By
Laura Hyde |
VisitAberdeenshire and Port of Aberdeen have partnered to launch CruiseAberdeenshire to promote the region’s appeal as a cruise destination to the international market.
The CruiseAberdeenshire initiative will work to boost the Scottish city appeal as an “untapped tourist destination” at trade shows and industry events across the globe. It also aims to highlight the expanding opportunities for cruise lines and shore excursion operators.
Port of Aberdeen received 49 cruise calls, up from 22 in 2022 – an increase of 130 per cent. The port has invested in new infrastructure to accommodate calls from larger vessels, including the South Harbour, which opened in 2023. This allowed Aberdeen to receive two calls from the 290-metre Costa Cruises’ vessel, Costa Favolosa, during the season.
All cruise guests have been welcomed to the city by the port in 2024 with Alba Bagpipes performing as each cruise ship arrived throughout the year. The port anticipates up to 70 cruise calls in 2025 and already has bookings for port calls in 2027.
“The successful 2024 cruise season is testament to the dedication of the teams who made it possible,” said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO at Port of Aberdeen. “The CruiseAberdeenshire partnership will enhance the world-class service already provided to cruise guests at the port and will position Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as one of the UK’s top cruise destinations.”
VisitAberdeenshire secured funding in 2024 to enhance the guest experience for passengers arriving to the city via cruise ship. This enabled the organisation to purchase an information trailer and run an enhanced volunteer training programme, with the aim of increasing volunteer numbers by 50 per cent compared to 2023. VisitAberdeenshire’s volunteer programme is intended to provide practical inspiration for cruise guests on how to make the most of their day in the city, as well as offer visitors a warm welcome. Supported by Port of Aberdeen, the programme delivered 547 volunteer hours this year, an 82 per cent increase from the previous year.
VisitAberdeenshire volunteers welcoming cruise guests
“The powerful combination of compelling visitor experiences across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire region paired with excellent infrastructure and capabilities of Port of Aberdeen tell a compelling story to decision makers,” said Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdeenshire. “Momentum is building at just the right time. CruiseAberdeenshire is a unified, joined up approach to highlight the region’s pull as a cruise destination, and together we’re looking ahead to a bright future.”