Ruby Princess Orkney visit
(Picture: Craig Taylor)
The first of the large ‘super liners’ to call into Hatston Pier this year arrived early on Sunday morning, carrying just over 4000 people.
The 290m long Ruby Princess was making her first ever visit to the islands, as part of a cruise round the UK, which also included port calls into Ireland, France and the Channel Islands.
The ship, which carried 2971 passengers and 1133 crew during the visit, tied up at the pier after arriving from Greenock, later leaving for Invergordon.
To mark the maiden visit of the ship to the county, Orkney Islands Council sent a delegation to meet with the master of the vessel, to exchange plaques and gifts.
Commodore Giuseppe Romano is the senior master of the fleet of Princess Cruises. He welcomed OIC councillor Bill Stout onboard, along with OIC head of Marine Services Brian Archibald, and Richard Gorn, OIC cruise line co-ordinator. Following the exchange of gifts, the group were given a tour of the ship.
Many shops and business opened on Sunday especially for the visit, including Kirkwall Post Office.