Aberdeen’s cruise ship season is to be extended next year as the city welcomes more maiden ships.
Harbour bosses have confirmed it will be a “slightly extended” season with calls starting in early April and continuing until October.
The number of ships expected to dock in South Harbour is also set to reach up to 70 – an increase from 49 recorded this year.
Port of Aberdeen described 2024 as “exciting” as it marked the first full operational cruise season at the harbour.
Return of giant cruise ship
It also saw the arrival of the impressive 950ft Costa Favolosa, the largest ship ever to dock in Aberdeen.
With a capacity of around 3,780 passengers, it was launched in 2010 and cost an estimated £425m.
Operator Costa Cruises today confirmed it will return to the city next year.
People can catch a glimpse of the striking ship when it docks in Aberdeen’s South Harbour on September 5.
It’s making its way to the city as part of its seven-day cruise also stopping in Hamburg, Newcastle, Newhaven (Edinburgh), Invergordon and Hamburg.
Speaking about the return of Costa Favolosa, Roddy James, Port of Aberdeen chief commercial officer, said: “Costa Favolosa is the largest vessel we have ever welcomed to Port of Aberdeen in its 888-year history.
“With two calls in 2024, we look forward to welcoming her back in 2025, bringing in up to 4,000 passengers.”
‘Exciting’ year for Port of Aberdeen
More than 24,000 passengers and crew arrived in Aberdeen this season, each greeted by VisitAberdeenshire’s “meet and greet” team.
Port of Aberdeen commercial manager Marlene Mitchell said: “This year has been exciting as it marked the first full operational cruise season at South Harbour.
“It also saw the arrival of the flamboyant 290-metre Costa Favolosa, our largest cruise ship to date.
“Throughout the 2024 cruise season, we welcomed 49 ships and almost 24,000 guests and crew to the city.
“Unfortunately, five cruise calls did not arrive in port due to poor weather conditions. Which, though disappointing, is something we have no control over.”
More maiden calls for the city
The Viking Vela will be the first ship to dock at Aberdeen Harbour when it arrives on April 3.
Built this year at a cost of £340m, it can carry up to 1000 passengers and has 14 decks.
Some other vessels returning next year includes Silver Spirit and AidaSol.
Marlene said: “The 2025 cruise season will be slightly extended, with calls starting in early April and continuing through to October. I also expect an increase in both cruise calls and vessel tonnage.
“We’re also set to welcome more maiden calls (first-time visits), as well as many returning ships from 2024.
“This provides us with a great opportunity to showcase both the port and the wider region.
“It’s an exciting time for the port as we continue to work collaboratively with the CruiseAberdeenshire team to further enhance our cruise offering and grow this sector of the business.”
Conversation