Hebridean International Cruises has announced the sale of the larger of its two vessels, the Hebridean Spirit.
The vessel will be withdrawn ahead of the summer 2009 season.
Announcing the sale, managing director Mike Deegan said: “We have made the decision to withdraw from international operations to concentrate on our core product, which is the operation of the Hebridean Princess in Scotland.”
The falling value of the pound against the dollar and the euro has increased the costs of operating the Spirit in international waters.
“We cannot continue to absorb these increases, especially in a very aggressive market where heavy discounting is the norm,” added Deegan.
The line is in the process ot contacting all customers booked to travel on the ship to offer them a full refund or transfer to the Hebridean Princess. There will also be a number of redundancies among staff at the head office in North Yorkshire and sea staff.