Cruise ship kicks off season on Scilly
THE Isles of Scilly welcomed the first cruise call of 2024 in April, marking the start of a busy season ahead.
MS Maud, operated by HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), arrived on Wednesday, April 24, as part of a UKwide cruise.
It was the first of five visits to the islands, which lie 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, for MS Maud this year.
The ship has been a regular visitor to Scilly for many years, with passengers enjoying the world-famous Tresco Abbey Gardens, exploring St Mary’s and taking sea safari.
Almost 60 cruises carrying up to 30,000 passengers will be calling at the Isles of Scilly this season.
Every ship is a return visitor, with the main operator being Ambassador Cruises, which will be making nine port calls with Ambience and Ambition.
Last year alone around 25,000 passengers on board 53 cruise ships visited the islands between April and October.
Tom Jackman, managing director of Scillonian Marine Consultants, which provides port agency and excursion management services to cruise ships visiting the Isles of Scilly, said: “It’s exciting to welcome the first cruise ship of 2024 to our islands and hails the start of another eventful year ahead. 2023 was Scilly’s busiest year for cruise calls since 2018, and we are looking forward to building on that success.
“The Isles of Scilly is a special place and I’m delighted so many passengers are getting to experience everything we have to offer. We have a strategic plan to improve the passenger experience and bring more local businesses to the cruise ship sector of the islands’ tourism industry.”