Maltapost issues special first day cover celebrating MSC Splendida's maiden call in Malta
independent.com.mt
2009-08-03 10:57:28
What is being billed as the most beautiful ship in the world, the MSC Splendida, will enter one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, the Grand Harbour, at 8am on 15 July to berth at the newly rebuilt and extended Viset Waterfront quays 1 and 2.

Pay Early and Receive Gratuity Package on 2010 and 2011 Windstar Sailings
hospitality-industry.com
2009-08-03 09:01:51
The gratuity package covers the daily $12 per guest hotel service charge with a value of $84 per guest on a 7-day cruise and $168 per guest on a 14-day cruise. Final payment is normally due 90 days prior to cruise departure date, so this gives guests a great value for just paying 3 months earlier than when final payment is due.

Cruise tourism brings £4.2 million to the Falkland Islands
falklandnews.com
2009-08-03 09:00:19
Results released today, July 31, 2009, by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board reveal that cruise tourism brought almost £4.2 million revenue into the Falklands in the 2008-9 season.

Prestige Cruise Holdings Names Kamlani CFO
travelpulse.com
2009-08-03 08:26:39
Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent corporation of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, appointed Kunal Kamlani as chief financial officer.

Uniworld Offers Bonus Commissions for 2010 Europe River Cruises
travelpulse.com
2009-08-03 08:15:02
In conjunction with the launch of the 2010 Europe brochure, Uniworld is offering travel agency partners a $50-per-cabin bonus commission for booking 2010 Europe River Cruises made from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30.

CRUISE PLANNERS DONATES $11,000 FRANCHISE, PARTNERS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-08-03 08:12:30
Cruise Planners/American Express reached out to the local veteran community on July 28 with an event to celebrate the donation of a Cruise Planners franchise worth more than $11,000 and the announcement of the company's year-long charitable partnership with Royal Caribbean International and the Fisher House Foundation.

THE CHANCE TO VISIT ANTARCTICA THIS FALL - Guest's Save More Than $3,500, No Single Surcharge, and a $400 Onboard Credit for a Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Antarctic Voyage
travelersjournal.com
2009-08-03 07:52:30
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' 5-star ship MS HANSEATIC is offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to observe the gigantic colonies of birds, particularly penguins as they gather for the start of their summer in Antarctica.

New Monaco Grand Prix Cruise For 2010
travmedia.com/uk
2009-08-03 07:44:49
For the first time, the 170 passenger 'Star Flyer', (www.starclippers.co.uk) one of the world's largest and most luxurious tall ships, will be anchored in the bay of Monaco on the day of the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix.

Cruising into the pages of history
The Standard - HK
2009-08-03 07:40:49
The first cruise sailed from Hong Kong to Taiwan yesterday under new rules that allow mainlanders to travel to the island by taking Hong Kong- registered vessels.

Dominica - A Caribbean Cruise Stop With Plenty Of Choice
travmedia.com/uk
2009-08-03 07:39:28
Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is an increasingly popular destination for cruise ships due to the abundance of activities and adventures it offers.

UK - Conservatives lobby for upgrade of Liverpool's Cruise Liner Terminal
icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk
2009-08-02 16:49:47
SHADOW Home Secretary Chris Grayling has called on the Department for Transport to relax rules preventing cruise liners from starting and finishing their journeys at the Pier Head.

FRENCH MINISTER OF TOURISM VISITS ORIENT QUEEN
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-08-01 12:58:25
The French Ministry of Tourism and the AFFC (Association of French Ferries & Cruise Companies) held a meeting on board the Louis Cruises MV Orient Queen on July 20th 2009 highlighting the continuous growth of the French cruise market and its important contribution to the overall French tourism industry.

NEW GENERAL MANAGER FOR CRUISE AT THOMSON
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-08-01 12:56:18
A well known name in the cruise industry, Karen Doyle, has recently joined the Thomson Cruises team as General Manager for Cruise.

Air Emissions from Ships Decline at Port of Seattle - ABC Fuels program reduces sulfur dioxide 80%, diesel particulate matter 60%
Port of Seattle
2009-08-01 12:51:22
Ships at the Port of Seattle have reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide by at least 80 percent and diesel particulate matter by 60 percent through an innovative program called At-Berth Clean Fuels.

Renowned Maritime Author John Maxtone-Graham Celebrates 80th Birthday aboard Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line
2009-08-01 12:48:41
Renowned maritime author and historian John Maxtone-Graham celebrated his 80th birthday aboard Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 in New York.

Confusion over cruise flu claims
news.bbc.co.uk
2009-08-01 12:41:11
There are conflicting reports over whether dozens of people on a cruise liner which docked in the south of France are suffering from swine flu.

IsramWorld Enters Shore Excursion Market
travelpulse.com
2009-08-01 07:36:56
IsramWorld is launching "Shore Excursions by IsramWorld," a new series of custom private-car itineraries for cruise passengers. (www.isramworld.com)

Cruise line: Crew members negative for swine flu
etaiwannews.com
2009-07-31 15:02:20
Dozens of crew members and two passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship who were suspected of having swine flu have tested negative for the virus, the cruise operator said Friday.

Cruise Holidays Revamps Compass Consumer Magazine
travelpulse.com
2009-07-31 08:50:25
Cruise Holidays has enhanced Compass magazine, a consumer-facing digest-style magazine delivered direct to Cruise Holidays clients.

Port of San Diego to Break Ground on New Cruise Terminal
travelpulse.com
2009-07-31 08:47:12
The Port of San Diego will break ground for a new cruise ship terminal Aug. 4 on Broadway Pier.

HURTIGRUTEN ANNOUNCES FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF "HURTIGRUTEN ACADEMY" - Agents Become Certified Hurtigruten Specialists While Earning Valuable CLIA And CEU Credits
Hurtigruten
2009-07-31 08:43:54
Hurtigruten's user-friendly online education program ,"Hurtigruten Academy," is now fully implemented at www.hurtigrutenacademy.com. Each of the 14 15-60 minute modules allows travel agents to learn and proceed at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Save on Balcony Staterooms with 2009-2010 Winter Mediterranean Itineraries on MSC Cruises' Newest Ships
earthtimes.org
2009-07-31 08:40:39
Now is the ideal time to book a 2009-10 winter European cruise vacation with MSC Cruises while taking advantage of more than 60 percent in savings on balcony staterooms cruising two of the world's newest ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, when booked through August 31.

Cruise West Names Androlia as Top-Producing Travel Agent
travelpulse.com
2009-07-31 08:36:24
Cruise West announced that Linda Androlia of Sunstone Tours and Cruises was its top-producing agent for 2008.

Oasis of the Seas to Move Life Vests from Rooms to Deck
travelpulse.com
2009-07-31 08:34:42
In his blog about the new Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain said the life vests on the ship will be moved from staterooms to mustering stations on deck.

Shipbuilding market forecast for passenger vessel projects: Modest - but - steady growth in fleet size and capacity
cruisebusiness.com
2009-07-31 08:20:19
The latest Shipbuilding Market Forecast, published by Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Research, predicts continued modest-but-steady growth for the passenger ship sector over the next five years.

Swing, Dance and Sway the Night Away to Big Band Music While Cruising the Caribbean Aboard MSC Poesia - 15-Piece Les DeMerle Orchestra Performs on December 10, 2009 and February 27, 2010 Cruises
prnewswire.com
2009-07-31 08:11:43
Guests are invited to swing, dance, and sway to the sounds of Ellington, Basie, James and Miller as performed by the 15-piece Les DeMerle Orchestra while enjoying the balmy breezes of Caribbean ports onboard MSC Poesia for her 10-night, December 10, 2009 and 7-night, February 27, 2010 Big Band Caribbean cruises.

Cunard Hosts James Beard Foundation aboard Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line
2009-07-31 08:03:17
Cunard Line's Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmermann hosted the esteemed James Beard Foundation aboard the line's flagship Queen Mary 2 when it docked today in Brooklyn, New York.

Cruise ship oil spill discovered in Vancouver inlet
ctvbc.ctv.ca
2009-07-31 08:01:09
A fuel spill has been found blanketing the water around Canada Place in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet. A Peace Boat cruise ship docked in the port, the SS Oceanic, has taken responsibility for the spill, according to the Vancouver Coast Guard.

Phila. philanthropist to aid purchase of iconic ship
philly.com
2009-07-31 07:59:27
Local philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest has pledged a $300,000 matching grant to help a nonprofit purchase the SS United States, the iconic Cold War-era ocean liner docked in South Philadelphia.

Royal Caribbean Launches Groups Now Program
travelpulse.com
2009-07-31 07:44:18
Royal Caribbean International announced Groups Now, a program designed to help agents sell more groups.

Parnell is reluctant to repeal cruise industry head tax
ktva.com
2009-07-30 15:03:36
Gov. Sean Parnell would be reluctant to support a repeal or reduction of the state's $50 head tax on cruise passengers, he told reporters at a Wednesday meeting in Juneau.

Crime reports may become mandatory on cruises
kmph.com
2009-07-30 12:02:49
Legislation is heading for full House and Senate votes that would force cruise lines to carry rape investigation kits and publicize records of crimes committed at sea.

Experience the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix from on board Orion
Adventure and Expedition Cruising
2009-07-30 08:00:24
Orion Expedition Cruises, in association with Events Worldwide, is showcasing the Singapore Formula 1 Singtel Grand Prix with options of 3 or 4 night packages that include Grand Prix tickets.

Cunard Releases 2011 World Voyage Fares
Cunard Line Australia
2009-07-30 07:58:34
Cunard Line has released the fares for its 2011 World Voyage program which will see newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, make maiden visits to three Australian cities and will feature a spectacular Royal Rendezvous in Sydney with her big sister Queen Mary 2.

Seattle's Waterways Names Lomax President & COO
travelpulse.com
2009-07-30 07:55:50
Cruise industry veteran Michael Lomax was named the new president and COO of Seattle's Waterways Cruises and Events.

Cruise.Com Plans Cruise Dedicated to Divorced People
travelpulse.com
2009-07-30 07:43:55
Cruise.com has scheduled a series of cruises dedicated to the "divorced and single again" market.

COSTA NORTH AMERICA OFFERS NEW JOB LOSS PROTECTION PROGRAM
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-30 07:37:18
Costa Cruise Line is offering guests an added protection for job loss under its "Costa Carefree" Job Loss Protection Plan. The program provides coverage for cruise guests who involuntarily lose their job and covers cruise and air fares.

Cunard Announces Royal Rendezvous on Sydney Harbour in 2011
Cunard Line Australia
2009-07-30 07:35:29
Cunard Line has announced its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, will make maiden visits to three Australian cities in 2011 as part of her inaugural world voyage, which will feature a spectacular Royal Rendezvous in Sydney with her big sister Queen Mary 2.

Fidelio Cruise software helps set new service standards aboard MSC Splendida
Fidelio Cruise
2009-07-30 07:32:26
Fidelio Cruise software systems play a fundamental part in providing the very highest service standards on board the 3952-passenger MSC Splendida, the latest addition to MSC Cruises' fleet.

Celebrity Cruises plan design changes in Solstice 4 and 5
cruisebusiness.com
2009-07-30 07:30:32
Celebrity Cruises are planning to introduce design changes in the fourth and fifth unit of the Solstics class ships, according to Harri Kulovaara, evp of newbuildings at Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited.

Disney Features Kids Sail Free in Mediterranean for 2010
travelpulse.com
2009-07-30 07:25:28
Disney Cruise Line is offering a kids-sail-free promotion for a limited time on select 10- and 11-night Mediterranean Cruises in spring 2010.

Aqua Expeditions Reports Capture of Amazon River Bandits
travelpulse.com
2009-07-30 07:23:26
Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli-Zugaro said Peruvian news agencies are reporting the capture of six armed bandits who robbed passengers on its river vessel July 26 on the Amazon in Peru.

CRUISE LINES GENERATE RECORD $40 BILLION CONTRIBUTION TO U.S. ECONOMY IN 2008
CLIA
2009-07-30 07:20:52
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released "The Contribution of the North American Cruise Industry to the U.S. Economy in 2008" report, detailing the industry's strong performance despite uncertain economic times, which began more than a year ago.

Alicante becomes a Cruise ship home port again
torrevieja.com
2009-07-30 07:10:39
Italy's largest Cruise Line, MSC recently announced that starting next September, the port of Alicante will be the place of embarkation for the 'MSC Orchestra' and 'MSC Opera'.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival dip after results
bellinghamherald.com
2009-07-29 15:03:31
Shares of cruise line companies sank Wednesday after Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. told investors it lost a worse-than-expected $35 million in the second quarter and lowered its outlook.

Chance and Fortune Bring Luck to Crystal Greek Isles Voyage
prnewswire.com
2009-07-29 15:03:30
High-rolling luxury travelers can enjoy an expanded focus on gaming in the land where it originated. Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises' Chance & Fortune Experiences of Discovery cruise will sail throughout the Greek Isles, revisiting the origins of gambling and Tycho, the goddess of Chance, and her son, Fortune.

'Here Comes the Sun': Celebrity Equinox Named in Southampton - Founder of Walk the Walk Presides as Godmother of Second New Solstice-Class Ship
sunherald.com
2009-07-29 12:11:40
In formal ceremonies today in the historic port of Southampton, England, before an audience of press, travel agents, and other special guests, Celebrity Cruises' newest ship - Celebrity Equinox - was officially named.

SEABOURN SOJOURN FLOATING HULL REACHES T. MARIOTTI (PHOTO)
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-29 08:34:31
The 198 meter steel hull for the Seabourn Sojourn has arrived at T.Mariotti's Genoa quay, according to a press statement from the shipbuilder.

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS EXCLUSIVE : SCENES FROM LAUNCH OF CELEBRITY EQUINOX
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-29 08:28:58
More coverage from the launch of the Celebrity Equinox will follow shortly on CruiseIndustryNews.com

Holland America Line Extends 114-Day 2010 Grand World Voyage to 128 Days With Roundtrip From Los Angeles
news.prnewswire.com
2009-07-29 08:26:42
Holland America Line's flagship ms Amsterdam will usher in 2010 with a 128-day round-trip Los Angeles, Grand Holiday-and-World Voyage featuring 13 overnight calls -- the most ever offered by the line. Forty-five ports of call showcase some of the world's most remote and exotic regions including South America, Africa, India the Far East and scenic cruising in Antarctica.

CRUISE WEST OFFERS TEMPTING 2009/2010 HOLIDAY VOYAGES
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-29 08:23:04
Cruise West will offer four holiday itineraries in 2009 and 2010.

AMERICAN SAFARI CRUISES NEW BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS GLACIER BAY AND MORE
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-29 08:19:48
New opportunities to explore Alaska's spectacular Glacier Bay, the Columbia and Snake rivers, Mexico's Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Northwest are announced in American Safari Cruises' new 2010 brochure, now being distributed to travel agents nationwide.

Uniworld Launches Travel Agent Communication Program
travelpulse.com
2009-07-29 08:16:36
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is launching a travel industry electronic communication program, ePartners, to help agents who actively sell its products.

Carnival Cruise Lines' Web Site Ranks First in Keynote Systems' Study of On-Line Consumer Travel Sites
Carnival Cruise Lines
2009-07-29 07:58:41
In the annual study, eight major cruise lines and select on-line travel agency Web sites were evaluated by a panel of more than 2,400 consumers, 50 percent of whom are experienced cruisers.

Cruise traffic provided a notable bright spot in the current economic climate
Marseille Port Authority
2009-07-29 07:44:47
Cruise numbers rose 17% to 227,000 passengers for the period, which saw the start of regular calls by two mega-ships - the 3,500-passenger MSC vessel Fantasia and Costa's 3,700-passenger Concordia. They each called four times in June alone as the port's peak season cruise volumes continued to run at 40 calls per month.

UK - Sterling bonus boosting cruise ship trade
news.caterer.com
2009-07-29 07:24:41
Cruising makes trips to the eurozone possible as passengers pay for necessities in sterling, the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has suggested.

Port of Seattle's Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Provides Cell Phone Lot
Port of Seattle
2009-07-29 07:22:56
Friends and family picking up cruise passengers at the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 are encouraged to use the new cell phone lot.

Time for Polka in the Caribbean Onboard MSC Poesia - Well-Known Bands Perform for Polka Cruise on January 9, 2010
sunherald.com
2009-07-28 18:03:49
Polka music fans will have plenty to enjoy on MSC Poesia's January 9, 2010 Polka Cruise, as two of the country's best known polka bands take to the seas on a 7-night Caribbean cruise.

UK - Strike Alert: Will UK Border Battle Impact Cruise Travel?
cruisecritic.co.uk
2009-07-28 15:02:49
Unionized immigration officials working for the U.K. Border Agency are threatening a two-day strike beginning 5 August, according to BBC News -- which could mean disruptions for cruise travellers flying into the U.K. or departing on cruises from U.K. homeports.

UK - Cultural Cruising with Thomson this Summer
Thomson Cruises
2009-07-28 09:13:11
Thomson Cruises, this summer, is offering itineraries that not only take you to some of the prettiest beach resorts in Europe, but also to some fantastic sights including Pompei, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Norwegian fjords and Ephesus.

Discovery Cruise Line Selected for Celebration of 99th Birthday
sys-con.com
2009-07-28 09:03:59
To Al Roth, Discovery Cruise Line is like his second home. So it was no surprise when he celebrated his 99th birthday, July 7 on board with his friends at Discovery.

Port turnover up while passenger numbers decline
herald.ie
2009-07-28 09:03:58
Dublin Port recorded an increase in profit and turnover, despite a decline in throughput and the number of ferry passengers. However, the company said it continued to thrive in the cruise sector, with 83 cruises using its facilities last year.

JAZZ IT UP WITH FRED. OLSEN
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
2009-07-28 09:01:44
As part of the new programme of music themed cruises from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines - Music at Sea - one of the great names of jazz will be entertaining passengers this autumn. Braemar's "Autumnal Sunshine" cruise to the Western Mediterranean (BM0921) stars Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

American Cruise Lines Announces Guest Lecturers to Join the New Lighthouse Cruises this Summer
American Cruise Lines
2009-07-28 08:49:42
American Cruise Lines has invited notable lighthouse experts to join the new lighthouse theme cruises this summer to share their knowledge about the history of the light structures, the people who kept them, and the legends that remain about their mysterious past. They will also be leading tours to several lighthouses along the way.

Aqua Expeditions' Ship Robbed on Amazon River
travelpulse.com
2009-07-28 08:35:47
Aqua Expeditions said its 24-passenger Aqua was boarded July 26 by six armed bandits who robbed passengers of money and valuables while sailing on the Amazon River in Peru.

LOUIS CHARTER TO BRAZIL'S CVC
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-28 08:17:53
Louis plc has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Agencia De Viagens CVC Tur for the charter of the Orient Queen for the period commencing Nov. 20, 2009 and ending on March 15, 2010.

TEAM WINS CONTRACT FOR THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
cruiseindustrynews.com
2009-07-28 08:16:11
TEAM has recently been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and install in the summer of 2010 one mobile passenger boarding bridge (PBB) of the SEDNA range for the new cruise terminal currently in construction on Broadway Pier in San Diego.

P&O Cruises Invites Fundraisers to Walk the Decks with Catherine Freeman
P&O Cruises Australia
2009-07-28 07:46:45
P&O Cruises has invited Sydneysiders to Walk the Decks with Catherine Freeman next month as it launches a new fundraising project for indigenous children.

Crystal Fall Savings Roundup
sunherald.com/prnewswire
2009-07-27 18:02:50
From up to $3,000 off per couple and up to $2,000 per couple in shipboard credits to group and family incentives, Crystal Cruises is providing exceptional value and variety, as well as luxury, for discriminating travelers.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Unveils New Way to Book Air
travelagentcentral.com
2009-07-27 15:03:09
Now you have a new "choice" in booking air with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises. ChoiceAir is the cruise company's new way for guests to purchase air transportation to and from their cruise.

Dead fin whale impaled on Alaskan cruise ship will be sent to undersea grave
timescolonist.com
2009-07-27 12:02:42
A dead fin whale found wedged against the bow of an Alaskan cruise ship in Vancouver will be dropped back into the ocean following an necropsy to determine how it died.

Amanresorts Debuts 105-Foot Cruiser Amanikan - Custom-Built Phinisi Sailing Vessel Brings Rustic Elegance to the High Seas
hotelnewsresource.com
2009-07-27 11:11:59
Based out of Amanwana, a luxury tented hideaway on Moyo Island in Indonesia, Amanikan hosts the 2009 Komodo Expedition, a seven-night adventure through the pristine wilderness and waters of Indonesia's Komodo National Park.

Lerwick Harbour to celebrate 1000th Cruise Ship - MV Boudicca's arrival highlight's port's role as visitors' gateway to Shetland
Lerwick Port Authority
2009-07-27 11:09:26
Lerwick Harbour will achieve another nautical milestone this weekend, with the arrival of the 1,000th cruise ship since the first was noted in the official records of the Shetland port.

IAATO Makes Recommendations on Antarctic Passenger Vessel Marine Safety - IAATO Actions to Enhance Marine Safety
Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
2009-07-27 11:03:33
The Association took action to further enhance marine safety among its vessel-operating members at its annual meeting.

Cruise ship with 160 Britons on board is 'impounded' by Italian authorities over swine flu fears
dailymail.co.uk/news
2009-07-27 11:01:38
The Ruby Princess, carrying 3,393 passengers and 1,196 crew docked in the famous lagoon city of Venice and was immediately surrounded by health officials and coastguards.

Host of experts cruise on Minerva to track footsteps of Alexander
cruisebusiness.com
2009-07-27 09:02:23
Minerva, the 12,500 gross ton cruise liner of destinational specialist Swan Hellenic, will be tracking the footsteps of Alexander the Great in October and the company says it has gathered an impressive list of guest speakers for the cruise.

New Pandaw Borneo cruise proves a hit
etravelblackboard.com
2009-07-27 08:55:36
Pandaw Cruises, operator of evocative, colonial-inspired river cruise vessels in Asia, is notching up strong bookings as cruise enthusiasts around the world move to try the product.

Aurora Expeditions Launches New Kimberley Coast Program for 2010
expeditioncruising.com
2009-07-27 08:48:46
The three voyages, led by legendary Kimberley expeditioner Mike Cusack of Australian Geographic's first 'wilderness couple' fame, will explore the hidden bays, estuaries and spectacular sandstone gorges of this pristine wilderness.

Hamburg Cruise Center welcomes 50th vessel of the season
Hamburg Cruise Center
2009-07-27 08:30:25
Following a week-long cruise with calls at Copenhagen, Oslo and Bergen, AIDA Cruises' "AIDAcara" returned to Hamburg, its home port, on 26th July.

Passenger traffic positive in a half-year of mixed fortunes
Lerwick Port Authority
2009-07-27 08:18:07
Travel and tourism made an increasing contribution to activity at Lerwick Harbour in the first half of this year, with the number of passengers using the Shetland port increasing by 8.5% to 56,008, compared with the same six-month period in 2008.