Stornoway Port prepares for record 2026 cruise season with 89 calls

Stornoway Port Authority is set to welcome a record 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season.

The season is expected to bring around 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, generating an estimated £7.8m for the local economy.

Port officials said the figures reflect “sustained demand” from cruise operators and the increasing importance of cruise tourism to island businesses.

Among the high-profile vessels scheduled to visit are MSC Preziosa, Carnival Legend and Queen Anne, the newest flagship of Cunard Line.

Queen Anne, Cunard’s first new ship in more than a decade, will return to Stornoway following a successful maiden call in 2025.

It follows the development of the £59m Deep Water Terminal, which has expanded Stornoway’s capacity to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships.

MSC Preziosa, which can carry more than 4,300 passengers, and Carnival Legend are both expected to deliver significant visitor numbers.

Kirsty Hutchison, cruise and marketing manager at Stornoway Port, said the 2026 schedule marked a “major milestone” for the port.

She said: “The 2026 cruise season represents another major milestone for Stornoway Port, with 89 scheduled calls highlighting the continued growth in demand from international cruise operators.

“The return of high-profile vessels such as Queen Anne, alongside visits from MSC Preziosa and Carnival Legend, demonstrates the strength of Stornoway’s reputation as a world-class destination.

“Our Deep Water Terminal continues to transform what the Port can offer, strengthening our ability to accommodate larger vessels and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

“Looking ahead, we are progressing plans for the next phase of development at the Terminal, alongside the ongoing development of Arnish Road, to further build capacity and resilience across the estate.”

Port officials said the infrastructure projects are intended to secure long-term economic benefits for the Outer Hebrides, supporting employment and reinforcing Stornoway’s role within Scotland’s cruise sector.

“Crucially, investment in Arnish Road goes well beyond cruise”, Mrs Hutchison added. “It provides essential access for those employed at the Arnish fabrication yard and supports the many other businesses operating within the Arnish Industrial Estate. It is vital for year-round economic activity on the islands.

“These investments are about more than infrastructure alone. They are about securing lasting economic benefit for the Outer Hebrides, creating opportunity, supporting high-quality employment and ensuring Stornoway continues to play a leading role in Scotland’s cruise offering.”