CRUISE THE HIGHLANDS SHARE IN THE RICHNESS OF THE REGION

CRUISE THE HIGHLANDS SHARE IN THE RICHNESS OF THE REGION

2 A WARM HIGHLAND WELCOME

A LEADING SCOTTISH CRUISE DESTINATION Regarded by many as the true gateway to Scotland s Highlands, the Port of Cromarty Firth which includes Invergordon is a large deepwater port with a proven track record for handling calls by large cruise ships with up to 4,000 passengers. Nowadays almost every cruise line that calls at Northern European ports calls at Invergordon at least once a year, and frequently more often. A COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY Captain Iain Dunderdale, who was recently honoured with an Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his major contribution to the growth of the European cruise industry. Widely recognised as Mr Cruise Scotland for his role in the region s commercial development, Captain Iain Dunderdale is a leading light in the cruise industry. From autumn 2016 Captain Dunderdale heads the Port s cruise company. From very humble beginnings in 1989 with a single ship carrying just 200 passengers, I have travelled the world for more than 25 years, promoting the Port of Cromarty Firth and the Highlands as the number one cruise destination in Scotland. Building year-on-year we have grown to accommodate a record-breaking number of visitors and, at the time of writing, we have just welcomed our 1000th liner into the Port. Looking to the future I m excited to be part of the cruise vision for the Port of Cromarty Firth. Having worked for the Port for decades, I know that the team here are the safest and most experienced pair of hands to develop and deliver the best cruise opportunities for operators and customers alike. At Port of Cromarty Firth we appreciate the commercial necessity for today s cruise operators to maximise revenue per passenger during each voyage. As Highland experts we have a sharp eye for the rich opportunities that the region can offer passengers and operators alike, and are dedicated to working with our partners to develop the most rewarding shore-based experiences possible. RICH EXPERIENCES AND EXCURSIONS With over 85 different shore excursions on offer, passengers are guaranteed to find an authentic Highland experience from Invergordon. Experience rich, Scottish history at Dunrobin, Castle of Mey, Eilean Donan and Urquhart. Play golf on Scotland s oldest and most respected courses Royal Dornoch, Fortrose, Tain and Castle Stuart. Ride the the Strathspey Steam Railway or explore the Cairngorms National Park and Inverewe Gardens... and of course, passengers can discover for themselves the truth behind the famous Nessie, with Loch Ness Cruises within easy reach from the port. PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. 3

A HIGHLANDS FOR EVERYONE Our authentic shorebased experience packages financially benefit cruise operators while also contributing to the local economy. Cruise to Cromarty Firth and your experience more closely-matched passengers will find more than the to their individual interests. picture-postcard lochs and glens The experiences on offer mean that of the Scottish Highlands. Port of Cromarty Firth creates on-shore Highlands experience packages that meet the unique expectations of 21st century cruise passengers; people looking for a memorable 4 visitors are temporarily transformed from cruise passengers into something more active. After all, we believe you don t just visit the Highlands you take part. Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

WHERE PASSENGERS BECOME SPOTTERS In such an outstanding setting wildlife is abundant and nature presents a spectacular display. Each year over 30,000 birds set up their seasonal homes at the Firth, feeding on the 21 species of algae and eelgrass. Home to approximately 300 harbour seals, the Firth also has a group of around 195 bottlenose dolphins, one of only two resident populations in the UK. Our wildlife tours and expeditions let your passengers become spotters, immersing themselves in this captivating wildlife. And who knows what creatures await those that visit the famous waters of Loch Ness? WHERE PASSENGERS BECOME HISTORIANS The tranquil beauty of today s Highland landscape masks the region s battle-scarred past, with majestic buildings and monuments standing as the last remnants of its turbulent history. From the atmospheric beauty of Cawdor Castle mentioned in Shakespeare s Macbeth and the majestic Eilean Donan Castle to the awardwinning Culloden Battlefield, a visit to the Port is a chance for cruise passengers to step back in time when they step ashore. WHERE PASSENGERS BECOME TASTERS For an authentic taste of the Highlands cruise passengers can visit many local distilleries including the picturesque Glenmorangie Distillery, founded in 1843. Home to one of the most well-known of all Highland Scotch Whiskies, visitors can see this famous malt whisky at various stages of production before sampling a wee dram. If whisky isn t their cup of tea visitors can also find traditional tearooms with home baking on offer, or visit the vibrant cafes of the nearby city of Inverness to sample local dishes with an emphasis on fresh, locally-grown organic produce. WHERE PASSENGERS BECOME CHAMPIONS The Highlands truly puts the great into the great outdoors, making it an ideal place for cruise passengers seeking more active on-shore pursuits. Whether it s a round of golf at Royal Dornoch Golf Course, mountain biking the Highland Wildcat Trails, conquering Scotland s Munros, or even an off-road driving experience in a 4x4, visitors will leave the Highlands feeling energised and exhilarated in equal measure. PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. 5

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE In today s competitive market landscape we recognise the danger of becoming complacent about our success, and the importance of making a long-term investment in the future of the Port. Due for completion in 2020, plans for a new 25m quay expansion mark the fourth phase of the Port s development, and will support the continued growth of our successful cruise liner business. The new quayside and passenger facilities (pictured) are designed to accommodate the increased numbers of passengers and the larger vessels (>300m) visiting Port of Cromarty Firth. These developments will ensure that the Port is well positioned for the future; enhancing the overall experience so that both cruise operators and passengers alike are encouraged to return to the Highlands time and time again. 6

PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. 7

8 INVESTING FOR THE HIGHLANDS

PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. 9

10 SHARE IN THE RICHNESS

MAXIMISE SHORE EXCURSION REVENUES We value what each cruise brings to the economy of the Highlands. Recognising this, the Port of Cromarty Firth partnership model ensures that each on-shore activity represents a rewarding commercial opportunity for the cruise operators that bring trade to the region. IT S ABOUT TIME Hundreds of years of welcoming passengers and sending them on their way has taught us the importance of keeping to schedule. We bring the Highlands to the berth, welcoming passengers with a pipeband and offering an onboard folkloric show, immersing all visiting passengers in the culture and tradition of the Highlands. Our structured experience packages are based around the practicalities of the cruise timetable. With half-day and full-day excursions available, visitors can plan on making the most of every moment they spend in the Highlands. WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES Port of Cromarty Firth Invergordon is one of three ports in Scotland capable of accommodating vessels of 350m in length alongside the quay. A natural, sheltered deepwater harbour, Invergordon is home to 4 berths. Cruise ships are able to enter and leave the Firth at all states of the tide and weather conditions, allowing schedules to be planned in advance with no waiting for the tide. PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. 11

Port Office, Shore Road, Invergordon, Scotland IV18 0HD T +44 (0) 1349 852308 E cruise@cfpa.co.uk www.cfpa.co.uk The Port of Invergordon is just an overnight cruise away from Edinburgh, Lerwick, Torshavn, Bergen and many other top European destinations. PORT DETAILS Location: 57 41 N 004 10 W No. of Berths: 4 A9 Berth details: Admiralty Pier Max LOA 350m, Max Draught 10.5m Saltburn Pier Max LOA 300m, Max Draught 10.5m The Port is within 36 hours of Amsterdam, Southampton, Hamburg and Dublin. Airdraught: Beam of Ship: Service Base Max LOA 350m, Max Draught 9m Proposed new berth - Max LOA 365m No restrictions No restrictions ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF COURSE Anchorage: Yes available if all Berths occupied Anchorage Position: 57 40.95 N 004 09.6W Distance to Landing Stage: 0.3 NM Tidal range/movement: Springs 3.7m, Neaps 1.8m GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY Pilotage: Town centre: Compulsory 0.5km DALMORE DISTILLERY A9 Shuttle to town: Nearest airport: Only when vessel berthed on Saltburn Pier Inverness 50km ELGIN INVERGORDON FORT GEORGE A96 CASTLE STUART GOLF COURSE CAWDOR CASTLE INVERNESS CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD URQUHART CASTLE A82 LOCH NESS A9 SPEYSIDE WHISKY TRAIL (DUFFTOWN) 12 PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH YOUR VISIT. YOUR EXPERIENCE. CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK