The Port of Ipswich, operated by Associated British Ports , the UK’s leading ports group, has welcomed the luxury cruise ship Hebridean Sky.

Operated by Noble Caledonia, the MS Hebridean Sky arrived from Whitby on Wednesday 6 September, with passengers enjoying a full day of sightseeing and tours of the area.

This was the first cruise call at Ipswich this year, which is more widely known for being the UK’s leading grain export port.

Noble Caledonia cruises are synonymous with small ship cruising and the Italian-built MS Hebridean Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world with 59 luxury suites.

The ship is sailing on Noble Caledonia’s British Isles Odyssey, which is a 15-day circumnavigation of the UK, visiting al of the UK’s four countries as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. After departing Ipswich, the vessel will be making its final call into Portsmouth.

Paul Ager, ABP Divisional Port Manager, said: “Our team did a fantastic job of ensuring cruise guests arrived safely and were able to explore local tourist attractions including a trip to the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site at Sutton Hoo and Helmingham Hall Gardens. Tourism is a vital component part of the local economy and the location of the port is an advantage that can help bring additional trade to the town centre.

“The Port of Ipswich can accommodate vessels up to 155m in length, and it is the port’s proximity to historic sites and beautiful countryside, combined with excellent transport links, which make it such an appealing destination for cruise passengers.”