Invergordon prepares to welcome superliner
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BRITAIN’S biggest cruise ship is to make a maiden call into the port of Invergordon next month.
Britannia, launched by the Queen in March, will sail into the Cromarty Firth on July 9 as part of her first ever British Isles cruise. The 141,000-ton luxury liner is the largest of eight ships in service with P&O Cruises and is also the flagship of the fleet.
Built in Italy at a cost of £473 million, she has 15 decks and can carry 4,324 passengers and 1,400 officers and crew.
The colossal vessel boasts the largest British spa at sea, a state-of-the-art theatre, four swimming pools, 13 places to eat, a gym and a multi-million pound art collection.
Another special feature is the liner’s Cookery Club, an exclusive cookery school developed in association with TV chef James Martin.
He will be joined later in the year by other celebrity cooks including Mary Berry, Antonio Carluccio and Paul Rankin so that guests can hone their cooking skills on board.
P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: "It is fitting that Britannia’s maiden season includes a British Isles itinerary featuring calls into so many wonderful ports.
"We are excited to be able to showcase this fabulous ship in Invergordon and hope that the residents of Invergordon are just as excited to see her.
"Not only will Britannia provide a boost to the local economy, but she will be a spectacular addition to the Scottish coastline."
Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said: "We are delighted that the Britannia will be making its maiden call to Invergordon.
"This year we are welcoming some of the world’s newest and largest cruise ships into port, making use of the deep water that we have to offer and the easy access to iconic Highland tourism destinations.
"The maiden visit by Britannia is really good news for everyone."
The Port of Cromarty Firth is currently enjoying a record cruise ship season.
It began on March 17, the earliest ever start to the season, with a total of 56 cruise ships coming into port until October 15.
The liners will bring around 91,000 passengers and 30,000 crew to the area – the highest number of visitors since the port went into the cruise ship market in 1978.
The passenger record is a 26.4 per cent increase on last year and will boost the local economy by more than £10 million.
Britannia is expected to arrive in the Cromarty Firth at 9am on Thursday, July 9 and depart at 10pm.
