Cruise takes another step forward

The first cruise ship to allow its double vaccinated passengers to come ashore independently is calling into Kirkwall this week.

So far, the liners to dock in Orkney waters have only allowed passengers to disembark and tour within “bubble” excursions. This was a cautionary step following the resumption of cruise after almost a year and a half.

Up to 600 passengers on board Wednesday’s cruise liner – Celebrity Silhouette – which is due to call into Kirkwall will be able to wander freely and enjoy what Orkney has to offer, whether that be the visitor sites or the local shops and businesses.

The Council’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and, Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said: “Our rigorous port COVID-19 health and safety procedures and those of the cruise liner operators, in line with Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland advice, have stood us in good stead since the first liner called again on 30 July.

“The cruise operators rightly took a cautionary approach to the resumption and maintained the ‘bubble’ shore excursions. However, confidence is slowly growing within the industry – and within all other industries - that all the carefully crafted policies and procedures in place to keep everyone as safe as possible are doing just that.

“Please be assured that although we have had a number of successful cruise ship visits, we are not resting on our laurels and the stringent procedures will remain. But this further move is yet another step on the road to our new normality and, I hope, will be welcomed by our many fantastic local shops and businesses. The recent Kirkwall BID Costa del Kirkwall event in the town centre was a tremendous success with many people drawn back into the main thoroughfare – we hope the allowance of free movement of double vaccinated passengers will add to this.”

As with all cruise vessels calling , passengers will be required to have a negative PCR test prior to boarding.

Orkney welcomed back its first cruise liner – the Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas – on 30 July, marking a significant milestone and the visit was hailed a success by the operators and the Orkney Harbour Authority.

Now as Scotland has moved to “Beyond Level 0”, the further relaxing of restrictions is being welcomed by many.

Mr Buck continued: “The people of Orkney have been cautious and wise to be so, however, many are now telling us that it is time to get back to a more normal way of living, and part of this is the resumption of cruise, which is a vital part of the tourism sector and many associated businesses in the islands. This has been a long time coming and many months have been spent putting in place the correct health and safety protocols in collaboration with operators and Public Health.”

Guidance from the Scottish Government and health professionals will continue to be followed.