Aberdeen Harbour Remains North East Destination of Choice for Cruise Calls

The last of ten cruise vessels to visit Aberdeen Harbour has left the port, marking the end of a successful cruise season.

The 110-passenger luxury liner, Clipper Odyssey, yesterday left Aberdeen bound for Dublin on a ten-night expedition that will include stops in Orkney and Belfast.

Combined, all of the ten cruise vessels brought 1,667 visitors to Aberdeen and the North East, linking the region to destinations including the Northern Isles, Outer Hebrides and Norway.

Aberdeen Harbour Chief Executive, Colin Parker, said: “The number of new and returning vessels that visited during the season is a reflection of the growing number of cruise operations that are recognising the first class services provided by Aberdeen Harbour, highlighting the popularity of cruising and further reinforcing the attractiveness of this region as a destination.”

Among the vessels on show during the summer season were the Arion, Fram and the Plancius, a former Dutch Navy oceanographic research vessel now used for Antarctic expeditions.

The end of the season comes just weeks after Aberdeen Harbour announced a £5.2 million investment to make significant improvements at the port’s entrance, widening and deepening the navigation channel.

Although primarily a freight and ferry port, Aberdeen Harbour works with the 14 other Scottish ports that make up the award winning Cruise Scotland, a partnership focused on promoting the country as an attractive cruise ship destination for overseas travellers.

Shona Anderson, VisitScotland regional director, said “Aberdeen is undoubtedly a top destination for cruise ships as it is able to offer a plethora of activities that contribute to the overall holiday experience – fantastic attractions, great restaurants and a wealth of unbelievable scenery, all contributing to both the local and national economy.

“VisitScotland is continuing to work closely with partners to ensure an ongoing strategic approach for the industry to exploit current and future opportunities presented by the cruise sector.”