Scottish cruise port to welcome two of its largest-ever cruise ships and more passengers next year
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Lerwick in Scotland, UK is to host its largest cruise ships to date during the 2016 cruise season.
Not only will P&O Cruises’ 115,055gt Azura call in Lerwick on 30 June with 3,096 passengers, but Celebrity Cruises’ 122,210gt Celebrity Silhouette will visit on 14 August with 2,886 guests.
Due to run from 24 April to 6 October, the 2016 cruise season is set to be the busiest to date. A total of 70 vessels, amounting to a total of 2,105,723gt, have already scheduled calls and are expected to bring around 50,925 passengers. June and July will be the busiest months, with 16 and 21 calls respectively. Ten ships will make maiden calls including Viking Ocean Cruises’ newbuilds Viking Sea and Viking Star.
“In a highly competitive market, cruise operators are spoiled for choice and appear to be juggling different destinations in different years to refresh itineraries,” said Victor Sandison, the port authority’s senior commercial executive. “It’s definitely our turn next season – and 2017 is also already looking good, with 28 advance bookings so far, at 1,387,724gt and an estimated 31,000-plus passengers.”
As always, Lerwick’s Meet & Greet team will continue to welcome passengers and crew as they arrive in the port, providing them with orientation leaflets and maps. In addition, traditional Shetland music will be played on the quayside, while the port will provide a free shuttle bus service between the Holmsgarth terminal and the town centre.