Glorious Start to Orkney's Cruise Ship Season
Warm early summer sun and gentle breezes greeted cruise ship passengers this week as they disembarked in Kirkwall.
The first 3 ships of the season, “Funchal”, “Le Diamant” and “Fram” all arrived in port this week to sample Orkneys history and hospitality.
The introduction of new 'Welcome to Orkney' banners on the quayside proved to be a photographic focal point even before the coach tours commenced and the utilisation of the NorthLink Ferry passenger terminal at Hatston was well received as a point for general tourist information and gathering point for shuttle buses into the City Centre.
A further 9 ships are expected in both Kirkwall and Stromness this month, with a current total of 66 ships due to call in the course of the season which finishes at the end of September.
The largest ship to call this year will be “Costa Magica” on 15 July with just under 3500 passengers.
