All time high for Shetland port
Lerwick Harbour’s traditional cruise season has ended with the Shetland port setting a quartet of new records – and the prospect of it being extended, with an arrival in late 2024. The season, which usually runs from April to October, features shoulder season bookings in March and November this year.
The performance so far was underlined by a visit on Tuesday 1 October by the 253-metre long, 71,304 gross tonne, AIDAsol, with 2,342 passengers on board, en route to Bergen. Norway, as part of a nine-day round trip of Britain, starting and finishing in Hamburg, Germany.
Several AIDAsol visits this season contributed to the records in 2024, which now total 134 vessel arrivals representing 6.9 million gross tonnes of shipping, carrying 138,537 passengers, increases of 4%, 21% and 7% respectively on last year. The season was affected by a normal level of cancellations that occur for various reasons, including weather and changes to itineraries.
The port continues to welcome a wide range of cruise line operators, from the smaller adventure lines to the larger conglomerates, with the core business being the luxury expedition market.
The season also included the largest cruise ship yet to call at Lerwick, the 181,541 gross tonnes, MSC Virtuosa.
The final call for this year, and a maiden visit, will be the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot, on a stopover at Lerwick on 18 November as part of an autumn splendours tour which starts in Norway’s Lofoten Islands and passes through the fjords before returning to Bergen.
Lerwick Port Authority Cruise & 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 holding steady, with 135 ships to call so far, subject to change as operators firm up their itineraries.
