Stornoway Port is set for a record-breaking 2025, with projections indicating over
60,000 passengers arriving throughout the season. The popularity of the island as
a cruise destination is expected to inject approximately £7.5 million into the local
economy this year, benefiting a wide range of businesses across the Outer Hebrides.
P&O’s luxury liner, the Britannia, will be among the ships to visit Stornoway Port during the busy cruise season. The vessel, which will make its maiden call at the Port in June, is among the largest ships docking. It can accommodate over 3,600 passengers and will berth at Stornoway’s £59 million Deep Water Terminal.
Cunard’s newest luxury liner, the Queen Anne, is also among the 88 cruise ship calls scheduled between April and October. With capacity for around 3,000 passengers and 1,200 crew, the Queen Anne is the first new cruise ship to be launched by Cunard in more than a decade and joins the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth in the firm’s fleet.
Other vessels making their maiden call to Stornoway include the Oceania Vista and the Exploris 1 during May. MS Costa Favolosa is expected to dock on 24 while the Viking Sky is booked in for the following month.
Alex Macleod, chief executive of Stornoway Port Authority, commented: “The completion
of the Deep Water Terminal continues to be a game-changer for Stornoway, enabling
us to host larger vessels and further enhance our reputation as a must-visit cruise
destination.
“We believe that Stornoway and the entire Outer Hebrides are already reaping the rewards of this investment.
“The record number of ships scheduled for 2025 underscores the growing popularity of the Outer Hebrides among cruise operators and their guests.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world and showcasing the unique hospitality and culture of the islands.”
Stornoway Port set for record-
3 April 2025
TUI passenger liner, MS Mein Schiff 3, is due to visit Stornoway in June
