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The Isles of Scilly recoded 46 cruise calls and 19,000 passengers this season.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Bolette in the Isles of Scilly last weekPHOTO: SCILLONIAN MARINE CONSULTANTS
The Isles of Scilly received 46 cruise calls carrying 19,000 passengers during the 2026 season with no weather-related cancellations.
The season concluded on September 15 when Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines' Bolette anchored in Crow Sound for passenger transfers to St Mary's and Tresco.
The destination operates as a tender port, which typically faces higher cancellation rates due to weather exposure compared to alongside berths.
The islands maintain two dedicated cruise ship anchorages, allowing operators to select positions based on weather conditions. Local tender operators can handle conditions that may challenge cruise ships' own tender operations.
Port operators report increased communication from cruise captains seeking real-time weather assessments before making operational decisions, rather than relying solely on weather forecasts.
"This local knowledge can make a significant difference," said Tom Jackman, MD of Scillonian Marine Consultants. "Back in May, one of the smaller cruise ships called at Scilly despite forecast conditions showing winds of more than 20 knots and a predicted swell of over four metres. While the forecast could have suggested a cancellation, the ship was able to anchor in a position where there was almost no swell and the visit went ahead as planned."
Jackman said: "Understanding the capabilities of individual ships, their tender arrangements and the conditions at each anchorage enables us to provide an informed and honest assessment."
Two cruise lines made maiden calls this season: SeaDream Yacht Club deployed SeaDream II, while Vestland Classic included the destination in Nordstjernen's 70th anniversary itinerary. Both calls occurred on the same day this month.
SeaDream I has confirmed a booking for September 2027.
Jackman stated: "While we can't control the weather, we can control how we prepare for it. A 100% success rate for our 46 cruise ships is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the importance of Scilly's two anchorages, the capabilities of our local tenders and above all, the value of local knowledge."
Fuente: sea-trade cruise