Lerwick's cruise season ends on a high

The 2023 cruise programme closed on September 27 with the arrival of 2,142 passengers onboard AIDAsol, the 129th and final call of the season as AIDAluna's schedule call on October 11 
has been cancelled due to forecast adverse weather.

Lerwick Port Authority welcomed 124,000 cruise passengers this year, as well as 19 maiden calls, the most in a single season.

New calls, debuting customers

New customers – Explora Journeys and Swan Hellenic whose two ships SH Diana and SH Vega visited - were a feature of the year – alongside hosting cruise ships during The Tall Ships Races.

Lerwick Port Authority Cruise & Marketing Manager, Melanie Henderson, said: 'The successful performance of our marine tourism sector on three overlapping fronts - cruise ships, tall ships and yachts - has made it a year like no other. 

'The favourable impression made on cruise operators means there are already 160 vessels booked for 2024, with the schedule yet to be finalised, and another busy yachting season is anticipated as we continue to develop marine tourism.'