Edinburgh named Top Cruise Destination

Edinburgh has won yet another award but this time it is a bit of a first.

The capital has been named Western Europe’s top cruise destination 2018. Capital Cruising part of Forth Ports is celebrating the win in the 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards from Cruise Critics.

The company operates seven cruise terminals and anchorages across the UK including Leith and Rosyth, anchorages in Newhaven and South Queensferry. From there passengers can be whisked off to see the sights in Edinburgh’s city centre. In 2018 Capital Cruising will welcome 114 liners into the River Forth with over 150,000 passengers on board.

Commenting on the award, Rob Mason, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising in Scotland said: “This is a significant global recognition for Edinburgh and we are thrilled with the award especially as this is feedback directly from cruise passengers. Our cruise business is thriving and we are seeing our cruise calls grow each year. We are the only operator to offer the closest cruise connection to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and we have invested significantly over the past few years to provide the most direct access for liners of all sizes to Scotland’s Capital. My thanks to our hard working cruise team and the 50 volunteers from Cruise Forth who work tirelessly all season warmly welcoming thousands of passengers to Edinburgh.”

Adam Coulter, UK Managing Editor, Cruise Critic said “Our data analysis shows that destination continues to be a top consideration for holiday makers looking to cruise, regardless of whether they are new to cruise or seasoned cruise travellers. We are delighted that Edinburgh has pipped so many other wonderful Western European ports to the post to be crowned the best destination in the British Isles & Western Europe. Not only does this highlight the rise in popularity of destinations more known for their immersive, educational and experiential offerings, rather than just their temperate climate or great beaches, but also shows just how attractive Scotland is proving to travellers across the globe.”

Chairman of marketing organisation, Cruise Scotland, Andrew Hemphill, said: “Capital Cruising’s award is well deserved as an excellent example of the high standard of services and facilities provided by our member ports in continuing to attract record numbers of cruise passengers to Scotland’s many outstanding attractions.”

Maid of the Forth assist in ferrying passengers to the Hawes Pier and Lothian operate a cruise passenger special bus service 99 from there to Edinburgh.