Capital Cruising’s season in Scotland wraps up this month with the final ship calling into the deep-water anchorage in Newhaven. The striking AIDAsol ship sailed into the Forth as part of a Scottish highlights tour allowing her passengers the chance to spend time in the world-famous Scottish capital. This is the seventh call by AIDA vessels 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 to our shores. 2027 is on track for further growth with Dundee increasing in popularity. July is expected to be busy with the attraction of The Open in St Andrews adding to summer cruise calls. 2026 also saw 13 inaugural calls marking the first visit of these vessels to our ports and anchorages.
The cruise calendar in Scotland traditionally runs between April and October with cruise ships sailing into its locations in Leith, Rosyth, Dundee and two deep water anchorages in Newhaven and South Queensferry. The 2027 season will kick off earlier than usual in January when the Viking Libra sails into Rosyth having embarked guests at Capital Cruise’s London Greenwich facility.
Capital Cruising welcomes 15 cruise lines to 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 iconic moorings at Greenwich and Tower Bridge, offering direct access to the heart of the capital.
Commenting on the 2026 season in Scotland, 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.
“Our 2026 season has been strong in Scotland and next year is already showing growth as passengers are drawn to itineraries which include the capital cities. Scottish residents can also take advantage of accessing cruise holidays departing from our ports, to enjoy a number of popular European destinations.
“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.”
Capital Cruising’s business opens up two of the world’s most popular city destinations, offering access to two globally famous Capital cities in the UK. Edinburgh and London are viewed by the cruise market as “marquee” cruise destinations due to the abundance of iconic attractions, events, heritage and culture.