First cruise ship of ‘bumper’ season set to arrive in Lerwick next week

The cruise ship arriving in Lerwick. Photo: Jim Mullay.

The first cruise ship of the year is scheduled to arrive next week – kick-starting what is hoped to be a record season.

Viking Venus had been due to make her first appearance in early February – which would have been the earliest ever start to the season – but had to cancel due to poor weather.

The 229-metre vessel, which can accommodate 930 passengers, is now expected to make her opening visit on Wednesday – with eight more visits scheduled for the rest of the year.

The season got off to something of a false start on Tuesday when the Norwegian-flagged Gann arrived in Lerwick.

Although the 109-metre Gann appears on the Lerwick Port Authority’s list of cruise ships, she is actually a school ship for cadets who live and work on board as they train to be sailors.

LPA’s cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson explained the Gann would be returning as part of a proper cruise visit in June.

Meanwhile, she said 2022 was “shaping up to be a record season” with more passengers and arrivals than ever before.