The Isles of Scilly welcomed their first cruise call of 2024 this week on 24 April, marking the start of a busy season ahead.
Maud, operated by HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), arrived during the morning as part of the ship’s UK-wide cruise.
It was the first of five visits to the islands, which lie 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, for Maud scheduled for this year.
The ship has been a regular visitor to Scilly for many years, with the passengers enjoying time at the famous Tresco Abbey Gardens, exploring St Mary’s and taking sea safaris to spot seals and marine life.
Maud, named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen’s Maud of 1917, is a good size to access some more remote destinations which larger cruise ships cannot reach.
Almost 60 cruises carrying up to 30,000 passengers will be calling at the Isles of Scilly this season.
Every ship is a return visitor, with the main operator being Ambassador Cruises, which will be making nine port calls with Ambience and Ambition.
Last year alone around 25,000 passengers on board 53 cruise ships visited the islands between April and October.
