Port of Aberdeen anticipates a historic year with up to 40000 cruise visitors and over sixty cruise visits from April to September.
The port expects over sixty cruise visits in 2025. These visits span from April to September, bringing about 40,000 guests to explore the city and shire.
Viking starts the season on April 3, with the arrival of their ship, Viking Vela. The ship will visit many times, showing Aberdeen is becoming a popular place to visit.
Costa Cruises and AIDA are also returning, with sister ships AIDAbella and AIDAluna making their first stops. These ships, 252 meters long, carry over 4,000 people, including crew.
Costa Favolosa will return to the port, holding its title as the biggest ship ever to visit Aberdeen. Fred.Olsen’s Borealis will also visit for the first time, carrying over 1,300 passengers on the 238-meter vessel.
Port of Aberdeen expects another record year, projecting even more ship visits, including first-time stops from Viking and Fred.Olsen. Aberdeen is solidifying its position as a top spot for cruises.
The Tall Ships Races will also return after almost 30 years, expecting 400,000 visitors. The combined effect of the cruise season and races will help boost businesses.
The increase in visits will give our area a boost, delivering substantial economic benefits. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the city’s attractions.
A local pharmacy is actively preparing to help cruise guests by investing in welcome boards, making visitors feel at home, and preparing for the Tall Ships.
The pharmacy created events for the occasion, featuring talks about maritime history and workshops about the city’s sea link.
To further support businesses, the port will host Q&A sessions to ensure a warm welcome for guests. Volunteers will guide guests at the port, sharing information about city attractions.
The city provides authentic experiences for visitors and this is drawing cruise lines and placing our region on itineraries into 2026. Volunteers will warmly welcome visitors, to further improve their experience, too.
