Milestone as first cruise ship docks in Orkney since the pandemic

The first cruise ship to arrive in Orkney since early last year docked in Kirkwall last week – and a second arrived at the weekend.

The Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas dominated the Kirkwall skyline throughout Friday carrying around 1,100 passengers – much less than its 4,180 capability.

The operators have praised the support provided from the local authority in ensuring the first calling ran as smoothly and safely as possible.

Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA, Royal Caribbean International and CLIA chairman, said: “Both Royal Caribbean and our guests onboard Anthem of the Seas are delighted to have called at the port of Kirkwall today (Friday). This successful visit marks yet another milestone in Royal Caribbean’s return to service and we are grateful to the local authorities for supporting us in making cruises to Orkney a reality.

“We are taking a measured approach in our return to sailing and our early sailings from Southampton will set sail with a reduced capacity of guests. From the 1,100 guests currently onboard Anthem of the Seas, around half disembarked today to enjoy shore excursions in and around Orkney.

“Our number one priority is keeping our guests, crew and the communities we visit safe and we are only sailing again because we know we are ready to do so safely. We are incredibly thankful and fortunate to be able to call at Kirkwall and I hope the local region will enjoy the benefits that cruise will bring to the region over the coming months, including sourcing local supplies, numerous local shore excursions and port and marine employment.”

On Sunday, the Marella Explorer – with 570 passengers on board – arrived at Hatston in Kirkwall and, for the moment, cruisers will remain in “bubbles” when coming ashore.

The Council’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and, Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said: “We may have been thrown into the deep end somewhat give the scale of the first ship to call and it’s passenger capacity, however, no matter the size our rigorous health and safety protocols and procedures remain the same and are strictly adhered to.

“This is a significant milestone, and I am delighted with how our carefully planned systems performed in practice on the day. Although operators are initially taking a cautious approach by keeping those who are coming ashore together in ‘bubbles’, this will change in time and allow visitors to, once again, visit our fantastic local shops and businesses and enjoy the high street.

“My thanks must go to all involved in the collaborative working to allow us to reach this point as safely as possible but also to many people in Orkney who have extended a traditional Orcadian welcome to our cruise visitors. On the whole, this has been a very positive experience.

“I again wish to reassure those who remain concerned at the resumption of cruise that we will continue to do all we can to keep everyone safe.”

The visits come after a relaxation of restrictions by the Scottish Government, although it will remain domestic sailings with UK passengers only for the time being.

The cruise industry was brought to a standstill as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic with the last liner to call into Orkney in February 2020.

Since then, extensive collaborative working has been ongoing for the resumption of another industry in Orkney – a vital part of the tourism sector and many associated businesses in the islands.

Orkney Harbour Authority Business Development Manager, Paul Olvhoj, was present at Hatston to  welcome the first liner. He said: “From my perspective we are happy as to how everything went with the first caller. Feedback from the vessel and passengers was very positive and there was a genuine pleasure from everyone on the quay to see cruise returning.”

Liners calling into Orkney will follow stringent health and safety onboard protocols which have been put in place over many months in collaboration with the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland.

All passengers, unless exempt, are required to wear face coverings on board in communal areas and maintain the 1m distancing. Cruise ships each have their own Covid management plans, audited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, including a comprehensive testing programme for passengers and crew and enhanced onboard medical facilities.

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