Viking Ships Set Sail for Aberdeen’s Cruise Season

Aberdeen is set to welcome a series of Viking port calls this cruise season, with a total of 16 anticipated between April and September, contributing to an expected influx of around 40,000 visitors to the area. The Viking Vela, a Norwegian-flagged cruise liner, made its inaugural call at the South Harbour, symbolizing Viking’s first visit to the city.

As guests disembarked, the welcoming atmosphere was enhanced by performances from bagpipers and Highland dancers.

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, commented: “We’re delighted to have added Aberdeen as a new port of call on some of our British Isles and Scandinavian itineraries and we are looking forward to today’s first visit. Aberdeen, being Scotland’s third-largest city, offers much to explore, from its coastal culture to historic architecture.”

Translation: “Estamos encantados de haber añadido Aberdeen como un nuevo puerto de escala de algunos de nuestros itinerarios por las Islas Británicas y Escandinavia y esperamos con interés la primera visita de hoy. Aberdeen, siendo la tercera ciudad más grande de Escocia, ofrece mucho por explorar, desde su cultura costera hasta su arquitectura histórica.”

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, added: “The expansion of Port of Aberdeen alongside the efforts of CruiseAberdeenshire is yielding remarkable results as we prepare for 64 cruise calls in 2025.”

In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Ilma, a superyacht, is also scheduled to make its presence felt in Aberdeen, adding to the cruise appeal of the region.

Chris Foy, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeenshire, remarked: “The region boasts a compelling visitor proposition, promising memorable experiences.”

Translation: “La región tiene una propuesta de visitante convincente, prometiendo experiencias memorables.”

This cruise season will also witness Cruise Britain’s summer event in Aberdeen, attracting cruise industry leaders and showcasing the region’s tourism potential.