TWO grand ladies of the sea are expected in Dartmouth this month.

The National Geograp­hic Orion is expected next Wednesday.

Dart cruise adviser Tricia Daniels said: ‘This small explorer class ship is sister to NG Explorer that has visited Dartmouth many times in the past.

‘She holds 102 guests and will therefore be able to moor mid-river during her port call.

‘The vessel will be part way through a London to Dublin cruise and will arrive from Sark around 8am. NG Orion appeals to energetic, multi-national guests and carries its own kayaks, snorkelling and diving gear.

‘On this occasion, guests will be heading out on guided town walks to the Britannia Royal Naval College and Greenway, with some free time in Dartmouth factored in. It will depart for the Isles of Scilly at around 4pm.

Aegean Odyssey is the largest cruise ship arriving this season, with up to 340 passengers, on Thursday, June 23.

A mayoral party will be visiting the vessel, the only ship belonging to Voyages to Antiquity, said to appeal to ‘mature, intellectual British guests’.

Tricia said: ‘As the name suggests, the company specialises in visits to the classical areas of the Mediterranean, so it is unusual to see her in UK waters.

‘The cruise from Seville to Dover is highlighting Christ­ianity in the history of Europe and passengers will be visiting Buckfast Abbey and Slapton Sands before departing for Honfleur at 6pm.