Capital Cruising’s season in Scotland and at the London Moorings kicks off this week with the arrival of the Viking Neptune into Newhaven, Edinburgh and the Hanseatic Nature into the unique Tower Bridge mooring in London. With around 260 vessels calls due across the UK in 2026, this is set to be a busy season welcoming over 450,000 passengers.

The cruise calendar in Scotland traditionally runs between April and October and this year it will see 159 cruise ships sail into its locations in Leith, Rosyth, Dundee and two deep water anchorages in Newhaven and South Queensferry.

In London, Capital Cruising welcomes cruise calls all year round with the London Mooring season operating in peak season between April and October. 106 cruise ships, from 15 different cruise lines, are set to sail into the Thames this year calling into the historic London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury and the moorings at Tower Bridge and Greenwich. This is a 10% increase from the 2025 season with a further increase expected in 2027. The London Moorings take advantage of the unrivalled location and a rare opportunity to get right to the heart of central London.

Offering access to two globally famous Capital cities in the UK, Capital Cruising’s business opens up both of these popular destinations which are viewed by the cruise market as “marquee” cruise destinations due to the abundance of iconic attractions, events, heritage and culture.

Commenting on the 2026 season, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer, Forth Ports, said: “Cruise is an increasingly popular holiday choice and we are thrilled that the 2026 season across our ports and anchorages in Scotland and London are being selected as must visit destinations. 

 “Our business continues to grow with advance bookings already secured for 2030, highlighting a strong future demand. We have many cruise lines returning to our destinations for multiple calls during the season and we are also set to welcome ships for the first time.

 “Our team work collaboratively with the cities, destination partners and the wider cruise industry to deliver a successful cruise season. We know that cruise brings significant benefits to the local and national economy as hundreds of thousands of passengers visit not just the capital cities but local attractions and major events too.”