WATCH: Cruise liner Marella Explorer 2 marks a milestone with visit to Port of Cromarty Firth in the Highlands
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A MAJOR milestone in the coronavirus crisis was marked yesterday when an Easter Ross port welcomed its first cruise liner visit since 2019.
The pandemic brought the record-breaking business to a shuddering halt back in March last year asd the country went into a lockdown.
Yesterday's visit by the Tui-owned Marella Explorer 2 marked the gradual resumption of activity under strict Covid-19 guidelines.
The 72,000tn vessel is carrying British passengers only and they and the crew are to follow strict Covid-secure safety measures including a specific testing regime.
Safety measures include a negative PCR test prior to embarking for all passengers and crew and consent to testing during the cruise.
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.
The business, which has been growing steadily in recent years, has been estimated to be worth £18m a year to the Highland economy in normal times.
First visit since Covid is a major step forward
