Hi, I know some folks going on the P&O Arvia from Southampton on Sunday 21st. I have seen some drone footage of various cruise ships in the area, and it would be great to see a ship that someone I know is on.
Thanks,
Richard
Might be worth tagging @group-southeast 
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I’m down by Calshot on Sunday all going well if it helps?
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Which of the P&O ferries is it, do you know? My brother works with them so can find out if you’re not sure, but (I see it now, Arvia) was thinking that knowing where it docks exactly and the typical port manoeuvres of the ferry in question might help to determine best TOAL / place to setup for a flight.
I haven’t checked, but given customs/security and such, I’d not be surprised to find swathes of the port area to be flight restricted.
Trying to decide whether I’m brave enough to fly that far over the water… 
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There are none but ABP would like you think there are! 
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Looks like both the Aurora and Queen Mary 2 will be in port that day. If you want to film your friends waving from the deck or something, make sure you can tell which of the 3 boats is which! 
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I carry out all my cruise ship fly overs at Calshot. It’s well away from the docks and the perfect location to capture the vessels from many angles.
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Thanks folks. I’m not too familiar with the area myself. As I’m in South Wales it’s too far for me to go to try and get some footage myself, but if anyone does fly around the ships anyway, it would be great to see theirs. Arvia is a big ship (it’s the one on the current P&O TV advert).
I’ve seen some cracking drone footage on YouTube of some of the big cruise ships on their way out of Southampton. Whoever does those is far more brave than I am! Far too much water involved.
Don’t be scared about flying over water.
The worse thing that could happen is that you never see your drone again.
Losing that stunning video would be tragic.
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@rthorne Richard - I am planning to fly on Saturday and Sunday in Southampton.
Although may not be around for when they start to leave at 4pm or so on the Sunday. Just note that the departure times can slip.
Not sure which ship your friends are on.
I usually fly from Mayflower Park. Plenty of parking and easy to fly from.
You will be over water all the time. But don’t be concerned. Do you worry about hitting the grass?
The ships dock in various places. You will be very close to docks 102 - 106 to the west. These will be visible from the park. Other ships are to the east.
Note also other traffic such as ferries.
This page - Planned Movements - Southampton VTS - ABP Southampton - will tell you which ships are leaving and arriving with approximate times.
Note their destination dock numbers.
I have uploaded a port map as well to help.
southampton-port-plan-2022.pdf (491.2 KB)
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Be careful in there at present… The temporary pontoons have been left in place by the park and it’s a huge hive of activity for seagulls. I saw somebody nearly have their drone taken out there last week. That’s why I use the old city wall as a TOAL.
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Annoying!
Thanks for the heads up.
As with any location, things can change.
Watching the cricket from my balcony at Hampshire and staying for a couple of nights
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It’s not uncommon for some of those times to slip by up to 2 hours! I keep an eye on Marine Traffic website and pop down to the Solent just after departure as I’m only 10 mins away.
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That’s really helpful and informative, thank you.
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I will pop over for a cuppa this weekend 
Rain might stop play this afternoon.
I had a great flight over at Cowes yesterday so might knock it on the head until next week.
I’m told that a drone was spotted around the Arvia a few mins ago. Also that it’s a beautiful day there now.
Thanks
It wasn’t me 
I was down at Calshot this morning capturing an RFA vessel.