Invergordon exclusive cruise ship visit gives youngsters the time of their lives
A lucky group of Invergordon school pupils sampled a taste of life on the ocean wave on a special trip recently.
A total of 20 pupils, accompanied by four members of staff, from South Lodge Primary School enjoyed a VIP visit to one of the many cruise ships that call at the port town over the summer months.
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They were guests of honour aboard the AIDALuna while it was docked in Invergordon on Friday, May 23, its captain having noted their interest on an earlier visit.
Head teacher David Hayes-MacLeod explained: “The captain of the ship on a recent visit to Invergordon had been passing our school and noticed that one of our new art work boards that pupils were involved in making, and which was unveiled at our 50th birthday last year, depicted one of his cruise ships.
“He was extremely touched that we had used that for our art work and then made it his mission to have some of the pupils on board for a visit.
“The 20 children and four staff members were collected by coach and taken down to the port where we were met at the ship by the captain and some senior staff from the AIDALuna.
“Photographs were taken and everyone given a security lanyard to wear, and then we were all taken onto the ship and straight to the ship’s theatre. There the children were entertained to a hula hoop artiste and also met the AIDALuna mascot, Doddie.
“Then followed a tour of the main public areas of the ship including the sun deck where the children saw the swimming pools of the ship, the sports complex and then as a special treat children and staff were invited to help themselves to as much food as possible from one of the ship’s buffet restaurants!”
The children then enjoyed exclusive access to to the ship’s Kids’ Club soft play centre before being presented with a goodie bag each to take away.
P5 pupil Jayden Robertson, who was among those who enjoyed the trip, said afterwards: “My dream has come true! I have always wanted to be on a cruise ship and today it happened.”
Mr Hayes-MacLeod added: “I want to thank the staff at Port of Cromarty Firth for facilitating this visit and a heartfelt thank you must also go to the captain and staff of the AIDALuna cruise ship for providing the children with the most wonderful memories and experience of their lives!”
