Aberdeen reports larger cruise calls and visitor growth in 2026
The port handled 71 cruise calls as combined gross tonnage increased by 24% to almost 2.5 million.
The Port of Aberdeen reported 71 cruise calls in 2026, with almost half involving ships measuring at least 220 metres. According to the port, combined gross tonnage rose by 24% to nearly 2.5 million.
Norwegian Star was one of 13 vessels making maiden calls during the season. The port said it became the longest ship to have visited the Aberdeen facility. Viking was the port’s busiest cruise line, making 21 calls.
The port recorded around 54,000 visitors, representing a 26% increase from the previous year. The Welcome to Aberdeenshire programme’s 42 volunteers contributed 1,250 hours during the season, welcoming cruise guests at the quayside and offering advice.
Research by Oxford Economics separately estimated that cruise tourism generated £343 million for Scotland’s economy in 2023.