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 up to 300 metres long, we offer safe, efficient navigation and flexible berthing options. This significantly increases our capacity and capability for cruise calls, 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.
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Unique destination
Guests can venture deep into a region that boasts a stunning coastline, breath-taking countryside, hundreds of castles, world-class golf courses, and a city with great green spaces, museums, and many other places of interest
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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.
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Excellent location
We offer excellent transport links, an unrivalled supply chain, ample capacity to accommodate excursion coaches, and a gateway to the magnificent sights and experiences of Aberdeen City and Shire.
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Flexible berths
From boutique vessels to large cruise ships, we offer a range of berths to accommodate your requirements, with a maximum vessel length up to 300 metres.
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Safe, quality, and agile service
We deliver a safe, quality, and agile service for our customers.
Visit Aberdeen City & Shire
Learn more about what this amazing region has to offer here or download the Cruise Aberdeenshire brochure here.
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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.
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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'.
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Dunnottar Castle
Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative clifftop ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
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Greyhope Bay
From the historic site of Torry Battery visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast. It is also the best place in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore.
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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.
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Castles, whisky and golf
Aberdeenshire is home to over 263 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.
RECORD-BREAKING CRUISE CALL FOR PORT OF ABERDEEN
Port of Aberdeen welcomed its longest-ever vessel as the 294-metre Norwegian Star made its maiden call to the port's South Harbour. Arriving from Newhaven with more than 2,300 guests on board, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship set a new record for the port, highlighting the enhanced capacity of South Harbour and Aberdeen's growing reputation as a leading cruise destination.
The visit formed part of a landmark day for the port, with almost 5,000 cruise guests arriving aboard two major vessels to explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“Welcoming our longest-ever vessel sets a new benchmark for Port of Aberdeen and demonstrates the scale and versatility of South Harbour. It enables us to handle maritime giants like Norwegian Star alongside jack-up rigs, anchor handlers, cargo ships and more."
BOB SANGUINETTI DL
CEO, PORT OF ABERDEEN
“The growth in cruise numbers 2025 has been celebrated by tourism, hospitality and retail businesses across the city and shire. The first impression of our destination remains as important as ever, so with the support of Peterson Energy Logistics, we expanded the quayside volunteer programme this year to offer even more warm welcomes and visitor information to passengers from all over the world.”
Find out how we can support your next cruise call
Connect with our cruise specialists to discover our facilities, services, and how we can support your next visit to the region.
