MSC Meraviglia became the largest cruise ship to dock at the Greenock Ocean Terminal in Scotland on Friday.
More than 5,000 passengers were on board the MSC Cruises’ vessel as it made its first call at the terminal in Inverclyde as part of a northern Europe itinerary taking in Hamburg, Dublin, Southampton and Le Havre.
The terminal is on course to handle more than 120,000 cruise passengers, contributing an estimated £10 million to the local economy.
Andrew Hemphill, director of owner Peel Portsm, said: “Ongoing investment has been crucial to the remarkable growth of cruise traffic to Greenock, allowing us to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for passengers.
“Year-on-year, we are building a major cruise business on the Clyde and, thanks to the success of Greenock, more people than ever before are taking a cruise to Scotland.
“We are pleased to be able to welcome the biggest cruise ship in terms of passenger numbers – the MSC Meraviglia – and her passengers. Her visit reaffirms Greenock’s position as the ‘cruise capital’ of Scotland and we are sure it won’t be the last time she visits.
“While about half of the passengers go on day trips to other Scottish destinations, many of them and members of the 1,500 crew visit and spend in Greenock, adding to the local economy.”