By
Alex Smith |
As a record 2019 season draws to a close, Lerwick Harbour in Shetland, Scotland, is anticipating another successful year in 2020.
This year, 99 cruise ships visited the port, beating the previous high in 2018 by eight. Next year, the record looks set to be broken again with 105 cruise booked to visit and bring an estimated 92,000 passengers to the harbour. Collectively, the ships will account for over four million gross tonnes, meaning the port will break records in each category.
Among the arrivals will be 13 maiden calls, including two newly launched vessels, Ponant Cruises’ Le Bellot and Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure. They will be accompanied by an increased number of mid-sized vessels from Carnival Cruise Line, Mystic Cruises and TUI Cruises, the first time they have visited the port.
“The signs are very positive for growth again,” said Melanie Henderson, cruise and marketing manager at Lerwick Port Authority. “Lerwick and Shetland’s reputation as a must-see destination is as strong as ever, with a number of accolades in 2019 and bookings up to four years ahead. The supply and service sector in the islands is making an increasingly important contribution in meeting the industry’s requirements and encouraging operators to return.”