The arrival of the 6,072-tonne Silver Explorer marked the start of what is likely to be a record-breaking 2016 cruise season at Aberdeen harbour.
A total of 24 cruise ships are expected to berth in the port between May and August, up from 13 last year and just eight in 2014.
Silver Explorer, a purpose-built luxury expedition ship designed for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, was carrying nearly 90 passengers from as far afield as Australia and Japan.
They disembarked onto an upgraded quayside, using a newly acquired covered walkway, before heading on to enjoy day trips around Aberdeen city and shire.
The global cruise industry is growing strongly, with reported passenger numbers exceeding 22million in 2015.
Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB) chief executive Colin Parker said: “With 24 cruise ships due to visit Aberdeen this year, it is clear that our region has much to offer the industry.
“We have been working closely with (industry body) Cruise Scotland to highlight Aberdeen city and shire as a key destination, and with the growth in cruise calls in recent years it is clear this message is getting through.”
The potential of the cruise market is one of the arguments AHB is using for the proposed expansion of the harbour into Nigg Bay.
Longer and deeper quays could see the area benefiting from much larger vessels calling into port.
Mr Parker said: “Due to the vessel size limitations in the existing port, the larger cruise ships sail past Aberdeen.
“Of the 290,000 visitors to Scottish ports last year, Aberdeen Harbour received only 1,000 – so this is a major opportunity that is sailing past us every day.”
