A SCOTTISH port has welcomed the largest ship in its history as a cruise liner docked on its way to Edinburgh.
On Friday, the 888-year-old Port of Aberdeen welcomed the Costa Favolosa, which was built in Genoa at an estimated cost of around €510 million for the Italian operator Costa Crociere.
It is 290 metres long, has 13 decks, and weights more than 113,000 tons. It can also carry up to 3000 passengers in 1506 cabins.
The ship made headlines at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic as it was out at sea when a number of those on board tested positive for the virus.
The ship docked on Friday, with the port saying it is the biggest ever to do so in its 888-year history.
CEO of the Port of Aberdeen Bob Sanguinetti commented: “We are delighted to welcome the Costa Favolosa, its guests, and crew to Aberdeen.
“This is the latest demonstration of how we’re driving diversification in energy, trade, and tourism with our expanded infrastructure.
“Activity levels at South Harbour have exceeded expectations, as we compete for a new scale of opportunities with prospective and existing customers.
“As the UK’s oldest existing business, we know what it means to adapt and rise to the challenges of tomorrow.
“Together, in partnership with government and industry, we can drive sustainable economic growth and energy transition.”
The 4000 guests and crew received a welcome from the Robert Gordon College Pipe Band, Alba Bagpipes, and volunteers from VisitAberdeenshire.
CEO of VisitAberdeenshire Chris Foy said: “The increase in calls for the 2024/25 season is further evidence of the region’s growing reputation as a quality destination for cruise operators.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen City Council's co-leader Christian Allard said the arrival of the ship underlined the city's "growing importance as a cruise ship destination".
"Our city is being transformed – and both tourists and local businesses are enjoying the benefits."
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is literally the biggest piece of evidence yet that the investment by Port of Aberdeen in the world class South Harbour facility and the work over the last few years by Team Aberdeen is seeing us established as a calling point of choice for UK and Northern European cruise operators.
"We are already welcoming tens of thousands of new visitors to the region every year as a result and this will grow exponentially by the end of the decade.”
