The Ultimate Guide To Cruising From Scotland

What To Expect When Sailing From Scotland's Cruise Ports

If you are looking for a cruise departing from Scotland, there are a few different cruise ports to choose from, with cruises taking you to some spectacular destinations around the world, such as the Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, and Northern Europe among others.

In this guide, we share all you need to know about these cruise ports and cruising from these locations. 

What Are The Options When Cruising From Scotland?

When sailing on a cruise from Scotland, you have four main ports from which your cruise holiday can start from: Greenock (near Glasgow), Leith and Rosyth (both near Edinburgh) and the Port of Dundee. If you are looking to depart from Aberdeen, several cruise lines currently offer fly-cruises, which leave from the airport.

Additionally, The Port of Aberdeen has undergone a multi-million-pound expansion to increase its capacity so that most of today’s modern cruise ships can dock in the port. Today, there are a number of cruise lines, including Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Marella Cruises and Azamara, which make port calls or depart from Aberdeen on various itineraries. 

You can also find smaller, more local cruise holidays or trips from smaller ports, such as Inverness, which sail around Scotland and explore its incredible islands.

Sailing From Glasgow

Greenock Cruise Terminal is the nearest port if you are travelling from Glasgow or western Scotland. Here, you can enjoy an authentic Scottish welcome, with bagpipe players often greeting arrivals stepping on shore. 

The local town of Greenock is just a short walk away, while Glasgow is approximately a 40-minute drive away. There is also a regular train service for Glasgow Central, from the nearby local station Greenock West.

Passengers can park at Cathcart Street west car park for up to three hours free of charge. If you are looking for long-stay parking for the entire duration of your cruise holiday, this can be arranged with your cruise agent.

Greenock Cruise Terminal, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2021, has good facilities, including a currency exchange, shops, a waiting area, an information point and disabled access. It’s also easy to make a quick visit to the shops and restaurants in Greenock centre. 

Fred. Olsen Cruises and Hebridean Island Cruises offer cruise holidays departing from Greenock with itineraries featuring stops around the British Isles. Some cruise holidays also sail to Northern Europe. Larger cruise lines such as Silversea, Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruise often stop in Greenock as part of their itinerary too.

Sailing From Edinburgh

Leith Cruise Terminal

As a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, a year-round visitor attraction which used to previously serve the British Royal Family, Leith Cruise Terminal has an incredible history. Recently restored, it also offers a good range of facilities, such as shops and cafes, a waiting area and internet access.

Edinburgh is just a quick three miles away and easily accessed by bus or taxi. You can drive to Leith Cruise Terminal, and secure parking is available for passengers but must be pre-booked. 

Only cruise lines with smaller ships, such as Oceania Cruises, Seabourn and Cunard, dock at Leith, often cruising to Scandinavia or around the UK.

Port Rosyth

Port Rosyth is an alternative port for Edinburgh, located across the Forth Railway Bridge on the northern bank of the River Forth, approximately a 35-minute drive from the city centre. The nearest train station to Port Rosyth is in Inverkeithing, a 10-minute taxi ride away, as well as long-stay car parking. 

It’s a small terminal building with a waiting area, toilets and Wi-Fi. There is a convenience store and vending machines, but no dining or left luggage facilities. The main cruise line operating out of Port Rosyth is Fred. Olsen Cruises, which generally offers cruise holidays during the summer, sailing around the UK, to Northern Europe or Scandinavia.

Sailing From Dundee

The busy Port of Dundee is found on the northern bank of the River Tay and is just a short walk from the city centre. Its cruise terminal is mainly used for cruise holidays departing in the summer months. Cruise passengers may be treated to an especially warm welcome when they disembark in the Port of Dundee, as the port offers a package which includes bagpipe players, shuttle buses and whisky tasting to welcome guests. 

For passengers driving to the terminal, follow signs for cruise traffic. Parking is available within the port area and must be booked in advance. There are also several drop-off facilities. The city of Dundee is well-connected by public transport options, with taxis available to the cruise terminal.

Like Port Rosyth, the terminal building is small with limited facilities. However, toilets and disabled access are provided.

Ambassador Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises are the two leading cruise lines sailing from Dundee. They offer cruise holidays to Northern Europe, Scandinavia and around the UK.