Marine / Last cruise ship of the year arrives in Lerwick
THE FINAL cruise ship of the season has arrived in Lerwick.
The Black Watch docked in the town this morning (Tuesday) after arriving from Bergen.
She is due to depart at 4pm.
This year was another busy season for Lerwick Port Authority with a total of 112 initial bookings, although some vessels did not stop by due to the weather. Ninety nine managed to visit the port.
The MSC Preziosa was the largest vessel to visit this year, weighing in at 139,072 gross tonnes and having a capacity of over 3,500 passengers.
Lerwick Port Authority said 2020 will potentially break three records, with 105 cruise ships scheduled to call, an estimated 92,000 passengers and over four million gross tonnes of shipping.
Lerwick Port Authority’s cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said: “The signs are very positive for growth again next year with an encouraging number of cruise lines scheduling repeat calls in the season and three new cruise lines visiting for the first time – Carnival, Mystic and TUI.
Referring to this year’s weather cancellations, she added: “Call-offs to scheduled visits are disappointing for the passengers and everyone involved onshore, particularly when the causes are beyond our control.
“Lerwick and Shetland’s reputation as a must-see destination is as strong as ever, with a number of accolades in 2019 and bookings up to four years ahead.
“The supply and service sector in the islands is making an increasingly important contribution in meeting the industry’s requirements and encouraging operators to return.”
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