Cruise set to return bigger than ever in 2022

Orkney would appear to be retaining its place as the UK’s most popular cruise ship destination – with a potentially record-breaking near 200 cruise ships booked to call into local waters during 2022.

Although not all confirmed at this stage, there are 196 vessels set to arrive in the county – with the first due in January and the rest between April to October.

Orkney’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said all bookings remain provisional until a ship actually docks – however, he is confident the future of cruise in Orkney is looking buoyant.

“The cruise industry was quite literally decimated overnight in March 2020 – the pandemic saw thousands of vessels brought to a standstill – a position that remained for 18 months. People’s livelihoods; not just on the vessels and behind the scenes, but associated industries were all seriously affected.

“Many were very relieved to see a cautionary return of cruise to our shores in August – and our meticulously planned procedures – in line with Government and Public Health guidance – have held a steady course for us all so far.

“As time passes and restrictions are further eased, we, as the port authority, will continue to follow the guidance. The approach has been a measured one so far – with much reduced passenger numbers and initially only allowing ‘bubble’ tour excursions. More recently, travellers have been allowed to make their own arrangements and enjoy the town centre and the local businesses.

“We do not have a crystal ball and cannot second guess where the guidance may take us in 2022 – but suffice to say we will continue to follow whatever the Government and health professional advice may be at that time.

“The pandemic has not taken away people’s love of cruising and, in particular, their love of coming to Orkney – many of whom are return visitors. Orkney is well known for setting the standard and this is only possible due to a team effort – my own team at Harbours and Transport but also to the huge cast across Orkney which works so hard to make the cruise sector here so successful.

“From the meet and greet and shore excursion teams, to the coach operators, tour guides and private tour providers, and to all those sites and shops which do so much to give our visitors a wonderful experience - it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to reach this standard and we know that visitors have a great time here which is born out by the number of cruise visits growing year on year.

“The challenge of course is to stay at the top and to wisely manage further growth and opportunity and, of course, we must ensure that this is able to happen without being to the detriment of the quality of visit to Orkney, but also to the charm with which Orkney offers.

“The majority of those calling are in small to medium category, with the larger vessels accounting for a small percentage of visiting ships.

“Of course, with the increased numbers of ships calling, also comes additional revenue which goes into the Miscellaneous Piers and Harbours Account – and which has to, by law, be transferred to a specific Repairs and Maintenance Budget to help pay for the upkeep of Orkney’s 29 council-owned piers and harbours.”

In 2019 – 163 cruise ships called into Orkney – up from 142 in 2018 and 67 in 2017.

The county is no stranger to cruise awards in 2019, Orkney once again topped the table for visitor satisfaction - with Kirkwall named Cruise Critic’s Top Cruise Destination for Western Europe and the United Kingdom.

Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Graham Sinclair, said: “The early indications are that 2022 is going to be a record-breaking year for the number of cruise liners calling. We do not know as yet just how many passengers this will involve as liners are maintaining a conservative approach to their numbers on board.

“This bodes well for the future and reflects a phenomenal effort by our Marine Services team to ensure smooth port operations regardless of the Covid-19 restrictions and a slick meet and greet service for passengers.

“But it also is testament to the local community - to the pride we have in our county, and the warm Orkney welcome that awaits our visitors at every turn.”

Viking Ocean Cruises also voted Orkney as their top Northern European cruise destination from a total portfolio of 46 competing ports.

In 2013, Orkney took second place in the global Seatrade Insider Cruise Port of the Year. And in 2010, Kirkwall was voted Best Cruise port in the UK by Cruise Critic – a high point reached again in 2016.

Image: Celebrity Cruises vessel 'Celebrity Silhouette', supplied courtesy of Graham Campbell.