Cruise calls reach financial milestone

September 17, 2014 at 9:45 am

The scene last month. The Ruby Princess is pictured berthed alongside at Hatston Pier with the Thomson Spirit anchored in Kirkwall Bay. (Picture: Craig Taylor) — The scene last month. The Ruby Princess is pictured berthed alongside at Hatston Pier with the Thomson Spirit anchored in Kirkwall Bay.
(Picture: Craig Taylor)

The number of cruise ship visits to Orkney in 2015 is expected to exceed this year’s total of 79.

The giant MSC Splendida, with over 4,300 passengers on board, will call into Orkney for the first time and make four further visits during 2015.

Among other liners that will visit the islands next year is the Queen Elizabeth, which will be helping to mark the 175^thanniversary of the shipping line Cunard.

This year’s cruise season ends on September 23, when the expedition ship Hanseatic brings just under 200 passengers to Stromness.

During 2014, income in the form of harbour dues paid to Orkney Islands Council Marine Services from cruise ship port calls has topped £1 million for the first time.

This is an increase of just under 30 per cent on last year’s figure of £790,000.

More details in The Orcadian, out on Thursday.