Port of Aberdeen reports record cruise season as passenger total reaches 54,000
The port welcomed 71 cruise calls, including a record-length visit by Norwegian Star, while bookings now extend to 2033.
Port of Aberdeen recorded another record cruise season, with passenger numbers climbing 26% compared with 2025 to reach 54,000. The port said future cruise bookings now extend as far ahead as 2033.
Of the season’s 71 cruise calls, nearly half involved ships measuring at least 220 metres. Combined gross tonnage increased by 24% to almost 2.5 million, reflecting the number of larger vessels visiting the port.
The 294-metre Norwegian Star became the longest vessel ever to call at Aberdeen. It was among 13 ships making inaugural visits during the season. Cruise lines represented expedition, luxury, premium and mainstream markets, with Viking making the most visits at 21 calls.
The Welcome to Aberdeenshire programme supported arriving passengers through 42 volunteers, who contributed a combined 1,250 hours of quayside welcomes and visitor advice during the season.
Separate Oxford Economics research commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association found that cruise tourism contributed £343 million to Scotland’s economy in 2023.