Port of Aberdeen Welcomes Its Largest-Ever Cruise Ship as Record Season Continues

Port of Aberdeen has reached a new milestone after receiving its longest cruise vessel to date. The arrival reflects the growing capability of the port’s South Harbour and highlights Aberdeen’s rising profile as a cruise destination in Northern Europe.

The 294-metre Norwegian Star, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, has become the longest vessel ever to call at the Port of Aberdeen. Arriving from Newhaven with 2,366 passengers on board, the ship berthed at the port’s South Harbour before continuing its voyage to Bergen after a full day in the city.

The 15-deck cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 91,470, surpassed the previous port record held by the 290-metre Costa Favolosa, which visited Aberdeen in July 2024.

Soon after Norwegian Star’s arrival, AIDAsol, the 253-metre cruise ship operated by AIDA Cruises, also berthed at South Harbour carrying 2,511 guests, making it another busy day for the port’s cruise operations.

Passengers were welcomed with traditional Scottish hospitality, including performances by Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band and Alba Bagpipes, while volunteers from VisitAberdeenshire greeted visitors before they headed off to explore Aberdeen city and attractions across the wider Aberdeenshire region.

According to Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, accommodating the port’s largest-ever cruise ship demonstrates the expanded capabilities of South Harbour. Beyond cruise vessels, the facility is designed to handle a diverse mix of maritime traffic, including jack-up rigs, anchor handling vessels and cargo ships, while maintaining high operational and safety standards.

The record-breaking visit comes during what is expected to be Aberdeen’s busiest cruise season on record. The port has scheduled 75 cruise calls this year, with projections of welcoming up to 57,000 passengers, an increase from 65 calls and around 49,000 visitors in 2025.

More than half of the scheduled cruise calls this season involve vessels measuring over 200 metres, reflecting the enhanced infrastructure delivered through the South Harbour expansion.

Port of Aberdeen and VisitAberdeenshire continue to work together under the CruiseAberdeenshire initiative to attract additional cruise operators. Their long-term objective is to increase traffic to 100 cruise calls annually, supported by international promotion at major industry events, including Seatrade Cruise Med in Gran Canaria later this year.

VisitAberdeenshire CEO Chris Foy said the region offers cruise operators a strong combination of modern port infrastructure, easily accessible attractions and a welcoming experience for both passengers and crew.

Why this matters

• Cruise operators gain access to larger, modern port facilities capable of handling next-generation cruise ships.
• Port authorities can leverage expanded infrastructure to diversify revenue from both cruise and commercial maritime operations.
• Local businesses and tourism providers benefit from increased passenger arrivals and higher visitor spending.
• Seafarers and maritime professionals can expect continued investment in port infrastructure to support larger and more complex vessel calls.

Conclusion

The arrival of Norwegian Star marks more than a new size record for the Port of Aberdeen—it signals the port’s growing role in the European cruise network. As larger vessels continue to call, Aberdeen is positioning itself as a key destination for both cruise tourism and modern maritime operations.