Large ships in small cities are something of a dilemma for tour operators. The Caribbean Princess, the largest cruise-ship ever to dock at the Hatson Pier in Kirkwall, arrived last Friday. So on that day the population was boosted by 3200 passengers and 1000 crew. That's exactly 50% of the number of residents.
2000 of the passengers, and some crew members, thronged the streets. The remaining 1200 passengers were taken in 25 buses to see the sights of Orkney Mainland. Did the urban and rural areas as well as the roads have an authentic feel, the sort described in the brochures? The Orcadian reports on the event.
The irony is that when everyone returned to the ship they were able to experience the sights of its interior - apparently on the same scale as St Magnus Cathedral! This was the first of five visits in 2013 by the cruise-ship with considerable capacity.
Scottish Islands Explorer - fills a more limited space
Can't think of a worse way to spend time than a cruise with 3000+ people, who must overwhelm and spoil the atmosphere of everywhere they invade.
ReplyDeleteInfinitely more enjoyable to travel alone, as a couple or on a SMALL trip to the islands with Northern Light or similar.