Scotland set to lift cruise ban

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Scotland will lift the cruise ban from July 19, a call that Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) have expressed delight over. 

The controversial ban was put in place in June amid rising cases of Covid in the country. The last-minute move came into place as MSC Virtuosa was due to call at Greenock on June 9. The stop was cancelled, with an alternative overnight stay in Liverpool as a result, and the lines two following June departures calling at Greenock cancelled. 

The ban also created changed itineraries for other cruise lines as well as repositioning of ships and the cancellation of Riviera Tours Scotland programmes. 

Sturgeon confirmed that Scotland would be moving to a level zero on Covid restrictions from next week, allowing for domestic cruise ships to once again resume calls at Scottish ports. The news follows multiple cruise lines returning to service around the world, including in the UK, at the beginning of July. 

Clia UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “We are pleased that today’s announcement indicates that cruises on domestic itineraries can now visit Scottish ports from July 19.

“Domestic sailings have safely and successfully restarted in England, and the effective measures that are in place both on and off ships will similarly be used on cruises visiting Scotland.

“We look forward to cruise ships calling at Scottish ports this summer, with guests able to explore some of the beautiful destinations.”