News / ‘Successful package’
LERWICK Harbour caps off a record-breaking cruise liner season with the visit of the Marco Polo today (Thursday).
A total of four records have been broken this summer, with an all-time high of 50,500 passengers on board a total of 79 cruise liners visiting Lerwick.
The ships had a record cumulative weight of almost 2.2 million gross tonnes, and among them was the Celebrity Silhouette, which at 122,210 gross tonnes was the largest cruise liner to ever visit Shetland.
Lerwick Port Authority harbour master Calum Grains said three records are set to be broken next year, while bookings are already in place for 2018.
“Despite increasing competition in national and international markets, with operators spoiled for choice, Lerwick and Shetland have had their best season, thanks to modern facilities, great teamwork, popular attractions and the warm welcome,” he said.
“There’s no complacency, but it’s a successful package which is already paying off again for next year, with 79 vessels currently scheduled and increased tonnage and passengers expected.
“There are also 34 visits already booked for 2018.”
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 600 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.