Super Shetlands

The summer will be highlighted by the arrival of the port’s biggest ships to date, the 113,651-ton Crown Princess and 114,500-ton Costa Pacifica, as well as a debut call from Oceania Cruises’ new Marina and the deluxe Crystal Serenity of Crystal Cruises.

Passengers from the larger vessels will arrive by tender at a new welcome ashore pavilion, opened late last year as part of the ongoing development of facilities. Victor Sandison, the port’s deputy chief executive, said: “A recent study for Cruise Scotland highlighted the tremendous potential to further develop the country’s cruise market. Shetland’s many attractions and Lerwick’s modern facilities make us a prime destination, with a major contribution to make, as will be demonstrated again this year.”

It is estimated passenger spending alone in Shetland during 2011 will exceed