By
Laura Hyde |
The Port of Aberdeen in Scotland welcomed a record-breaking 54,000 cruises guests during the 2026 season, a rise of 26 per cent on 2025.
Almost half of the port’s 71 cruise calls during the season involved vessels measuring 220 metres or more, including the longest vessel to visit the port, the 294-metre Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, Norwegian Star. This cruise ship was also one of 13 vessels to make maiden calls to the Scottish port during 2026.
Viking was Aberdeen’s most frequent visitor, with 21 calls throughout the season. The port is now taking bookings into 2033.
“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, CEO at Port of Aberdeen. “We’re working closely with VisitAberdeenshire and regional stakeholders to bring new cruise lines to the region and strengthen relationships with our existing operators.”
Research by Oxford Economics, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association, found cruise tourism generated £343 million ($454.8 million) for the Scottish economy in 2023.
“The increase in cruise tourism to Aberdeen and its hinterland is testament to the investment that Port of Aberdeen have made in South Harbour and also to the strength of the CruiseAberdeenshire partnership,” said Ian McQuade, chair of Cruise Britain. “Aberdeen is well-positioned on Scotland’s north-east coast and is the gateway to wonderful guest explorations that support local businesses both now and in the future. The port is a valued member of Cruise Britain and we continue to collaborate closely to increase visibility with cruise operators and stakeholders.”
Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdeenshire, said: “Cruise tourism in the north-east is on the crest of a wave with the increased demand to visit our region throughout 2026. From the early business development stage, all the way through to the guest experience on the day, the CruiseAberdeenshire project continues to raise the profile and reputation of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, delivering new business today and inspiring future visits for tomorrow.”