By
Laura Hyde |
The Port of Aberdeen is set to welcome 50 cruise calls in 2024, with this figure expected to double to 100 per year by 2027.
According to port figures, cruise calls have grown by over 130 per cent since 2022, rising from 21 to the scheduled 50 so far for 2024. The port also had a record-breaking cruise season in 2023.
Passenger numbers have also risen from around 3,000 per year to the 34,000 expected in 2024, according to the port. Each cruise visitor spends an average of £134 ($171), and the port is predicting total passenger spending could reach £4.5 million ($5.7 million) in 2024. This figure could potentially surpass £20 million ($25.5 million) in the coming years if annual passenger numbers reach 150,000.
The port will welcome a new size and scale of cruise ships in 2024, including Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa and AIDA Cruises’ AIDAsol and AIDAdiva, all of which are over 200 metres long and accommodate thousands of cruise guests.
“With South Harbour complete, we are fully focused on consolidating and accelerating growth in this key sector,” said Bob Sanguinetti, port CEO. “This will be largely driven by increasing the number of larger cruise ships visiting the region and we’re having positive discussions with existing and prospective customers to secure this business. We’re confident that our world-class facility, coupled with the amazing destination, will position Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as one of the UK’s top cruise destinations.”
The port is also collaborating with VisitAberdeenshire, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeenshire Council, and VisitScotland on the ‘CruiseAberdeenshire’ initiative to attract more cruise lines and enhance visitor experiences.
“The growth in calls for 2024 is a vote of confidence in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as an emerging cruise destination,” said Chris Foy, VisitAberdeenshire CEO. “VisitAberdeenshire is scaling up its work to enhance the welcome offered to passengers, the readiness of local suppliers and to secure more business from cruise operators and shore excursion companies.”