Aberdeen’s growth as a premier cruise destination

Monday, April 8, 2024

This morning marked the arrival of Aberdeen’s inaugural cruise liner for the season, although adverse weather conditions prevented it from docking in the South Harbour. Instead, the German-flagged AIDAsol liner, carrying thousands of tourists from Germany, was anchored in the bay and its guests were ferried to Duthies Quay in the North Harbour. The liner, hosting 1,998 guests along with 629 crew members, had set off from Hamburg, Germany, and made a day-long visit to Aberdeen before it was scheduled to depart for Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands by evening. Due to the inability to berth in South Harbour, the guests’ transfer to the shore was facilitated by smaller boats.

The Port of Aberdeen has disclosed an ambitious schedule of 58 cruise calls for 2024, which includes 22 first-time visits, underscoring the increasing attractiveness of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a cruise destination. Guests from the ship are anticipated to take bus tours from Duthie’s Quay to explore the city.

Bob Sanguinetti, the CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, conveyed his optimism for the port’s future growth, fueled by a record number of reservations and a diverse lineup of visiting ships. He expressed enthusiasm for presenting the best of Aberdeen and its environs to visitors. Meanwhile, Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, commented on Aberdeen’s rising prominence as a prime destination for cruise ships, especially looking forward to the 2024 season. He highlighted the City Centre and Beach Masterplan initiatives undertaken by the council aimed at enhancing the visitor experience upon disembarkation.

Looking ahead, bookings are projected to extend into 2027, by which time the port anticipates hosting over 100 cruise calls. This future lineup is expected to include vessels from major industry players like Fred. Olsen Cruises and Holland America, signaling robust growth in the cruise travel sector and its contribution to tourism in Aberdeen.

[Image Source: Facts.net]

« Back to Page

• Scotland hosting introductory edition of ‘Scottish Super 10’ in Aberdeen

• First cruise ship arrives at newly-expanded harbour in Aberdeen