"Black Prince" passengers treated to 'Viking' farewell

Passengers onboard Black Prince were treated to a real Viking send off in Shetland as the ship left the Port of Lerwick on Friday 19 June.

After 43 years of cruising, Black Prince is due to be retired from the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in October 2009. She was calling at Lerwick as part of a series of final cruises from Scotland.

To commemorate the occasion members of the 2009 Jarls Squad from Shetland’s viking fire festival “Up Helly Aa” came down to Victoria Pier to provide cruise guests with a rousing send-off before the ship sailed for Greenock. Live traditional Shetland music was also provided by well-known local fiddler, Bryan Gear accompanied by Martin Henderson on Piano.   

Black Prince is no stranger to Lerwick and has called at the Port on 11 previous occasions since 1999. She is due to call again at Lerwick on 2 July and 31 August as part of other itineraries.

 

From left to right – Captain Calum Grains - Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority (in viking costume), Captain Alexander Simpson – Deputy Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority, Captain Asmund Nilsen - Black Prince and Viking - Stephen Mouat.
From left to right – Captain Calum Grains - Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority (in viking costume), Captain Alexander Simpson – Deputy Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority, Captain Asmund Nilsen - Black Prince and Viking - Stephen Mouat.
Captain Alexander Simpson – Deputy Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority with 2009 Jarls Squad.
Captain Alexander Simpson – Deputy Harbourmaster, Lerwick Port Authority with 2009 Jarls Squad.