Blog

AIDAaura – 13th April 2019

AIDAaura is calling again today. We have a full range of tours to deliver. Although it is bright and sunny, it’s also good and windy with a stiff breeze from the South East. 

Ferries from my home island run a bit differently on a Saturday so the choice is to stay over in Kirkwall the night before or to charter a small boat to get over from Shapinsay first thing. Harvey Groat of Groat’s Charters takes good care of Shapinsay folk in this regard. It was his boat – Charles Ann – I turned to get me to Kirkwall in good time this morning. 

Charles Ann 1 departing the Corn Slip en route to Shapinsay.

Island Smart and Groats Charters are collaborating to develop some exciting new options for Cruise, FIT and GIT, in fact all visitors to Orkney. We will be trialling some of these offers aboard a new boat later this season with a full launch expected in 2020 during Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.

Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
AIDAaura - Kirkwall - 13/04/2019

AIDAaura and Shuttle bus Hatston

AIDAaura – 2nd & 3rd April 2019

The visit of AIDAaura to Kirkwall on 2nd April was extended to two days because of stormy weather. Special thanks are due to everyone in Orkney who helped us deliver tours on the second, unscheduled, day. Everyone responded at very short notice.

AIDAaura departed around 18.00 on 3rd April, just as the wind dropped and the sun came out! We look forward to welcoming her and her guests back again on Saturday 13th April 2019.

AIDAaura and Shuttle bus Hatston
AIDAaura alongside at Hatston Pier, Kirkwall, Orkney 2nd April 2019