The record for the largest cruise ship to visit Lerwick Harbour will be broken for the second time this summer tomorrow, when Celebrity Silhouette enters the Shetland port.
On her maiden call at Lerwick, Celebrity Cruises’ 122,210 gross tonne vessel will beat the record set by the 115,055 gross tonne Azura on 30 June.
Captain Calum Grains, Lerwick Port Authority’s harbourmaster and deputy chief executive, said: “The visit by Celebrity Silhouette will be another highlight of a record-breaking season and in the long involvement of Lerwick and Shetland with the cruise industry.
“The sheltered and safe, deep-water anchorages and proven modern landing-stage facilities make the harbour an ideal port-of-call for large cruise ships.
“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 315-metre Celebrity Silhouette, with capacity for 2,886 passengers, is due to anchor in the deep-water harbour around 7am on Sunday, with passengers and crew to be transferred by tender to Albert Dock.
The call will be 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 will also be welcomed by a volunteer “meet-and-greet” team, which, with the support of the port authority, provides assistance, information, and entertainment, with Shetland music.
Celebrity Silhouette, the fourth of five cruise ships on successive days, will depart Lerwick at 7pm for Invergordon.
