27 October 2026
AIDA Cruises vessels called seven times during 2026 with six calls currently booked for 2027.
The cruise teams and volunteers welcomed 155 vessels into the Forth and Tay this year, bringing over 238,000 passengers.
2027 is on track for further growth with Dundee increasing in popularity. July is expected to be busy with the attraction of The Open golf championship in St Andrews adding to summer cruise calls. 2026 also saw 13 inaugural calls.
The cruise calendar in Scotland traditionally runs between April and October with cruise ships sailing into Capital Cruising’s locations in Leith, Rosyth, Dundee and two deep water anchorages in Newhaven and South Queensferry.
2027 season
The 2027 season will kick off earlier than usual in January when Viking Libra sails into Rosyth having embarked guests at Capital Cruise’s London Greenwich facility.
Down in the UK south, Capital Cruising has 15 cruise lines calling into London all year-round, with 15 calls still to come from 101 scheduled in 2026. Its London operation combines Tilbury’s Grade II listed terminal building, Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built passenger terminal, with moorings at Greenwich and Tower Bridge, offering direct access to the heart of the capital.
Craig Torrance, Asset Manager for Capital Cruising said: “Scotland continues to be an attractive draw for cruise lines who call into our ports and anchorages each year, and more importantly, book to return.
“Cruise calls bring significant economic benefits and jobs both locally and nationally as hundreds of thousands of passengers visit not just Edinburgh but local attractions and major events across Scotland too.”
Credit: Mary Bond, Seatrade Cruise News