By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises’ Britannia made her maiden call to the port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, Scotland, on 9 July.
Launched by Her Majesty the Queen in March, the 143,730gt Britannia berthed alongside Admiralty Pier at Port of Cromarty Firth at around 9am and remained in port until 10pm. Britannia will be the largest cruise ship to call at the port during the 2015 season.
Many of the 3,600 passengers took organised shore excursions to attractions such as Dunrobin Castle, Loch Ness, Glenmorangie Distillery and Cawdor Castle. Passengers were also able to watch a performance from the Invergordon Music & Dance Group on the ship’s Lido Deck in the evening, while the Dornoch Pipe Band played on the pier as the ship departed.
“We are delighted that the Britannia is making its maiden call to Invergordon,” said Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth. “This year we are welcoming some of the world’s newest and largest cruise ships coming into port, making use of the deepwater that we have to offer and the easy access to iconic Highland tourism destinations. The maiden visit by Britannia is really good news for everyone.”
Britannia is one of 57 cruise ships expected at Cromarty Firth during the 2015 season, which is open from March to October. It is expected that the cruise industry will boost the local economy by around £10 million.