Port of Aberdeen is preparing for its busiest cruise season on record, with calls expected to rise by 12 per cent this year

The Scottish port has 73 arrivals scheduled in 2026, representing a potential influx of up 57,000 cruise visitors in the next 12 months.

Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen, said: “The north east of Scotland is now firmly on the map for cruise tourism and that benefit is felt across the city and Aberdeenshire.

“This year could see up to 57,000 guests spending their money in local business and communities, helping to diversify the regional economy and our activity within the port.”

The season begins with Viking Cruise’s Viking Neptune making its maiden call to the port on 31 March, with calls continuing through to 25 September with Viking Vela. Viking will account for more than 20 calls across the season, including the newly built Viking Mira during its debut season.

Norwegian Cruise Line – a new operator for the port – will bring Norwegian Star to the city on 15 July, making it the longest ship to berth in Aberdeen with capacity of 2,348.

Sanguinetti continued: “Our bold ambition is to have 100 calls a year by 2028 and the CruiseAberdeenshire partnership is relentless in attracting new cruise operators, including Norwegian Cruise Line this year.”

The wider value of cruise tourism to Scotland was highlighted in recent research by Oxford Economics, commissioned by CLIA, which found it generated £343 million for the Scottish economy in 2023.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Each season the cruise ship sector hits a new high tide mark for Aberdeen, and I am delighted that 2026 will be another record-breaking year. Every cruise ship that comes into Aberdeen brings with it a wealth of opportunity to showcase the Granite City and boost local traders and businesses.”