The largest ever cruise liner to the Western Isles, MSC Preziosa, is visiting the port of Stornoway today.
The 139,072 gross tonne vessel which is longer than four jumbo jets is in the top 70 of giant passenger liners in the world.
She is too long and deep to get near the berth so will remain in the outer anchorage, south of Arnish lighthouse, during her stay.
The ship is operated by MSC Cruises of Geneva, a subsidiary of global shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company.
The 330-metre-long Panama-flagged ship typically accommodates up to 3,500 passengers though this number is based on double cabin occupancy and is greater if parents bunk up with their children. Around 1,380 crew members work onboard.
MSC Preziosa is one of a number of cruise vessels making their first ever visits at the port this year in what has been a busy 2023 for the sector.
Another big visitor called in during July. MSC Poesia, from the same shipping line as the Preziosa, is 92,627 gross tonne and 294 metres in length.
The season is set to draw to a close by the end of this month.
The increase of visiting passenger liners at Stornoway this year is set to be overtaken by a forecast surge next summer when Stornoway Port’s new £59 million deep water terminal will be open.
The new facility, which is nearing completion, will have a minimum 10 metre cruise pier depth and be able to accommodate large ships like the Preziosa.
Stornoway welcomes its largest ever cruise ship
18 September 2023