Royal Caribbean, one of the world's biggest cruise operators on the planet, is considering adding Aberdeen to the list of stunning ports across the globe its mammoth ships dock at, AGCC can reveal.
The industry giant is currently asking loyalty club members how appealing various potential stops around northern Europe would be to them - including the Granite City.
At present, the biggest vessel to dock at Aberdeen's new South Harbour was the immaculate Costa Favolosa, measuring in at around 290m, in July.
Royal Caribbean owns seven of the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world, and any stop in Aberdeen would likely be a record-breaker.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “There is no question Aberdeen is making waves as a destination for more and more cruise ships and the thousands of visitors they bring – along with a major boost for our local economy.
“Being included as a possible Royal Caribbean docking destination in this survey means the Granite City is on the radar of one of the giants in the global cruise industry, which in itself is a major achievement.
“That is down to the vision, ambition and relentless drive of the Port of Aberdeen and other stakeholders in growing the cruise ship sector into a major player in the north-east economy.
“Fingers crossed this survey sees Aberdeen win the prestigious coup of becoming a welcome port of call for Royal Caribbean and its guests, cementing the north-east's reputation as a ‘must-see’ for visitors from around the world.”
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “VisitAberdeenshire will welcome confirmation of any new operator that can increase future tourism business to the North-east of Scotland.”
While Aberdeen's South Harbour can accommodate ships up to 300m in length, Royal Caribbean cruise liners would likely exceed this.
If the industry heavyweight does come to the city, it could use "tenders", smaller boats to ferry passengers to shore while the main ship anchors slightly further out.
A spokesman for Port of Aberdeen said: “We are working closely with VisitAberdeenshire and our regional partners to position Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as one of the UK’s top cruise destinations and engaging with the world’s biggest cruise lines to attract them to the region.
"Since the opening of South Harbour, the number of visiting cruise tourists has increased tenfold and we look forward to welcoming an increasing number of larger vessels in 2025 and beyond.”
Royal Caribbean have been contacted for comment.
The news comes as high-profile travel publication Condé Nast Traveller named Aberdeen as one of the "best places to go in the UK in 2025.
Its website notes: "In the past year, Aberdeen's streets have gained a new sparkle beyond their famed granite shine.
"Once Europe's energy powerhouse, the Silver City has moved beyond pipelines and platforms to emerge as a surprising culinary hotspot, driven by the post-Covid revival in oil prices.
"The main thoroughfare of Union Street, previously slipping into obscurity, now connects an eclectic array of newly blossomed global dining spots – from flavour-packed vegan Venezuelan arepas at La Tiendita del Sabor – cooked up by five members of the same family – to Second Home Studio + Café around the corner, where visitors can pick up a paintbrush or take part in weekly blanket-knitting workshops over homemade bakes.
"Just below – in the once-forgotten purgatory of Union Terrace Gardens, now resurrected into a lush green park by a multi-million-pound facelift – home-grown wine bar SugarBird has opened its second outpost, while Michelin has recently awarded the Bib Gourmand to two restaurants in the city."