During that time, seven vessels carrying more than 8,000 passengers called at Stornoway, four of them for the first time.
Last week, the port hosted its heftiest cruise ship of the season so far, the 92,627gt MSC Poesia which anchored off Stornoway on its July 5 maiden call. The larger, 139,072gt MSC Preziosa is set to arrive later in the season.
‘The record number of ships that arrived last week again shows the growing popularity of the Outer Hebrides among cruise operators and their customers,’ explained the chief executive of Stornoway Port, Alex MacLeod.
‘It’s fantastic to see so many people from around the world arriving here to experience the unique hospitality and culture of the islands. And it is bringing a very welcome boost to many businesses in the islands.’
Stornoway expects to receive 100 cruise calls in total during the 2023 season.
Added MacLeod, ‘This level of activity gives everyone here a taste of things to come as we look ahead to more and larger ships coming to Stornoway following the opening of the deep water terminal.’
£59m deep water terminal almost complete
Stornoway anticipates an even busier 2024 season, with more calls and a subsequent increase in passenger numbers, owing to the opening of the port’s £59m deep water terminal which is nearing completion.
‘The new development will create opportunities which are becoming evident even now,’ noted MacLeod. ‘Those involved with cruise ship visits, such as tour guides, meet-and-greet services and port security, will all need additional capacity in 2024.’
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