Century is latest visitor attraction

**alphakitty** · 05-25-2007, 10:04 AM

Published: 25 May, 2007

A MONSTER of the sea carrying 1,500 passengers into the port of Invergordon became something of a visitor attraction itself at the weekend.

The ten-deck, 70,000-ton Century, making her maiden visit to the Easter Ross town, was the biggest cruise liner of the season so far.

One of Celebrity Cruises' most luxurious liners, it is on a 10-day round Britain and Ireland cruise from Amsterdam.

The passengers, who are mostly American, spent the day touring the area's attractions, including Invergordon's mural trail.

Iain Dunderdale, cruise development manager for Cruise Highlands, who was there to welcome passengers, said, "She really is a stunning liner.

"With ten decks, Century has world-class facilities, including a spa, internet cafes, full-size theatre and the first cigar bar at sea."

Some 35,000 tourists will disembark in Invergordon this year, spending upwards of £6 million, the development group says.

he arrival of the liner marked a significant milestone for the Easter Ross port. It now means that every major cruise line in the world has visited Invergordon.

In keeping with tradition, Highland Council and Cruise Highlands Ltd., marked the occasion of the ship's inaugural visit by presenting a commemorative plaque and a copy of the book "This Noble Harbour" to the ship's Captain, Nikolaos Pagonis.

Representing Highland Council on her first civic duty since being elected, Councillor Maxine Smith said, "I was delighted to have the opportunity to formally welcome this ship to Invergordon.

"The fact that it was sailing almost full, is testament to the popularity of Invergordon as a port of call.

"Captain Pagonis was quick to point out to me that the reason they came to Invergordon was because of the wealth of history, heritage and stunning scenery which the Highlands has to offer."