Aberdeen’s cruise ship season is set to last longer next year, as the city anticipates the arrival of additional maiden ships.
Officials at the harbour have announced that the season will be slightly prolonged, with cruises beginning in early April and extending until October.
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The number of ships expected to anchor in South Harbour is expected to climb to as many as 70, a significant increase from the 49 recorded this year.
This year, the harbour has already welcomed the grand arrival of the 950ft Costa Favolosa, the largest ship to ever set foot in Aberdeen. This colossal vessel, with a seating capacity of approximately 3,780, was launched in 2010 and is estimated to have cost around £425 million. Operator Costa Cruises has confirmed its return to Aberdeen’s South Harbour next year.
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.”
Port of Aberdeen commercial manager Marlene Mitchell commented: “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.”
In 2025, the Viking Vela will be the first ship to call at Aberdeen Harbour upon its arrival on April 3. Constructed this year at a cost of £340 million, it boasts a capacity for up to 1000 passengers and features 14 decks. Additionally, next year’s lineup includes the return of the Silver Spirit and AidaSol.
Marlene continued: ““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.”
