Cruise ship has ‘meticulous’ Covid procedures
Stuart Prestidge
Another week has brought another cruise ship to Lerwick harbour, following last week’s visit of the Island Sky.
Today (Monday) saw the Marella Explorer 2 arrive carrying with it hundreds of tourists.
The vessel, flying a Malta flag, is the newest addition to the Tui fleet and boasts 14 decks, 907 cabins, nine restaurants and a swimming pool.
Although the Marella Explorer 2 has room for 1,814 passengers, restrictions by social distancing protocols has limited the vessel with 800 adult-only guests.
Approximately a third disembarked via tenders and enjoyed pre-arranged shore excursions with Marella Cruises.
Lerwick Port Authority’s cruise and marketing manager, Melanie Henderson, said: “Marella Explorer 2 is another excellent example of the lengths cruise line operators are implementing to protect passengers and crew and the communities visited.
“Marella has meticulously planned Covid-19 procedures both onboard and throughout their shore arrangements.
“Great co-operation by islanders is making a major contribution to the success of procedures being implemented onshore to ensure the safe restart.”
She added: “We are looking forward to the rest of the visits planned this season and better things to come next year, with increasing input to
the Shetland economy.”
Last week’s visit by Island Sky marked the first visit of a cruise ship in 17 months and started a summer season that will extend through to October.
