Aberdeen's 2024 cruise season kicks off with a change of plan due to weather conditions

The first ship of Aberdeen's 2024 cruise season has berthed in the city with a change of plan due to the weather.

Despite the blue skies, the vessel was unable to anchor in the south harbour due to unsuitable conditions and was diverted.

The ship is currently anchored in the North Sea, with passengers shuttled to the harbour by small boats.

The German AIDAsol arrived from Hamburg this morning, carrying almost 2,000 passengers with 629 crew for a one-day stopover before it sets sail for Kirkwall later this evening.

It's the first of 58 of this year's cruise calls to the Granite City.

Guests will taken by coach to popular tourist destinations around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “With a record number of bookings and a diverse range of visiting vessels, we are poised for unprecedented growth in the coming years and are eager to showcase the best of what Aberdeen and the surrounding region has to offer."

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Aberdeen is establishing itself as a must-visit destination for cruise ships and the 2024 season is one we can build upon further.

"As a council we are delivering transformation through the City Centre and Beach Masterplan – thus ensuring that visitors enjoy a great experience when they disembark.”

Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The growth in calls for 2024 is a vote of confidence in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a cruise destination. This year VisitAberdeenshire is enhancing the welcome offered to passengers through its expanded volunteer programme and has developed more opportunities for local suppliers to benefit from cruise calls.

“Attendance at Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest cruise event alongside Port of Aberdeen is an opportunity to build relationships and secure more business for 2025 and beyond.”