Another record-breaking cruise ship season for Lerwick

LERWICK Port Authority has reflected on a record-breaking cruise season – although one more ship is due to arrive in November.

A quartet of new records were set this year when it came to cruise arrivals in Lerwick.

This included the largest cruise ship to ever call at Lerwick – the 181,541 gross tonne MSC Virtuosa.

There were a total of 134 vessel arrivals representing 6.9 million gross tonnes of shipping, carrying 138,537 passengers.

These are increases of four percent, 21 per cent and seven per cent respectively on last year.

The final call for this year will be the maiden visit of the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot, on a stopover at Lerwick on 18 November.

Lerwick Port Authority cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said: “It has been a brilliant season hosting many different operators, types of vessels and dozens of nationalities.

“The success is down to the incredible co-operation from all the service providers, retailers, venues and attractions working very hard to showcase Shetland as a wonderful destination, unlike any other.

“The warmth of welcome which cruise visitors receive is always highlighted in feedback received and is testament to everyone’s efforts.

“Cruise is a way for visitors to experience the more remote parts of Scotland, often returning for a longer stay. It has become an important contributor to the local tourism economy.”

Bookings for the 2025 season are said to be “holding steady”, with 135 ships to call so far – but this is subject to change as operators firm up their itineraries.

There is also a “shoulder” booking in March ahead of the main 2025 season starting.