Port of Aberdeen has welcomed the first cruise ship into what the port described as its “transformational” £400m Aberdeen South Harbour expansion. The 203-metre-long, Italy–flagged, AIDAaura (IMO 9221566) is the longest vessel to visit the Port of Aberdeen to date. The vessel arrived from Hamburg, Germany, for a full day visit as part of a Scottish cruise.
The AIDAaura berthed on Castlegate Quay, with the guests being greeted by a 50-strong pipe band and Highland dancers from Robert Gordon’s College. “Together with today’s arrival of the polar expedition ship National Geographic Resolution into Aberdeen’s North Harbour on its maiden call, the port’s cruise season has kicked off to a strong start. Aberdeen will welcome 39 cruise calls between May and October this year, with up to 31,000 guests visiting the region which could boost the local economy by £4.2m”, Port of Aberdeen said.
2003-built, Italy-flagged, 42,289 gt Aidaaura is owned by Costa Crociere SpA of Genoa, Italy. It is managed by Aida Cruises of Rostock, Germany. ISM manager is Carnival Maritime GmbH of Hamburg, Germany. It is entered with Steamship Mutual, Gard and UK Club.