High hopes for next year as Cromarty Firth cruise season ends

Index | News | Links | Lines | Agencies | Specials | Forum | Search | Articles Ship List | Cards | E-zine | Advertise | Orderbook | Retired Ships | Ports | About us

High hopes for next year as Cromarty Firth cruise season ends The Cromarty Firth's cruise liner season closes today (Thursday, September 16) with hopes that 2005 will match this year's record performance. As Invergordon prepared for the visit of 333 American and British passengers on the Silver Whisper, which will dock at the port this morning, the Cromarty Firth Port Authority confirmed that two of the world's most famous cruise ships plan to visit Invergordon next year. The Cunard Line has put Invergordon on its itineraries for the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2005, heading a growing list of luxury liners which will give thousands of international passengers a taste of the Highlands. "With these top liners leading a growing list of cruise ships for next season, we hope that the 2005 programme will at least match the port's performance this year," said Captain Iain Dunderdale, cruise development director of marketing agency Cruise Highlands. Forty liners carrying over 21,000 passengers from the UK, Germany, France, the USA, Russia and Italy have berthed at Invergordon since the opening of the season on May 24 - an increase of over 70 per cent on the previous year. They included nine liners making maiden calls at the port. A total of 41 had been expected but the AIDAblu (correct), the largest vessel on the year's liner schedule, had to cancel her third visit of the year on July 28 because of engine problems. Captain George Dobbie, harbour master of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority, described the 2004 cruise season as a major breakthrough for the port. "Along with our partners Cruise Highlands, and tourist, economic development, local authority and community agencies, we have made intensive efforts to ensure that the Cromarty Firth continues to strengthen its position in the cruise liner industry. The recent refurbishment of the Admiralty Pier by owners Bannerman of Tain enables liners to berth closer to the centre of Invergordon and is making a major contribution to our success. "The liners, their passengers and crews bring substantial business to the area through shore tours, visits to places of interest and expenditure in shops and craft outlets. It is estimated that the 2004 season generated a spend of over £800,000. This underlines the huge benefits of liner visits to the region's economy and their importance to the future of the tourism industry." Scott Armstrong, acting chief executive of the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board, said: "Invergordon has been a popular stop-off location for cruise ships for a number of years and it is encouraging to see the port's popularity increasing. Many of these cruise visitors are making their first visit to the Highlands and surveys show that significant numbers of them return for a longer stay." One of the most popular shore tours for cruise passengers is to Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. Lord Strathnaver said: "Dunrobin Castle has benefited greatly from the arrival of cruise ships at Invergordon over the last few years. These ships produce interested and high-spending visitors who are keen to see a major Highland castle and its magnificent garden. They are also fascinated by the falconry display, a great rarity in other countries." But Spencer Ruck of SER Supplies in Invergordon was disappointed by the level of business from passengers and crew. "We had six or seven good days but most of the passengers are taking shore tours away from the town. We have lots to offer, with good shops, new museum and the visitor centre at Dalmore Distillery. Passengers are pleasantly surprised when they do visit Invergordon and we need to do more to make them aware of the town's attractions." Richard Alexander of Morrison Tours, one of the main ground handling agents for liners visiting Invergordon, reported "an excellent season with business growing all the time." The company organises shore tours for liner passengers, arranging coaches, venues, guides and meals. (Source: Cromarty Firth Port Authority - Port of Invergordon)