Marine / Record cruise traffic expected this year
A MIXTURE of repeat visits and maiden calls at Lerwick Harbour will contribute to what is expected to the busiest cruise season yet at the Shetland port this year.
There are currently 145 ships booked to call, representing around 6.5 million gross tonnes of shipping – a record in terms of numbers and tonnages – with the first, National Geographic Explorer, due on Thursday 2 March.
Meanwhile six cruise ships will call during the Tall Ships event (26-29 July), with three in a single day.
Lerwick Port Authority cruise manager Melanie Henderson said: “Not only are we continuing to make a strong comeback above pre-Covid-19 levels, but the number of repeat visits and the first-time arrivals reflect the popularity of Lerwick and Shetland as a destination which helps support the island’s important tourism network.”
With vessel itineraries subject to change as the season develops, it is estimated over 100,000 passengers will arrive at Lerwick before the final vessel, AIDAluna, arrives on Wednesday 11 October.
This season’s cruise list shows the port is fast becoming a destination-of-choice for repeat visits by cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises (16 calls), Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (nine calls), Ponant Cruises (12 calls) and Viking Ocean Cruises (19 calls) amongst the highest this year.
This year will see 21 maiden calls, with inaugural seasons for new build ships SH Diana and Scenic Eclipse II. Swan Hellenic, Scenic and MSC’s Explora Journeys are amongst the new cruise brands visiting this season.
Ambition, which is being introduced this season, is the second vessel for British-based Ambassador Cruise Line.
The largest ship will be Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Getaway at 145,655 gross tonnes, due on Saturday 23 September.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.