Stornoway Port sees record cruise week following $80M investment

The Port of Stornoway has completed its busiest week of the cruise season, welcoming over 10,000 passengers and approximately 4,000 crew members to the Outer Hebrides over four consecutive days.

Four vessels utilized the Deep Water Terminal during this period, including the Artania from Phoenix Reisen, the Balmoral from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and the Queen Anne from Cunard. The week also featured the inaugural call of the Majestic Princess from Princess Cruises, one of the largest and heaviest ships to dock at the terminal, measuring 330 meters in length.

This surge in activity highlights the impact of an $80 million investment in the port's deep-water terminal, which enables the docking of larger vessels. Port CEO Alex Macleod noted that the high volume of visitors demonstrates the enhanced capacity of the terminal. The cruise industry provides a significant boost to the local economy in the Lewis region by supporting shops, restaurants, tour operators, and transport services.