Record season closes at Lerwick

The season included nine maiden calls out of 49 vessels and a return by Costa Pacifica – a fifth visit – at 114,28gt, the largest cruise ship yet at the port.

Victor Sandison, Lerwick Port Authority deputy chief executive said: ‘The statistics for this year and next again confirm Lerwick’s popularity as a port-off-call and seaway to Shetland’s many attractions. There are positive signs for the coming season, with 46 vessels booked to visit to date, and 11 calls already scheduled for 2016.'

Lerwick’s location at 60 degrees north and between the Atlantic and North Sea means it is included in itineraries for cruises in northern European waters and round-Britain, special interest voyages and repositioning to the US, noted Sandison.