News / Lerwick welcomes largest cruise ship to date
THE POPULATION of Lerwick is set to double on Tuesday with the arrival of two cruise ships, including the fifth largest in the world and the biggest yet to visit the Shetland port.
The 171,598 gross tonne MSC Meraviglia dropped anchor in Bressay Sound just after 7am and is set to dominate the harbour for the day.
At 316 metres in length the massive cruise ship has just over 5,000 passengers plus another 1,500 crew on board.
A second cruise ship, the 225-metre long Europe 2 carrying 512 passengers and 370 crew, is meanwhile berthing at Mair’s Pier East.
A delighted Victor Sandison of Lerwick Port Authority said with more than 7,000 people potentially coming ashore, Tuesday is set to become the busiest cruise day for town and harbour yet.
“Our involvement with the cruise sector just keeps getting bigger and better, with larger vessels and higher numbers,” he said.
“This season, we expect to welcome 93 ships and approaching 93,000 passengers in an all-round record year, with 119 vessels, bringing an anticipated 110,000 passengers, already booked for 2019.”
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
