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Press and Journal
20-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Tourist claims he saw Nessie as passengers from biggest cruise ship of season enjoy ‘beautiful and green' Inverness
Thousands of passengers travelling on the largest cruise ship of the season packed Inverness today. MSC Preziosa, a £450 million luxury cruiser, tied up in the Port of Cromarty Firth carrying 4,300 passengers – more than the entire population of Invergordon. After the giant ship docked at around 6am, passengers flocked into dozens of tourist buses to see the Highlands for themselves. They first visited Loch Ness before being dropped just outside St Andrews Cathedral. The Press and Journal was there to welcome the first passengers arriving at around 9am. They told us their first impression of Inverness was how 'green' it is. Later in the day, around 1pm, those coming back to their buses described it as a 'little, beautiful city.' The Highlands were the first stop of MSC Preziosa, which departed Hamburg on Sunday. It left Invergordon this afternoon for Iceland, where it will stop for four days. Some passengers admitted Inverness 'wasn't the main attraction' of their holiday. However, they were pleasantly surprised by what the Highland capital had to offer. 'We're on our way to Iceland so that's kind of the main attraction but since it's stopped here, we're going to look around and wander around,' said Argentinian Maria Jose and her friend Maria, who is from the US. They added: 'We really like Inverness. Although we wanted to see the castle, but it's closed.' Similarly, Gino, 82, from Italy and Marina, 73, from Spain, explained they wanted to go to Iceland for their golden wedding anniversary. However, they said that they 'like' Inverness and that their favourite thing about the city is 'how green everything is.' Meanwhile, Julia, 41, and Frank, 46, from Germany, described Inverness as 'beautiful.' 'It's very nice, very green,' they said. Alberto, 38, and Carol 41, from Spain, also loved how green the Highland capital is. He said: 'It's gorgeous, very beautiful, I really like it because of how green it is.' Meanwhile, Carol said she was enjoying 'the small houses'. The P&J then spoke to tour guide Desire Ventura, who was supervising a group of Spanish and Italians. She said: 'They are loving it. They took a lot of photos of the traditional houses and they are loving the weather. 'They loved Loch Ness too.' Jorge and Maria Suarez, a married couple from Cuba who live in Miami, spoke to the P&J shortly after arriving in Inverness. Jorge, 70, said: 'My wife wanted to come because she watched Outlander. 'We don't know much about Inverness. We want to discover it, that's what I like. Because if I go to a place knowing it all, what's the point?' His first impression of the city was how 'beautiful and stunning' it is. We spoke to them three hours later before they jumped back on the bus. He added: 'Everything is so well-preserved. It's very beautiful. 'My favourite part was seeing the old buildings in the Crown area.' Meanwhile, Leoni, her dad Matias and grandma Rita, from Germany, think Inverness is 'a little, beautiful city.' Frank, 56, and Weibke, 52, also from Germany, said Inverness is a 'nice city' and that 'everywhere you look there's nature.' 'We also went to Loch Ness, but we didn't see Nessie,' they added. However, a Slovenian tourist claims to have had better luck in spotting the Loch Ness Monster. Dusan, 70, claims he saw her before arriving in Inverness. He said: 'I wanted to go to Inverness to see Nessie and I saw her, just the tail though. 'I was on the edge of the lake and then I started to see her. It was like seeing a UFO.' Later in Inverness, he was very impressed by Greig Street Bridge. He said: 'I went to the city centre and then I was on this bridge that was built in 1881. 'Then I went for a drink. The bridge was my favourite part of Inverness.'
Press and Journal
20-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Inside luxury £450 million cruise ship with 4,300 passengers docking at Invergordon port
Invergordon will welcome its largest cruise ship of the year today – carrying more passengers than the town's population. Sailing under the Panama flag, MSC Preziosa was built 12 years ago, costing around £450 million. The vessel made its maiden visit to the Highlands in 2017 and is now returning for a fifth time. Preziosa features 18 decks and accommodation for up to 4,345 passengers as well as 1,370 crew. The population of Invergordon sat at around 3,890 in 2020. The visit to the Port of Cromarty Firth is part of an 11-day round-trip from Hamburg, which will also stop in Reykjavik in Iceland and Kirkwall in Orkney. MSC Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: 'We're delighted that MSC Preziosa is calling at Invergordon. 'Offering our guests the perfect gateway to experience the breath-taking beauty and rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands. 'It's a standout destination, ideal for exploring Scotland's dramatic landscapes and vibrant local culture.' The 1,094 ft cruise ship, built in France, boasts 1,094 balcony cabins, 405 interior cabins and 97 suites. During their time on board, guests have the option of nine restaurants and 20 bars and lounges. MSC Preziosa features four swimming pools, a luxury spa, a casino and its own 4D cinema – as well as an arcade and bowling alley. Mr Paradiso added: 'As one of our most elegant ships, MSC Preziosa offers a wealth of exceptional onboard experiences. 'From refined dining and world-class entertainment to relaxing spa facilities and stylish lounges.' Entertainment on board includes live music and theatre performances, with venues spread across multiple decks. One of its most impressive features is a grand three-deck theatre. The ship also features sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases and an infinity pool. Its central promenade features several luxury shops which sell goods including clothing and jewellery. The vessel weighs in at 139,072 gross tonnes and has its own top-deck aqua park with one of the longest single-rider waterslides at sea. The owner said the ship 'combines modern amenities with a Mediterranean-inspired design'. More than 150,000 passengers will arrive at the Port of Cromarty Firth in 2025, with 97 cruise ship calls scheduled. The season will draw to a close on October 29 with Preziosa, the largest cruise ship of the year, expected to return twice. Six vessels will be making their maiden calls to the Port over the coming months. Port of Cromarty Firth cruise manager Allison McGuire said: 'It is always a very exciting time at the port. 'We look forward welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the rich variety of attractions this wonderful area offers. 'The sector creates jobs and business opportunities across the Highland region, with up to 100 people involved just on the port side in a typical visit, including security officers, mooring crew, tour guides and coach drivers.'
