Queen Anne takes little piece of Invergordon with her after maiden visit to Easter Ross port
A LITTLE piece of Ross-shire is set to travel around the world with a head-turning new cruise liner which paid her maiden visit to the area this week.
The Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon – sometimes dubbed the gateway to the Highlands – welcomed Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne yesterday.
Queen Anne berthed at Invergordon early in the morning as part of a spectacular British Isles Festival Voyage – a celebratory ‘lap of honour’ circumnavigation of the British Isles.
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Her transit and arrival attracted significant spectator interest as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her first call at Invergordon.
Cunard guests sailing on board had the opportunity to enjoy a range of shore excursions including a chance to cruise the Caledonian Canal as part of a unique Queen Anne experience.
This historic visit was marked by a short plaque ceremony during which the ship and the port exchanged specially commissioned commemorative plaques. The port plaque will be displayed on board Queen Anne and the ship’s memento will be displayed by the Port.
A traditional piper played on the pier as Queen Anne sailed into port, with spectators also treated to a tug water cannon display during her arrival.
The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage departed Southampton on May 24 and includes a spectacular naming ceremony for the ship in Cunard’s spiritual home at Liverpool on June 3.
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our guests on board can visit Scotland, including the beautiful Highlands. Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores is a truly historic sailing for Cunard.”
The 113,000-ton, 3000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, offers travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.
