in 2014. Since then the boat has undergone a complete refurb with 20 dining options spread across 18 decks.

The ship boasts five water slides on the top deck with a swimming pool, sports centre and Broadway musical productions staged for passengers.

The Regal Princess departed at 7pm. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Getaway departed at 8pm.