Highland port town Invergordon ends 2025 cruise season on crest of a wave
AN Easter Ross port is already looking ahead to another busy cruise line season as the curtain falls on this year’s hectic schedule of arrivals.
The direct spend generated by cruise line visits to the deepwater port of Invergordon has been estimated at £19m a year.
That feeds in to shops and tour organisers providing a host of whistlestop visits to attractions around the Highlands.
The current season, which started in April and ended with the visit of Ambassador’s 1400-capacity Ambience this week, saw around 200,000 passengers and 50,000 members of crew use the Easter Ross port as a gateway to the Highlands.
This year, efforts to step up the direct benefit to Invergordon itself have seen the port throw the spotlight on local businesses through a series of mini promotional films.
The town’s famous mural trail has also been highlighted with a significant anniversary of the first one completed celebrated.
A spokesperson for the Port of Cromarty Firth said: "[Wednesday’s] last call brings our 2025 season to a close after almost 100 ship visits, around 200,000 passengers and more than 50,000 crew.
"Feedback from cruise lines and their passengers about their visits to Invergordon and the Highlands has been fantastic. Thank you to local residents, businesses, attractions, and the many staff and volunteers who ensure visitors feel welcome and enjoy their time in our beautiful area.
“Cruise generates around £19m a year in direct spend in our area, and is vital to many small businesses and attractions.
"We look forward to welcoming ships, crew and visitors back to the Highlands next year. 107 ships have reserved to date, and we hope to be able to share more details in the coming weeks."
Ambassador cruises call Ambience “our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea”.
This week’s visit to Invergordon was part of a 16-day round-trip Aurora Isles Discover Norway’s Northern Lights and The Scottish Highlands tour.
This takes in five different stops in Norway and a visit to Orkney on return to London, from where she started the voyage.