Isles of Scilly Ends 2026 Cruise Season Without Weather Cancellations
Scillonian Marine Consultants said two dedicated cruise anchorages and direct weather discussions between captains and port personnel helped keep calls operating.
The Isles of Scilly completed its 2026 cruise season with all 46 scheduled calls operating, bringing 19,000 passengers to the Cornish archipelago without a weather-related cancellation. The season ended Sept. 15 when Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette anchored in Crow Sound and transferred guests to St Mary’s and Tresco.
The islands operate as a tender destination, where calls are generally more exposed to weather disruption than at ports with alongside berths. Scillonian Marine Consultants credited the result to two dedicated cruise anchorages, local tender capability and direct weather discussions between captains and port personnel.
Local assessments kept calls operating
Captains sought real-time assessments from the islands before deciding whether to proceed with a call. St Mary’s Harbour handles pilotage across the archipelago, and cruise ships commonly anchor offshore before passengers tender into Hugh Town.
In May, forecasts for one smaller cruise ship showed winds above 20 knots and a swell exceeding four metres. The vessel proceeded after operators identified an anchoring position where there was almost no swell.
“Understanding the capabilities of individual ships, their tender arrangements and the conditions at each anchorage enables us to provide an informed and honest assessment,” said Tom Jackman, managing director of Scillonian Marine Consultants.
Local operators can also run tenders in conditions that may be difficult for a ship’s own craft.
Cruise traffic supports island businesses
The Council of the Isles of Scilly said tourism is critical to the local economy and that receiving every cruise call supported employment and businesses. Jemma Pender, the council’s corporate services and communications officer, said the result was particularly important because weather had disrupted other travel to and from the islands during the year.
Traffic remained below the 53 cruise calls and approximately 25,000 passengers recorded in 2023.
New operators added to the schedule
SeaDream II and Nordstjernen made maiden calls on the same day in September, the first visits to the islands by SeaDream Yacht Club and Vestland Classic. Nordstjernen was sailing its 70th-anniversary itinerary.
SeaDream Yacht Club has already confirmed a September 2027 visit by SeaDream I.
