Record number of maiden cruise calls

24 September 2023 14:43

A large cruise ship near a coastal town with clear views of the landscape and water.

Norwegian Getaway, arriving at Lerwick Harbour on Saturday on its maiden call to the port, is the largest ship to visit this season. Photo: Dave Donaldson/LPA

LERWICK Port Authority has had its record 18th maiden cruise ship call this year – the most in a single season.

The largest ship of the 2023 season, the 145,655 gross tonne Norwegian Getaway, made its first call into Lerwick on Saturday (23 September).

The port authority has confirmed that 2023 is still set to be the busiest cruise season yet.

The Norwegian Getaway was the 132nd to call into Lerwick this year, with a handful more still to go.

Lerwick Port Authority’s cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said: “Norwegian Getaway is another demonstration of the harbour’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, as well as the more regular traffic of smaller expedition and medium-sized ships which account for most of our programme.

“It is pleasing that she is the 18th maiden call this year, the most we have yet had in a single season and highlighting that Shetland continues to attract first-time visits, as well as new operators and repeat business.”