Lerwick harbour bosses said yesterday the port was on course for another record-breaking cruise ship season.
The first cruise boat of 2014 – the Discovery – is due to arrive this weekend, more than a month earlier than usual.
Operated by Cruise and Maritime Voyages, the ship is expected into Lerwick on Sunday for the first of three visits this month as it sails between ports in Scotland, England and Norway.
The vessel, which can carry 700 passengers, is expected to make a further five visits to the Shetland port this year.
Lerwick Port Authority (LPA) has 52 cruise ships booked for 2014, matching the 2012 record.
But the total gross tonnage of cruise boats is expected to reach a new high of nearly 2million tonnes, beating the previous record of 1.53milllion two years ago. An estimated 44,725 cruise ship passengers are expected this year, beating the previous record of 37,572 set in 2012.
The increased tonnage reflects a trend towards larger vessels visiting Lerwick, with the biggest visitor to date – the 114,288-tonne Costa Pacifica – due to return on June 25.
Other large ships this year will include two first time visitors, the 90,280-tonne Celebrity Infinity on June 9 and June 30 and the 113,561-tonne Ruby Princess on September 11.
There will be a total of eight first-time callers in a season, which runs to late-September.
LPA said the busiest months were June and July, each with 14 arrivals.
Deputy chief executive Victor Sandison added: “Repeat visits, maiden calls and strong forward bookings underline the popularity of Shetland with cruise line operators and passengers.
“The combination of port facilities, warm welcome and numerous attractions has as powerful an appeal as ever.”
Advance bookings for 2015 currently add up to 31 ships totalling more than 1.5million gross tonnes and carrying an estimated 32,640 passengers.
Meanwhile, LPA is taking part in the Cruise Shipping Miami show next week and will also be at Seatrade Med event in Barcelona in September.