2026 cruise season begins
A strong start to the 2026 cruise season
The 2026 cruise season has officially begun, and with more than 70 ship calls expected this year, Aberdeen is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors eager to explore the very best of the North‑east. On the 31 March our Welcome to Aberdeenshire volunteers returned to the quayside to greet the first arrivals of the year, marking the start of what promises to be a record season for the region.
With 42 passionate local volunteers taking part in the programme this year, every ship call is met with friendly faces, local knowledge and a warm welcome that helps shape visitors’ first impressions of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Tourism is, at its heart, about people, and we are incredibly proud of the volunteers who give their time, energy, and enthusiasm to represent our region so brilliantly.
Our continued partnership with Peterson Energy Logistics, alongside valued support from the Port of Aberdeen, plays a vital role in enabling the volunteer programme to grow and ensuring cruise visitors receive an authentic and memorable welcome.
2026 cruise visitor map now live
To support visitors as they step ashore, our updated 2026 Cruise Visitor Map is now available both in print and online. Distributed quayside by our volunteers and hosted digitally on visitabdn.com, the map helps visitors discover local businesses, attractions, and experiences from the moment they arrive.
This year’s map features a fantastic range of advertisers from across the region, whose support helps bring the map to life and ensures visitors can easily connect with the businesses that make Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire so distinctive.
A huge thank you to all 2026 advertisers.
If you’d like to be part of the 2027 cruise map or explore wider cruise visitor opportunities, please contact Gemma Laing, Advertising Sales Executive.
Volunteer training day: strengthening local knowledge
Ahead of the season’s first ship call, our volunteer group came together on Friday 20 March for an industry update training session. This pre‑season preparation ensures volunteers feel confident sharing information with visitors and promoting the region’s diverse experiences.
A sincere thank you to every organisation that contributed. The insights help equip our volunteers with up‑to‑date knowledge of local businesses, attractions, and developments, ensuring visitors receive the best possible guidance during their time ashore.
Looking ahead
With the season now underway, we look forward to welcoming thousands of cruise visitors to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in the months ahead. From the volunteers on the quayside to the businesses across the region, it is the collective effort of our tourism community that creates memorable experiences and encourages visitors to return.
If you would like to learn more about the Welcome to Aberdeenshire volunteer programme, or explore opportunities to engage with the volunteer group, please contact Fiona Douglas, HR & Business Services Manager.
Here is to a fantastic 2026 cruise season.
With thanks to all 2026 advertisers:
- McCalls Highlandwear
- Charles Michies
- Aberdeen Taxis
- Aberdeen Gift and Tourist Shop
- McGill's Bus Group
- Jamieson & Carry
- Trump International Scotland
- Shiprow Village
- PB Devco
- Wild Goose
- Aberdeen Whisky Shop
- Aberdeen Football Club
- Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums
- Greyhope Bay
- Finnies the Jeweller
- Haven's Treasures Gift Shop
- The Pigs Wings
- Scot Free Tours Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- The Gordon Highlanders Museum
- Juniper
- Mackie’s of Scotland
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