ABOUT THE BOAT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBuilder: The “Spirit of the Docklands” was built in Sweden by Westers Mekaniska, a reputable boat manufacturer. Arrival in Dublin: It came to Dublin in June 2005, specifically commissioned for these Liffey tours. Design: It features a low-profile design with a glass roof that maximises panoramic views for passengers. Capacity: The boat can carry 50 passengers comfortably. Accessibility: It’s designed to be wheelchair-accessible. Semi-Submersible?: Initially , I couldn’t find any information to confirm that the “Spirit of the Docklands” has semi-submersible capabilities. That feature is more common in dedicated underwater touring boats. After further research I obtained the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how those features enhance the cruise experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Variable Ballast Tanks: By adjusting the water in its ballast tanks, the boat can control its buoyancy. This means:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLow Tide Accommodation: The boat can “float high” in shallow waters during low tide, ensuring the tour doesn’t get disrupted by the changing water level. Passing Under Bridges: At high tide, it can lower its profile significantly, allowing it to navigate under the Liffey’s historic bridges, some of which have a low clearance. Exceptionally Low Air Draught: This term refers to the vertical space the boat occupies above the waterline. The “Spirit of Docklands” is designed to be as low as possible. This, combined with the ballast tanks, maximises its ability to pass under even the lowest bridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar Boats:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile the “Spirit of the Docklands” is tailored to Dublin’s Liffey, similar sightseeing boats can be found in other cities with rivers or canals. Here are some types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass-Roofed Boats: Many cities offer river tours on vessels with large windows or glass roofs to provide unobstructed views. Hop-On, Hop-Off Boats: Some cities operate water-based sightseeing systems where the boats stop at various points along the river, similar to bus tours. Historic Vessels: Occasionally, refurbished historic boats offer a unique sightseeing experience combined with a connection to the city’s past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Makes “Spirit of the Docklands” Special:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEven without the semi-submersible feature, it’s special because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Docklands Focus: The route highlights Dublin’s Docklands transformation, an area not always covered by other river tours. Tailored Design: The boat’s design is well-suited to navigating the Liffey, including its lower bridges. Historical Commentary: The guided commentary adds a layer of depth and historical context to the visual exp<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The bright red “Spirit of the Docklands” is a familiar sight gliding along Dublin’s historic River Liffey. Here’s a look at this popular river tour:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","wds_primary_category":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118,794,795,1,791,792,793],"tags":[93,91,789,781,14,12,92,787,782,786,785,790,788,713,783,784,778,779,780,13],"yoast_head":"\n
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