Cruise Calls
Port of Aberdeen’s expanded capacity and capability is significantly increasing cruise calls to the city. Discover the impressive roster of vessels visiting our port, adding charm and excitement to the city.
Cruise
Stretching from the mountains to the sea, with one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe to one of the world’s most outstanding coastlines, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire truly are majestic tourism destinations.
Port of Aberdeen has welcomed cruise lines and guests for decades, serving as a gateway to the amazing attractions of North East Scotland. From boutique vessels to large cruise ships, we offer safe, efficient navigation and flexible berthing options in the heart of the city.
Our new, tidally unrestricted, deepwater South Harbour significantly increases its capacity and capability for cruise calls, capable of taking vessels up to 300m and allowing us to service most of the world’s cruise ship fleet.
Why choose Port of Aberdeen?
Located in the heart of the city, Port of Aberdeen operates 24 hours a day, boasting exceptional transportation connections and abundant space to cater to tour coaches.
Our berthing options cater to various needs, accommodating small boutique vessels to sizable cruise ships, with impressive deepwater berths that can welcome vessel lengths of up to 300 metres.
-
Unique destination
There’s something for all your guests, with stunning coastline, countryside, castles, world class golf courses and a city with great green spaces, museums, restaurants and other places of interest.
-
City centre location
We’re a 24-hour, city centre port, with excellent transport links and ample capacity to accommodate excursion coaches.
-
Flexible berths
From boutique vessels to large cruise ships, we offer a range of berths to accommodate your requirements, with a maximum length up to 300M and beam up to 45M.
-
Excellent infrastructure
Fully serviced berths, ships chandlery and repair services.
-
Safe, quality, and agile service
We deliver a safe, quality, and agile service for our customers.
-
Partnerships
We work with tourism, business and council partners across the region to deliver a world-class experience for cruise guests.
-
Sustainable Tourism
Many businesses across the region are actively working to become more sustainable. More than 20 local businesses have shown their commitment to this by achieving their Green Tourism Award accreditation.
Visit Aberdeen City & Shire
Learn more about what this amazing region has to offer here or download the Cruise Aberdeenshire brochure here.
-
Aberdeen Art Gallery
From Brueghel to Borland, Landseer to Lambie and from Guthrie to Gibb, Aberdeen Art Gallery’s collection spans over 700 years and includes a staggering range of works by artists, designers and makers.
-
Museums
Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s relationship with the sea, and the Gordan Highlanders Museum retraces the remarkable history of these famous fighting men of the north east. Step back in time at Peterhead Prison Museum as you walk through 125 years of turbulent history inside 'Scotland’s toughest jail'.
-
Dunnottar Castle
Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
-
Greyhope Bay
From the historic site of Torry Battery visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast, and is the best place in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore.
-
Provost Skene’s House
What makes a city? It’s buildings and landscape for certain, but more than anything it is people who give a city its character and culture. Inside Provost Skene’s House, more than 100 remarkable individuals from Aberdeen and the North East are showcased in new interactive displays.
-
Castles, Whisky and Golf
Aberdeenshire is home to over 60 castles, 14 malt whisky distilleries, and over 50 world class golf courses. Balmoral Castle and Estate, Glen Garioch Distillery and Royal Aberdeen golf course are just some examples of world-renowned attractions.
Cruise Aberdeenshire
Cruise Aberdeenshire is a working alliance between key partners who are committed to providing a unique experience for cruise guests.
FIRST CRUISE CALL AT SOUTH HARBOUR
Port of Aberdeen welcomed the first cruise ship into the transformational £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour expansion on 2 May 2023. The 203 metre long AIDAaura, with capacity for more than 1,200 guests, was greeted by a 50-strong pipe band and Highland dancers from Robert Gordon’s College and ‘Welcome to Aberdeenshire’ volunteers.
“The arrival of the first cruise ship into the South Harbour marked a step change for tourism in the North-east as we welcome larger vessels and more passengers than ever before.“
CHRIS FOY
CEO, VISITABERDEENSHIRE
“We look forward to welcoming ever increasing numbers of cruise passengers to the city centre where they can explore the diverse culture, hospitality and retail offering.”
Contact our cruise specialists
Contact the cruise team at Port of Aberdeen for more information.
