Lerwick Harbour is making ready for a maiden visit by the 252 metre cruise ship 'AIDAluna' enroute from Norway before heading back to Hamburg.
The 69,203 gross tonnes vessel carrying almost 2,300 mainly German passengers is due to arrive at 0800hrs tomorrow (Friday) and will drop anchor and tender passengers ashore to Victoria Pier before sailing again at approximately 1600hrs for Hamburg.
AIDA Cruises is one of a number of cruise lines that are considering contingency plans for ships unable to call at their intended Norwegian ports as a result of a strike in the public sector that is currently affecting shipping, including cruise ships all along the Norwegian coast.
Should the strike continue, it is possible that other cruise ships due to call at Ports in Norway might consider Lerwick as an alternative port of call.
Deputy Chief Executive, Victor Sandison commented “We are pleased to have been able to accommodate AIDAluna at such short notice on her maiden visit to Lerwick in an already busy season. Our meet and greet team will be on-hand to provide their warm and friendly Shetland welcome with passengers set to visit a number or the islands popular visitor attractions”.