Invergordon’s Port of Cromarty Firth set for first liner of season today
AN Easter Ross port will welcome its first cruise ship of the year today, launching a season that will see around 150,000 passengers disembark from almost 100 ships.
The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) at Invergordon will once again become the gateway to the Scottish Highlands for thousands of seaborne tourists from around the world.
The AIDASol, which has capacity for 2300 passengers and a crew of 600, is due to tie up at the Easter Ross port’s Quay West berth at 10am and set sail again in the evening.
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It will be the first of several visits to Invergordon by the vessel, operated by AIDA Cruises, during this year’s cruise season.
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.
As well as ships that have become regular visitors to the Cromarty Firth, six vessels will be making their maiden calls to the port over the coming months.
Invergordon has been a key port of call for the cruise industry for almost 50 years, offering passengers easy access to the world-renowned landmarks, scenery, culture and hospitality of the Scottish Highlands and the region’s capital, Inverness.
The industry has grown steadily in the area since it started with the arrival at Invergordon of the MV Kungsholm in 1978 and it now contributes tens of millions of pounds to the Highland economy every year.
Over 100 ships are already scheduled to visit in 2026.
Allison McGuire, PoCF’s cruise manager, said: “It is always a very exciting time at the port as we look forward to 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.”
