Port of Aberdeen Welcomes Record 54,000 Cruise Guests in 2026

Port of Aberdeen welcomed 54,000 cruise guests during its record 2026 season, a 26% increase over 2025. The port handled 71 cruise calls, with visiting operators spanning the expedition, luxury, premium and mainstream markets.

The season included 13 first-time ship visits, while Viking was the most frequent operator with 21 calls. Growth also extended to vessel size: almost half of all calls involved ships at least 220 metres long, and aggregate gross tonnage rose 24% to nearly 2.5 million.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star was among the inaugural visitors. At 294 metres, it became the longest vessel to call at Aberdeen.

“Cruise tourism is creating an ocean of opportunity for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, bringing visitors from around the world and supporting local businesses,” said Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen.

Promoting Aberdeenshire and welcoming passengers

Larger cruise ships use South Harbour, with the port able to accommodate vessels up to about 300 metres long. Some smaller vessels berth at the older North Harbour, which is closer to central Aberdeen.

South Harbour is several kilometres from the city centre, and passengers generally travel by cruise-line shuttle, taxi or local bus. Passenger arrangements vary by vessel and berth within the working commercial port.

Ian McQuade, chair of Cruise Britain, attributed Aberdeen’s cruise growth to investment in South Harbour and the work of CruiseAberdeenshire, the partnership between the port and VisitAberdeenshire.

The two partners promoted the destination at industry events in the UK, Gran Canaria, Miami and Reykjavik. Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire, said the partnership’s work extended from early business development through to guests’ experience during their visit.

On the quayside, VisitAberdeenshire’s Welcome to Aberdeenshire programme deployed 42 volunteers, who contributed 1,250 hours greeting passengers and providing visitor advice. Alba Bagpipes supplied pipers and dancers to welcome arriving guests.

The volunteer programme received the Best Community Tourism Initiative award at the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards, as well as the Lord Provost’s Volunteering Award for 2026.

Local businesses report cruise-day gains

VisitAberdeenshire said cruise visitors increased customer traffic and spending at attractions, shops and hospitality businesses across the region. At Greyhope Bay, the marine wildlife centre reported substantially higher turnover when ships berthed at South Harbour, generating additional funds for community activities, events and projects.

Greyhope Bay responded to the cruise visits by introducing guided coastal walks exploring local history and wildlife, with a coffee-and-cake stop. Garioch Heritage Centre in Inverurie has received regular cruise passenger visits over the past two seasons, with volunteer guides introducing visitors to the area’s culture and daily life.

Oxford Economics research commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association put the value generated by cruise tourism for Scotland’s economy at £343 million in 2023.

“We’re working closely with VisitAberdeenshire and regional stakeholders to bring new cruise lines to the region and strengthen relationships with our existing operators,” Sanguinetti said. Aberdeen’s cruise bookings now extend to 2033.