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Tui's Marella Explorer 2 will be the first cruise ship to visit the Cromarty Firth since 2019


By Calum MacLeod

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The Marella Explorer 2 will make her first visit to the Cromarty Firth next weekend.
The Marella Explorer 2 will make her first visit to the Cromarty Firth next weekend.

The Port of Cromarty Firth will welcome its first cruise ship since 2019 with the arrival of the Marella Explorer 2 next Sunday, July 25.

The 72,000tn Marella Explorer 2, owned by tour group Tui, will be making her inaugural call to Invergordon with a further three calls throughout the season, carrying British passengers and calling at British ports only.

UK Government, Scottish Government and cruise operators have put in place a range of strict protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and members of the public as the industry begins to resume activity.

As well as following UK Government industry protocols on passenger numbers, cruise ships visiting Scotland will also be expected to follow all Scottish Government guidance and regulations.

Safety measures implemented by the cruise industry include a negative PCR test prior to embarking for all passengers and crew and consent to testing during the cruise.

At this stage shore excursion bubbles are in place and passengers will only be permitted ashore on an organised ships excursion. This is subject to review by the Scottish Government at the end of the month.

PoCF chief executive Bob Buskie.
PoCF chief executive Bob Buskie.

Bob Buskie, Port of Cromarty Firth chief executive, said: “The region’s tourism businesses will be excited to see cruise ships return to the Highlands, and it is an honour to welcome the Marella Explorer 2 following a difficult 16-months for the whole travel industry. This marks a major milestone in our managed return to ‘normality’ which is a moment the whole country has been working towards.

“As we begin this journey towards the return of cruise, the safety of the local community and the Port’s staff remains our number one priority.

"Cruise tourism restarted in England in the middle of May. Nevertheless, we appreciate that some people may have concerns as restrictions are eased and we will work in partnership with them to address and alleviate any worries that they may have."

Following mainland Scotland's move to Level 0 this week, Port of Cromarty Firth has also scheduled a further Covid-secure check with port health representatives from Highland Council Environmental Health Team ahead of the Marella explorer 2's arrival, Mr Buskie added.

The Marella Explorer 2’s arrival comes as the Port of Cromarty Firth moves ahead with infrastructure improvements in Invergordon, in response to feedback from local stakeholders and in preparation for the return to cruise activity across Scotland.

The Port has worked in collaboration with The Highland Council, Invergordon Community Council, Invergordon Development Trust, Police Scotland, Stagecoach and local tour operators to identify and agree on solutions which will enhance management of cruise traffic and passengers in the town.

Improvements will include a new pedestrian crossing funded by the Port, which will improve road and passenger safety. Upgraded visitor information signage is also set to be erected to help guide visitors to local businesses and attractions.

Highland Council also plans to create a new passenger pick-up and drop-off zone adjacent to the Port’s West Harbour which will limit congestion, while newly marked parking bays will prevent buses and coaches from parking without risk of a fine.

While public transport provision falls outside of the Port’s responsibilities, bus group Stagecoach has also engaged with community groups and agreed to provide increased public transport for locals.

Mr Buskie added: “Port of Cromarty Firth appreciates the anxiety that many stakeholders feel with regards to the transition to level zero and the opening up of society to pre-Covid working arrangements. Rest assured the Port and its customers, employees and supply chain are doing everything possible to manage this transition phase as constructively and safely as possible.”


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