A SCOTTISH port has welcomed its first cruise ship visit of the year with thousands of tourists from around the world expected to explore the area.
The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) welcomed the AIDASol, which has capacity for 2300 passengers and a crew of 600, at around 10am at the Easter Ross port’s Quay West berth on Tuesday before setting sail again in the evening.
AIDA Cruises' stop on Tuesday is the first of several visits to Invergordon by the vessel during this year’s cruise season.
It is expected that more than 150,000 passengers will arrive at the port in 2025, with 97 cruise ship calls scheduled.
The season is due to draw to a close on October 29, with the Ambience, operated by Ambassador Cruises and capable of accommodating 1700 passengers and 660 crew, the final visitor of the year.
Allison McGuire, PoCF’s Cruise Manager, has welcomed the cruise as she said: “It is always a very exciting time at the port as we look forward welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the rich variety of attractions this wonderful area offers.
“The sector creates jobs and business opportunities across the Highland region, with up to 100 people involved just on the port side in a typical visit, including security officers, mooring crew, tour guides and coach drivers.”
Invergordon has been a key port of call for the cruise industry for almost 50 years, with more than 100 ships already scheduled to visit in 2026.
