Stornoway Port in the Outer Hebrides has reported its busiest cruise week to date, with seven vessels and more than 8,000 passengers visiting the destination between 30 June and 6 July 2023.
Four of these vessels were making inaugural calls, including MSC Cruises’ 92,627gt, 294-metre-long MSC Poesia, which also became the largest ship to visit so far this season. The 139,072gt MSC Preziosa will take this title when it calls later in the year.
The vessels called during what is set to be a record-breaking cruise season for Stornoway Port. This year, almost 100 ships are scheduled to visit by the end of September.
“The record number of ships that arrived last week again shows the growing popularity of the Outer Hebrides among cruise operators and their customers,” said Alex MacLeod, chief executive at Stornoway Port. “It’s fantastic to see so many people from around the world arriving here to experience the unique hospitality and culture of the islands. And it is bringing a very welcome boost to many businesses in the islands.”
Stornoway Port predicts cruise traffic will rise further in 2024 after it opens the new Deep Water Terminal, which will accommodate vessels up to 360 metres in length and have a minimum 10-metre depth alongside.
“The new development will create opportunities which are becoming evident even now,” said MacLeod. “Those involved with cruise ship visits, such as tour guides, meet-and-greet services and port security, will all need additional capacity in 2024.”
| Caption | MSC Cruises' MSC Poesia pictured in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides |
| Add image caption here | |