Largest liner will tie up on Saturday

The MSC Magnifica is set to become the largest ever cruise liner to tie up in Orkney, with the ship due in at Hatston Pier on Saturday morning.

Only eight days ago the giant Caribbean Princess  became the largest liner to tie up at the newly extended pier, however at 293m the MSC Magnifica is only around 4m longer.

The ship, which can carry 2500 passengers and 1000 crew, is due in around 8am and is scheduled to leave again at 2pm.

This is the first of three visits of the MSC Magnifica this year. The second visit of the liner, on June 9, will see the ship at anchor.

Passengers will be transferred by tender to Kirkwall Pier. This is due to other shipping using Hatston Pier on the same day.