Wednesday, October 5, 2016 - 10:18 by ce-press
The record for the biggest cruise ship into Lerwick Harbour was broken not once but twice this year when 122,210gt Celebrity Silhouette entered the Shetland port for the first time on August 14. In June 115,055gt Azura from P&O Cruises called.
Captain Calum Grains, harbourmaster and deputy chief executive Lerwick Port Authority, said: “The sheltered and safe, deepwater anchorages and proven modern landing-stage facilities make the harbour an ideal port-of-call for large cruiseships.
“The port is set for a special hat-trick this summer, with the highest number of cruise vessel arrivals, passengers and tonnage of shipping yet, including the biggest ship. There are also excellent bookings for next year.”
The 315m-long Celebrity Silhouette, with capacity for 2,886 passengers, anchored in the deepwater harbour around 0700 with passengers and crew being transferred by tender to Albert Dock. The call was marked by a special Viking welcome on Victoria Pier by members of the 2016 Jarl Squad, including Captain Grains, which led this year’s internationally-famous Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick.
The visitors were welcomed by a volunteer meet-and-greet team which, with the support of the port authority, provided assistance, information and entertainment including Shetland music.
Celebrity Silhouette, the fourth of five cruiseships on successive days, departed Lerwick for Invergordon at 1900.
