By
Alex Smith |
Stornoway in the UK's Outer Hebrides islands is preparing for a busy cruise season, with more than 100 vessel calls scheduled between April and September.
Spitsbergen, operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions, is the first ship due to arrive on Thursday, 20 April. It will be followed by vessels including Hebridean Princess, operated by Hebridean Island Cruises, and MSC Preziosa, operated by MSC Cruises, which will be the season’s largest visitor at 139,072 gross tonnes and 333 metres in length.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the ships and everyone aboard over the next few months,” said Alex MacLeod, chief executive of Stornaway Port Authority. “The port is a gateway to the Outer Hebrides, offering cruise passengers the opportunity to enjoy the unique hospitality, culture, history, mystique and many famed landmarks our islands have to offer. The number of calls scheduled this year highlights the growing popularity of the Outer Hebrides among cruise operators and their customers from the UK and around the world.”
The port authority also predicts that cruise calls will increase in 2024 following the opening of its £59 million Deep Water Terminal. The new facility is nearing completion, and will be able to accommodate vessels of up to 360 metres in length.