Nieuw Statendam makes waves at Invergordon as Easter Ross port’s cruise season ramps up
AN Easter Ross town’s cruise season is well underway with a flurry of activity this week and plenty more to come.
Invergordon is expected to welcome around 150,000 passengers from almost 100 ships.
The season, due to run until the end of October, is worth millions to the wider Highland tourism economy with many of the passengers taking a variety of land tours offered to them.
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Nieuw Statendam arrived from Newcastle on her way to Lerwick earlier this week. The Holland America Line cruise ship, launched in December 2018, has 12 passenger decks and a capacity of 2666 passengers. With a gross tonnage of 99,902, it is 975ft long and 115ft wide.
Allison McGuire, PoCF’s cruise manager, said earlier: “It is always a very exciting time at the port as we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the rich variety of attractions this wonderful area offers.
“The sector creates jobs and business opportunities across the Highland region, with up to 100 people involved just on the port side in a typical visit, including security officers, mooring crew, tour guides and coach drivers.”
Some passengers from the Nieuw Statendam paid a visit to Dornoch.
Her arrival on Wednesday was preceded the day before by Mein Schiff 3 and followed on Thursday by AIDAluna. Today, SunStone Ships’ Ocean Albatross was due to arrive and on Sunday, Norwegian Cruises’ Norwegian Star is due.
Monday of next week is due to see the arrival of AIDA Cruises’ frequent visitor AidaSol and then on Friday Mein Schiff 3, owned by TUI Crusies, is back.
