cruise ships queensferry

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Cruise Ship Schedule

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You will be anchored and tendered to South Queensferry, within sight of the famous Forth Railway Bridge.

Most cruise lines offer shuttles to the center of Edinburgh (16.90 Euros), but only announce this the night before, so not to disturb their excursion sales.

The ship's shuttle (25 minutes trip) will drop you off at Waterloo Place, just a few steps from the point where all hop on/off buses start. Just past Waverley Station.

The local bus company Lothian run buses right at the quay side into Edinburgh taking approx 35 mins, at a cost of £12.00 each return. They drop you in Saint David`s Street which is very central, this is opposite the Scott Monument, so it is easy to find you way back to pick up the bus.Ticket can be used all day on local buses in Edinburgh.

Taxis have a fixed one way rate per taxi (not per person) for 25 Pound.

Climb a small hill (110 steps!) to the railway station at Dalmeny and spent the day in Edinburgh . Trains are every 20 minutes with a journey time of 15 minutes, and cost just over £8, for a return ticket.

Video of the tender into South Queensferry.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise Schedule .

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Queensferry Edinburgh Scotland United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

You can walk the waterfront, admire the little Priory Church of St Mary, browse the handful of remaining shops and relax on the sidewalk cafes.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

For Edinburgh click here .

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.

Please make sure you get change in English notes as Scottish notes are not everywhere accepted in the rest of the UK.

Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.

Currency Converter

Communication:

English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!

Many locations on the High St have free WiFi including the museum.

There is also free WiFi on the public bus 43. The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours are in general:

Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7

Holidays in the United Kingdom

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Edinburgh (South Queensferry) United Kingdom

Edinburgh , the capital of Scotland, is built on an extinct volcano. The port of South Queensferry is located 18km east of Edinburgh. The Old Town is a maze of alleys and cobbled streets filled with historic castles, museums and cathedrals. After the Act of Union of 1707, Scotland joined England and many wealthy people abandoned Edinburgh for London. The Georgian terraces of the New Town were built with the aim of attracting them again. Both the Old City and the New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites . In August, Edinburgh hosts the Frindge Art Festival and the Military Tattoo .

The banks of Scotland issue their own currency which is at parity with the pound sterling.

Watch out for the rain. In July and August, there may be mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent.

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Useful Information

5% to 10% will be appreciated in restaurants and taxis.

GBP British pound

Time difference

from New York: +5h

from San Francisco: +7h

from London: None

Where is located the Port of South Queensferry Cruise Terminal

The harbour is located 18km east of Edinburgh. The ships are anchored in the Forth River and passengers transferred by small boats to Hawes pier in the town of South Queensferry.

Smaller ships can dock at The Ocean Terminal in Leith near the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Travelling around the Edinburgh (South Queensferry) Cruise Port

Dalmeny Train Station is located at the top of the hill. The journey to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station (near Princes Street) is about 20 minutes and the cost is about 4 pounds.

Once in Edinburgh the various sites are easily visited on foot.

Activities in Edinburgh (South Queensferry)

Neighborhoods.

The street leading from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace in the middle of the Old Town. Several local product shops are located here.

Calton Hill

Climb this hill for a beautiful view of the city and its monuments.

Arthur’s Seat

A hill in Holyrood Park with interesting views.

Holyrood Palace

The official residence of the Queen of Scotland. Admission costs £11 (June 2013). Visits are only possible when the royal family is away.

Scott Monument

Climb the 287 steps to see this monument on Princes Street. Admission costs £4 (June 2013).

Scottish Parliament

You can visit this modern building near Holyrood Palace for free.

Floors Castle

Residence of the Duke of Roxburghe, one of the largest inhabited castles in Scotland.

Glamis Castle

Royal residence since 1372.

Historical sites

Edinburgh castle.

This hilltop royal fortress is home to the jewels of Scottish royalty. A cannon shot is fired at 1PM every day except Sunday. Admission costs £16 (June 2013) and tickets can be purchased online to avoid the queue. Plan an hour and a half for the visit of the castle.

Dryburgh Abbey

Ruins of a 12th century monastery.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Visit the royal family former ship. You can see the royal apartments as well as the crew quarters and the engine room. Admission costs £12 (June 2013) and tickets can be purchased online. Plan at least an hour and a half for the visit if you want to take advantage of the audioguide.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

National gallery of scotland, scottish national gallery of modern art, royal botanic garden.

The visit to the gardens is free, but the visit to the greenhouses costs £4.50 (June 2013)

Medieval town where the Royal - Ancient Golf Club and the British Museum on the Golf are located.

Excursions in Edinburgh (South Queensferry)

Visitors on their first visit will probably want to tour the city and visit Edinburgh Castle.

Other excursions will show you attractions in Edinburgh’s vicinity.

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Edinburgh (South Queensferry)
• Tourism Board - United Kingdom
• Visit Scotland
• Edinburgh (South Queensferry) on Wikipedia
• United Kingdom on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)

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Leith-Edinburgh (Newhaven-Rosyth-Queensferry, Scotland)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time 2024-05-31 22:27

Port Leith-Edinburgh cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Leith-Edinburgh, Newhaven-Rosyth-Queensferry, Scotland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Edinburgh's principal cruise port is Port Leith, but some ships may alternatively stop at Newhaven (tender cruise port). Both seaports are located on Firth of Forth's southern shore. Firth of Forth (mainland Scotland) is River Forth's estuary. Aberdeen Harbour is approx 100 mi (160 km) away. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city. By population (around 0,5 million, metro 1,35 million) it is ranked country's 2nd largest - after Glasgow . Edinburgh is also UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting international and UK tourist with its historic sights, castles, numerous entertainment and activities options, the annual Edinburgh Festival.

Forth Ports (Edinburgh's cruise port operator company) manages a total of 7 UK seaport terminals and anchorages - Leith, Dundee, London-Tilbury , plus the anchorages Rosyth, South Queensferry and Newhaven (England). In 2018, Edinburgh received 114 cruise ship calls with 150,000+ tourists (passengers and crew). In 2019, the number grew to 155,000.

Port Leith (Edinburgh)

Port Leith (locode GBLEI) is to the northeast of Edinburgh City and is within the city's council area. Leith is one of Edinburgh's most profitable enterprises, with annual cargo shipping capacity 1.5+ million tons.

Leith Docks became Edinburgh's port in early-19th-century, when there were built numerous facilities serving the shipbuilding and ship repair industries. During 19th-century, Leith also became a major port serving Scotland's herring export trade.

Currently, Port Leith is Scotland's biggest enclosed (harbor) deepwater port, with capability to handle vessels up to 50,000 DWT (deadweight tons). Port Leith provides easy access to major roads in Scotland, including A1 highway, Edinburgh by-pass, M8 and M9. It offers road and rail connections and is perfectly located for North Sea shipping operations of any kind. Port's busy cruising season is March through October, with roundtrip itineraries offered mainly by large liners operated by Cunard , Princess , MSC , Costa .

In January 2023, the cruiseferry Tallink Victoria I (permanently berthed at Imperial Dock and being chartered by the Scottish government to house Ukrainian refugees) became Port Leith's first vessel to receive shore-power . The technology allows berthed vessels to switch off their diesel engines/electricity generators and instead use electricity from the city grid for their onboard hotel services. In this case, the ship was provided with electricity generated from non-fossil fuels (wind turbines).

In January 2023 was also completed the Port's electrical network extension (connection to the Harbour Berth) that now allows shore-power supply to offshore construction vessels homeported in Leith.

Port Rosyth (Edinburgh)

An alternative cruise port for Edinburgh is Port Rosyth (locode GBROY), but it is rarely used. Large-sized liners usually anchor near South Queensferry (opposite to Rosyth), from where their passengers are tendered ashore. Port Rosyth is located across Forth Railway Bridge, approx 35-min drive distance from Edinburgh's downtown. Rosyth is a ferry port used by Blue Star Ferries .

Next photo shows South Queensferry's cruise ship anchorage area.

South Queensferry (aka "The Ferry") is a small port town located approx 10 mi (16 km) to the northwest of Edinburgh downtown. The town is between Forth Railway Bridge and Forth Road Bridge. The prefix "South" is used to distinguish it from the town "North Queensferry". Both towns are named for the established by Queen Margaret (aka Margaret of Wessex, 1045-1093) ferry service between them. The service was discontinued in 1964, when the Forth Road Bridge was inaugurated.

The above photo shows Rosyth Dockyard (part of the seaport). Rosyth Dockyard is a naval dockyard owned and operated by Babcock Marine Ltd (2007-founded subsidiary of Babcock International Group / multinational corporation). Before the company's privatization in 1987, the large shipyard complex was named "Royal Naval Dockyard Rosyth" and was operated as British Government-owned and contractor-managed facility. In 1997, Babcock International purchased the shipyard. Currently, this is the shipbuilding yard for the UK's newest and largest aircraft carriers of the Queen Elizabeth-class.

In 2017, the Fred Olsen -owned ship Black Watch offered a total of 8 cruises leaving roundtrip from Rosyth. Operated in the period August 14 through October 14, the roundtrip itineraries included 7-night Norwegian Fjords, 10-night Northern European cities, 16-night Canary Islands and Madeira . Also roundtrip from Rosyth, In 2017 the company offered (for the first time ever) 2 river cruises. The itineraries were themed "French Rivers" and "German Waterways".

According to statistical data provided by Peter Wilson (cruiseforth.com), for season 2019, from all the 110 scheduled to visit Edinburgh cruise liners, 34 were booked at Newhaven, 29 at Rosyth, 25 at Leith and 22 at Queensferry.

In October 2022 was announced the "Forth Green Freeport" project to transform Rosyth into a modern port, an advanced shipbuilding and manufacturing center as well as a major logistics hub. The project (budgeted ~GBP 1 billion/~EUR 1,14B) included the construction of a new cargo terminal, a new rail freight connection, manufacturing facilities for the marine renewable energy industry (offshore wind farms) and green power generation.

• Forth Green Freeport covers an area of ~150 hectares/~370 acres (sites within Rosyth and Burntisland) owned by the companies Babcock International Group plc, Forth Ports Ltd and Scarborough Muir Group Ltd.
• Forth Green Freeport's employment at Rosyth and Burntisland included ~7000 newly created local jobs in addition to ~50,000 new jobs across Scotland.

In July 2022, DFDS Seaways (Danish ferry company) signed with Ptarmigan Shipping an agreement for a new freight ferry route connecting Rosyth with Zeebrugge-Bruges Belgium (opened in 2023)

Leith-Edinburgh cruise terminal

Smaller-sized cruise ships to Edinburgh dock at Leith port's cruise terminal located approx 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Edinburgh. Cruise vessels enter the port from River Forth's estuary. The dock can accommodate vessels with max LOA length 720 ft (220 m).

Newhaven UK is a tender cruise port, meaning passengers are tendered between the anchored ship and the quay (~10-min ride). Newhaven Port Authority complimentary provides bus transfer to Ocean Terminal's shopping mall. At the quay, there are a taxi rank and a bus station.

Port Leith is an important destination for Northern Europe's ship cruising industry. The port handles around 40 cruise vessels and 20,000 passengers annually. Leith Cruise Terminal provides good facilities for turnarounds (roundthrips) and transit calls.  Its central location is convenient for shore excursions and tours to Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

The cruise ship terminal building features a modern design and has all the necessary passenger facilities, including waiting area, phone, internet, toilets. More amenities are offered by the "Ocean Terminal" shopping mall, located at 5-min walking distance from the Leith cruise port terminal. The mall has shops, banking facilities, restaurants, cafes, car parking, and is served by Lothian Buses lines 11, 22, 34, 35, 36. Lothian Buses started the direct service "X99 Cruiselink" Queensferry-Edinburgh (in 2018) and Newhaven-Edinburgh (in 2019).

At Port Leith are available taxis and shuttle buses. The port's parking area is adjacent to the cruise terminal and can accommodate up to 450 vehicles (cars and tour buses). The closest to the cruise port airport (Edinburgh Airport) is about 30 min ride. The closest to the port railway station (Waverley) is about 15-min ride from the cruise terminal.

At Ocean Terminal is also the permanently berthed Royal Yacht Britannia (officially "HMY Britannia"). This is Queen Elizabeth II's former royal yacht, operated in the period 1954-1997.

Large cruise ships dock at Newhaven (Edinburgh City's district) located between Leith and Granton. It is approx 3 km (2 ml) north of downtown Edinburgh. These liners actually anchor near Newhaven and their passengers are transported between the anchorage point and the tender pier via tender boats. This distance is approx 1,7 mi (3 km) or about 15-min ride.

At Port Rosyth, due to the lack of public transportation service, the available ways for cruise ship passengers are taxis (at the passenger / ferry terminal building) and eventually shuttle bus service provided by the cruise company.

Most cruise operators offer shuttles to Edinburgh's downtown. This service is at fee pp. The local bus operator Cramond Coaches provides an alternative shuttle service to downtown. Cramond Coaches staff will be waiting at the pier. Their buses go to Charlotte Square, from where passengers can catch the green bus (hop-on / hop-off) for the popular Edinburgh Tour. Cruise line's bus shuttle offers 25-min travel to Waterloo Place (a green bus stop).

• Edinburgh castle: the castle is the most popular landmark in the city. It is two kilometres from Edinburgh cruise port. It is located on a volcanic rock’s top. The view from the highest point offers a panorama of the Firth of Forth and Fife. Inside you can see the Great Hall, the St Margaret’s Chapel and the Stone of Destiny.
• The Royal Mile: the one-mile long road connects the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, both Royal Residences.
• Royal Botanic Garden: the second oldest (after Oxford’s) British botanic garden. It dates from 1670 and was originally medicinal plants garden. It is located in the north of the city and is amazing, especially in the spring time.
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival: the world’s largest art festival is held for three weeks every August.
• National Museum of Scotland: located on Chambers Street. It was reopened in July 2011 after a renovation for £47 million. It houses 16 galleries and displays more than 8,000 different objects.
• Camera Obscura: spend a really fun time! Located in Victorian rooftop chamber near the Edinburgh Castle’ entrance.

Leith-Edinburgh tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Leith-Edinburgh - user reviews and comments

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

South Queensferry cruise port

Cruise port South Queensferry

Cruise port South Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh. Unfortunately there is no berth large enough to facilitate cruise ships. Therefore cruise ships will have to up the Forth. Anchor in front of the Forth bridge and tender the cruise passengers to shore to a town called South Queensferry. From here you will have multiple option of how to go to Edinburgh.

Tender dock South Queensferry

Tenders will all arrive at a small pier in the Maid of the Forth port underneath the Forth bridge. At the cruise tender pier you will find some taxis, public transportation and shore excursions companies. On the opposite side of the road you will also find some restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. The walk to South Queensferry city center takes about 10 minutes. Simply go right when you exit the dock.

Going from South Queensferry cruise pier to Edinburgh

You will 4 options to go to Edinburgh from the South Queensferry cruise pier. You can either take an organised shore excursion that you can book on board your ship.

The X99 bus from South Queensferry cruise pier to Edinburg

You can also take the semi public transportation bus called the “X99 Edinburgh” which is a double decker bus that will take you to Edinburghs city center. You will find this bus stop directly on the left hand side as you exit the pier. You buy a ticket at the bus and enjoy a simple ride into the city center. The bus returning to the ship is called X99 Hawes pier.

Take the train from South Queensferry to Edinburgh Waverly

Option number 3 is to take the train into Edinburgh Waverly. 1/2 a mile from the cruise dock you will find the train station called Dalmeny. Please know that it is a bit of a climb to get there as you will start walking at sea level and the train station is up at the start of the bridge. To get to the train station simply follow the signs in the port that point you to it. Which means that when exiting the cruise dock you take a left. The walk is about 10 minutes and from here you catch the train directly to the city center station in Edinburgh which is called Waverly. Trains to Edinburgh depart around twice an hour. Same goes for coming back.

Taxi from South Queensferry cruise dock to Edinburgh

Another option is taking a taxi from the cruise dock to Edinburgh. A one way ride with a taxi that can seat 5 or 6 passengers will cost you around 30 Sterling pound. You can catch the taxi directly at the cruise pier. Simple follow the signs at the exit of the pier. You will find the taxi rank directly to the right hand side, next tot the cruise dock.

Taxi prices at South Queensferry cruise dock to Edinburgh

Taxi prices are clearly displayed on the cruise dock. Please expect the following prices for destinations: South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Castle: 32 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Charlotte square (city centre): 30 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Holyrood Palace / Parliament: 35 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Waverly station: 32 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh airport: 30 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Edinburgh Dunfermline Abbey: 30 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – Rosslyn Chapel: 45 pound South Queensferry cruise dock – St. Andrews: 130 pound The prices is one way, per vehicle which can seat up to 5 or 6 passengers.

Please know that prices are subject to change and they are based on approximate metered fares. Which means that these are not fixed prices. They are an estimate according to “Central Taxis” which is Edinburgh’s largest taxi fleet. Taxis will take credit and debit card. Paying in cash is not a requirement.

FAQ about cruise port South Queensferry

What is the name of the cruise pier in South Queensferry? The cruise ships tender will bring cruise passengers to Hawes pier in the Maid of the Forth port, South Queensferry, Scotland. Are cruise ships docking or tendering at South Queensferry? Cruise ships tender passengers to shore in South Queensferry. Is there a hop on hop off bus in South Queensferry? No, there is not. Can I take a taxi from South Queensferry to Edinburgh? Yes, you can. It will cost around 30 – 35 pound one way. Where can I find the X99 bus from South Queensferry to Edinburgh? Directly to the left hand side when you exit the tender dock.

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Cruises from/to South Queensferry, Scotland

South queensferry, scotland cruise port.

• Take a Firth boat tour, which typically includes nearby Inchcolm Island and the historic, medieval Inchcolm Abbey. You'll also get a commentary of area bridges and other points of interest, along with spotting playful seals, puffins, and other local wildlife.  
• Those interested in engineering can take in the Forth Road Bridge either by crossing it on your own, or take one of the walking tours available. Not only are the views amazing, but there's a museum and information center on the North Queensferry end, as well as a Contact and Education Centre in the south.  
• The lovely Hopetoun House was built between 1699 and 1701, with an English garden style landscape park laid out in 1725. You can view the house and grounds during the summer months, and if you're lucky, you might catch a classical music recital.  
• The Queensferry Museum may be small, but it's alive with area history (which includes the nearby town of Dalmeny). You'll hear about the construction of the bridges – and how the Forth Rail Bridge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will learn more about the intriguing Burry Man and why he's immortalized during festival season.

Top 10 Cruises to South Queensferry, Scotland

• Regal Princess 12 NIGHT Europe - Western CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Regal Princess 16 NIGHT EUROPE - WESTERN TOUR G420 Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024)
• Coral Princess 18 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Dover (London), England (Jun 2024)
• Coral Princess 50 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Dover (London), England (Jun 2024)
• Coral Princess 54 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Dover (London), England (Jun 2024)
• Coral Princess 56 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From Dover (London), England (Jun 2024)
• Regal Princess 16 NIGHT EUROPE - WESTERN TOUR G421 Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024)
• Regal Princess 16 NIGHT EUROPE - WESTERN TOUR G422 Departing From Southampton, England (Jul 2024)
• Regal Princess 16 NIGHT EUROPE - WESTERN TOUR G423 Departing From Southampton, England (Jul 2024)
• Regal Princess 16 NIGHT EUROPE - WESTERN TOUR G424 Departing From Southampton, England (Aug 2024)

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Cruise to Edinburgh (S. Queensferry), Scotland

Edinburgh (s. queensferry) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in edinburgh (s. queensferry).

Climb Castle Rock

A close up view of the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city's skyline from its position on Castle Rock. You can check out the free views outside. But there are many exciting paid exhibits inside, too, including the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, the National War Museum and the Stone of Destiny.

Be a Wise Guy

Interior view of the National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh is full of opportunities for learning. It's free to visit the National Museum of Scotland, with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to medieval decorative art. The free Writers' Museum celebrates Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. For other educational stops, check out the Surgeons' Hall Museum and the Museum of Childhood.

Follow in Harry's Footsteps

Harry Potter fans will know all about Edinburgh's place in the creation of the much-loved books. Cruise to Edinburgh and head to the Elephant House and Spoon Cafes, where Rowling wrote parts of her first book. Greyfriars Kirkyard's gravestones inspired some of the characters' names, and colorful Victoria Street was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley. There's also the luxurious Rowling Suite at the Balmoral Hotel.

Local Cuisine

Be brave and try Scotland's signature dish: haggis. It's a savory pudding of meat (sometimes liver and heart), oats, onions and spices — and yes, it's cooked inside a sheep's stomach, but it serves more as a sausage casing than anything else. Not feeling up for the experience? Try one of the city's many upscale farm-to-table eateries, where you'll find dishes like local lamb served along daikon radishes and woodruff, a wild herb.

Harry Potter fans need to visit Diagon House or Galaxy. You can also pick up a tartan or cashmere keepsake at one of the Royal Mile's many souvenir stores, including the House of Edinburgh. For unique jewelry, prints and gifts handmade by indie designers from the U.K. and abroad, visit Hannah Zakari during your cruise.

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Queensferry. Tendering to Hawes Pier under the Forth Bridge and taking the X99 into Edinburgh.

Cruise ships either go into the terminal at Leith or stop by the Forth Bridge and anchor, with tenders going into the HAWES PIER in Queensferry. This is a short trip, normally under the amazing bridge to the pier where you can just stroll and enjoy the town or take the X99 bus into Edinburgh. Jean shows you both routes. We have many films on exploring Edinburgh. The shuttle fee if not covered by the ship, is a round trip of £12 (2023). It takes about 35 minutes and drops you in Princes Street by the shops. Cross Princes Street Gardens for the castle and Royal Mile, and our new find, Bertie’s Fish and Chips on the way down to the Grass Market. Jean didn’t fancy the option of the train ride over the bridge.

Many ships visit Edinburgh, it is a regular with SAGA ships , Marella, Ambassador, the Aurora and Arcadia . Find the chat sites for these ships on our home page .

Aurora Ship Tour   Azura Ship Tour   Britannia Ship Tour SAGA SoA Ship Tour Arcadia Ship Tour

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ends – is your next stop Newcastle? if it is, there are many choices.

If you have been to Edinburgh so many times you have exhausted it, try a trip to Lindisfarne, or leave the ship, do a trip, and join again in Newcastle.

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In 2024 we are building our AFRICA menu and visiting to film Cape Town and other ports

FBI arrest cruisers in Baltimore for art theft on Carnival Legend

Arrested by the FBI, two passengers sailing on the Carnival Legend cruise ship that departed Baltimore for Bermuda are believed to have stolen art from the ship. It had to happen after the novel Cruise Ship Art Theft explained in detail

The Bay Of Biscay area explained – cruise ships do go there.

The Bay of Biscay The Bay of Biscay is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean. It is located south of the Celtic Sea, along the western coast of France. Technically it can be said to run from the Point Penmarc’h in France, which is the extremity of a small peninsula in Finistère department in […]

Laurence Murray – singer songwriter – cruise entertainer

When you hear Laurence Murray, you know that he is not just any ordinary cruise ship busker, just as the Viking Neptune is not just any ship.

Visit with us, the Viking Neptune – what a wonderful cruise ship

Quite simply the Viking Neptune is a wonderful all balcony ship with spacious Explorer suites. Once sailed on, you will not be able to judge other ships by the high standards it sets.

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Doris Visits is just a little hobby, and a way of helping people research ports and ships. It is our way of giving back as we are on the ships between 6 and 12 times a year as Guest Lecturers. The site is also supported by other guest lecturers.

Why Doris?  It was a character Jean played in a TV show and we started the port guides as a little spin-off. It took over. I mean, rode into town and said this is it.

Who is Jean ?  Jean is a West End and Broadway actress who now has her own one woman show called Royal Mistresses, which she performs at guilds and on ships. Hence, she cruises – a bit. She now presents TV and is known by many cruisers for her Doris Visits port guides.

Who is Stuart?   Featured in a clip in the 2024 Oscars – in the tribute to movie stuntmen – he was the Queen Alien in Aliens. Now, he points the iPhone at Jean when they go and explore ashore. He finished in movies as a director, and now writes cruise thrillers.

The grandchildren who sometimes travel and from their son Luke Aikman. He was the young Colin Firth in Fever Pitch and appeared in Freight. He is now a producer and business entrepreneur. Their daughter helped with the plot of the first four novels and is now writing with comedian Joe Wilkinson.  Laura Aikman is known for being the girlfriend in the Christmas Gavin and Stacey, and Dyan Cannon in Archie. Some grew up with her Saturday show, Mysti.

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Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Scotland

Description.

South Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh, the political, commercial and cultural heart of Scotland. Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. The streets of the elegant New Town are lined with graceful Georgian buildings, many designed by the great architect Robert Adam. Edinburgh has also exerted a tremendous cultural force on Europe and the English-speaking world. The International Festival has been one of the premier European cultural events for over half a century. Among those who have called the city home are the writers, Robert Burns, James Boswell, and Sir Walter Scott and the philosophers, Adam Smith and David Hume. To stroll the streets of Edinburgh is to experience one of the world's great cities. Note: South Queensferry is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender.

Points of Interest

• Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle
• Princes Street
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Holyrood Palace
• St. Andrews
• Floors Castle & Dryburgh Abbey
• Glamis Castle

More about Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Scotland Points of Interest

This imposing castle dominates the cityscape from atop its rocky perch. Situated at the end of historic Royal Mile, its dramatic, medieval design remains largely unchanged since the 18th century.

Delight in the lively atmosphere and scenic beauty of Edinburgh's most popular thoroughfare in the "New Town" area. Browse the colorful shops and fashionable boutiques and enjoy the many sidewalk cafes.

Explore the fine art and ancient artifacts at Edinburgh's exceptional museums and view the monarch's personal possessions on the Yacht Britannia, the Royal Family's former seagoing palace.

Dominating the end of Edinburgh's famed Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is the official home to the monarch while in Scotland. Its hallowed halls have witnessed some of the most turbulent times in Scotland's history.

Located at the crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling has seen much of Scotland's tumultuous history. Tour its famous castle and battlefields and view royal memorabilia and military artifacts.

Known worldwide as the birthplace of golf, this charming medieval town is home to the legendary Old Course, the venerable Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the exceptional British Golf Museum.

Travel south from Edinburgh to explore the Lowlands, the famed Border Country. Visit stunning Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, and explore the ruins of 12th-century Dryburgh Abbey.

A royal residence since 1372, the castle is thought to be haunted. Tour Duncan Hall, made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth, view the medieval royal rooms, and look out for the legendary ghosts.

21 Excursions

Best of edinburgh.

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 239.95

Edinburgh, Floors Castle & Dryburgh Abbey

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $ 249.95

Glamis Castle & St. Andrews

From $ 174.95

Edinburgh City Drive & Time on Your Own

Moderate Activity

From $ 169.95

Edinburgh On Your Own

From $ 124.95

St. Andrews - Home of Golf

From $ 119.95

Edinburgh Castle & City Drive

From $ 189.95

Braveheart Country & Stirling Castle

From $ 154.95

Easy Edinburgh & National Museum

Easy Activity

From $ 109.95

Easy Edinburgh & National Museum (Wheelchair Accessible)

Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

Local Connections: Whisky & Bagpipes with Local Expert

From $ 214.95

Mary King's Close

Royal mile walking tour.

Strenuous Activity

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (With Guide)

From $ 1899.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (With Guide)

From $ 1599.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (With Guide)

From $ 1499.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (With Guide)

From $ 1299.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (Driver Only)

From AUD$ 2099.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (Driver Only)

From AUD$ 1679.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (Driver Only)

From AUD$ 1399.95

South Queensferry by Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (Driver Only)

From AUD$ 979.95

Edinburgh (S Queensferry), Scotland

S. Queensferry is a port for the legendary city of Edinburgh, famed for its architecture and design. The finest architects of the 18th century created this city of majestic buildings and elegant squares and streets. The top excursions here visit the commanding Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House, Royal Mile Road, St. Giles Cathedral and Princes Street. On your own, visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center and the National Gallery of Scotland.

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South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

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August 2024

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Our Cruises – View all

Three bridges cruise.

Take in spectacular views of the Three Bridges & the Edinburgh skyline, the seals and other marine wildlife.

INCHCOLM ISLAND CRUISE

Cruise along the Firth of Forth and view the Three Bridges and the 12th century Inchcolm Abbey. Look out for the seals and other marine wildlife

BLACKNESS CASTLE CRUISE

Enjoy an afternoon tea or a cream tea on your cruise and take in the views of Blackness Castle.

The Forth Boat Tours Experience.

The Firth of Forth is brimming with history, adventure and tales of daring do. But the real stars of a Forth Tours cruise are the Three Bridges, scenery, seals and puffins.

Our cruises are not only a great day out in themselves but they also allow you the opportunity to explore some of the very best attractions and sightseeing in Scotland.

Fantastic Combo Tickets – View all

All tickets include a three bridges cruise, the falkirk wheel.

View the three bridges on a Forth Boat Tours cruise and travel on the Falkirk Wheel with an Original Tour ticket.

The Forth Valley Pass is the perfect ticket to explore the Forth Bridge on a Three Bridges Cruise, The Falkirk Wheel and Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

Journey by sea and rail with a Three Bridges Cruise and a steam train ride on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.

Exclusive Private Hire

Our vessels are capable of hosting both corporate events, and private parties.

What could be better than celebrating the occasion on the UNESCO World Heritage surroundings of the Firth of Forth.

Enquire today about our range of Private Charters

Group Bookings

Forth Boat Tours welcomes group bookings from parties of all sizes and interests. From school outings and local community groups to coach parties, everyone is welcome on board to be part of our award winning cruise experience.

Great days out in Edinburgh for groups of 15 passengers and more.

See & Do More Vouchers – View all

*only when you purchase a cruise ticket., the royal yacht britannia.

Enjoy 10% off ticket price for up to 4 people.

DYNAMIC EARTH

10% OFF one of Edinburgh’s leading tourist attractions.

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

The perfect journey into the world of Scottish Whisky.

Inchcolm Weddings by Forth Boat Tours

Arrive by sea, and get married in one of Scotland’s most historic buildings.

We have a range of wedding packages available to make your special day perfect. Enquire today about one of our Inchcolm Island Weddings.

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Check out the map of the route you will take as we cruise the Firth of Forth.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Give the gift of a Forth Boat Tour cruise, voted best day out in Scotland.

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Keep up to date with all of the latest news and updates from Forth Boat Tours.

Welcome on board a Forth Boat Tours cruise along the Firth of Forth and the Three Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Book HERE .

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Hawes Pier South Queensferry, EH30 9TB OR Port Edgar Marina South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ

Please check our timetable to confirm departure point

Cunard’s Queen Anne Arrives In Forth Port on Her Maiden Visit

• May 27, 2024

Cunard’s new cruise ship, the Queen Anne, sailed into the River Forth in Edinburgh on Sunday, May 26, with a water cannon salute led by local piper Louise Marshall to mark the ship’s maiden voyage into South Queensferry.

Rob Mason, head of cruise for Capital Cruising said: “We are thrilled to have Cunard’s brand new ship call into the river Forth. She is a magnificent vessel and we extended a very warm Scottish welcome to her and her guests as they arrived into South Queensferry early this morning. Scotland’s cruise business contributes significantly to the economy, supports hundreds of jobs and delivers benefits to local businesses and communities. This is our busiest cruise season ever as passengers and ship lines choose our ports and anchorages to access the vast variety of attractions that Scotland has to offer including our UNESCO capital City of Edinburgh.”

The Queen Anne is currently sailing its 14-night The British Isles Festival Voyage, sailing roundtrip from Southampton. After departing Edinburgh, the ship will call in  Kirkwall, Scotland; Invergordon, Scotland; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Liverpool, England; and Cork, Ireland before returning to Southampton on June 7.

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Tours from South Queensferry Cruise Port | Go Scotland Tours

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Private Full Day Tour of Edinburgh with Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle

• Tour ID: 1207
• Tour theme: Historic and Cultural Tours ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 8 hours approx.
• Starts from: Edinburgh, South Queensferry

Full day Private tour of Edinburgh. Begin with a tour of the New Town, then Grassmarket, visit Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, then a Royal Mile walking tour

Private Shore Excursion from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1277

Hire a driver guide for a private shore excursion from Edinburgh. Private tours the Edinburgh Cruise Ports of Ocean Terminal, South Queensferry and Rosyth ...

Private Tour to St Andrews and Fife

• Tour ID: 1075
• Starts from: South Queensferry, Edinburgh

Privately guided tour from Edinburgh to St Andrews, with private walking tour of the Cathedral, Castle and University, then free time to see the Home of Golf ..

Private Shore Excursion to Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1508
• Duration: 1 Day - 6-8 hours
• Starts from: South Queensferry

Private Day tour from Queensferry or Rosyth Cruise Port to Edinburgh and the Waterfront. Visit elegant Royal Yacht Britannia home to The Queen for over 40 year.

Edinburgh at your Leisure Private Shore Excursion

• Tour ID: 1510
• Duration: 1 Day - 6 hours

Private Tour from the cruise ship ports of Queensferry and Rosyth. City tour of Edinburgh and a day at your leisure for shopping and exploring the Royal Mile..

Private Tour of Edinburgh and Rosslyn Chapel

• Tour ID: 1084

This is a private tour with a half day tour of Edinburgh in the morning to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. After we then go to the famous Rosslyn Chapel...

Whisky Tour

Glenkinchie Distillery and Johnnie Walker Experience Private Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1598
• Tour theme: Whisky Tours ,

A full day of exploring the spirit of Scotland and the lowland whisky region. Your guide can pick you up from your hotel in Edinburgh or cruise ship port. Glenkinchie Distillery, Portobello Beach, Sheeps Heid, Holyrood Disitllery Whisky and Gin.

Private Shore Excursion to Edinburgh Underground Vaults

• Tour ID: 1509
• Duration: 1 Day - 7-8 hours

Private tour from Queensferry or Rosyth to Edinburgh. This tour goes to the Underground Vaults of Edinburgh, then after a city tour of Edinburgh and Royal Mile.

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On board Cunard’s new luxury cruise ship who sailed up the River Forth today

The Queen Anne was on her maiden voyage on the River Forth on Sunday.

Cunard’s new luxury cruise ship the Queen Anne made her maiden voyage on the River Forth on Sunday.

A tug from Forth Ports welcomed the £479million vessel into South Queensferry with a water canon salute led by local piper Louise Marshall.

She docked there this morning as part of the 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage .

Her next destination is Kirkwall, Orkney, on May 28 as she tours the Highlands before heading back south to Liverpool for her official naming ceremony on June 3.

The Queen Anne left her home port of Southampton on May 3 2024 with an inaugural trip to Lisbon and will sail to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Baltics and more before the end of the year.

At 1,058ft long, the Queen Anne has a crew of 1,225 and can accommodate 2,996 guests.

She has four main state dining rooms as well as a selection of gastro pubs, international dining rooms and buffets.

There are also theatres, cinemas, spas and children’s activities as well as a range of bars and lounges.

Rob Mason, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising said: “We are thrilled to have Cunard’s brand new ship call into the river Forth.

“She is a magnificent vessel and we extended a very warm Scottish welcome to her and her guests as they arrived into South Queensferry early this morning.

“Scotland’s cruise business contributes significantly to the economy, supports hundreds of jobs and delivers benefits to local businesses and communities.”

He added: “This is our busiest cruise season ever as passengers and ship lines choose our ports and anchorages to access the vast variety of attractions that Scotland has to offer including our UNESCO capital City of Edinburgh.”

Take a look at her impressive interior.

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The public may never know the full details surrounding the death of a passenger who reportedly jumped from the world’s largest cruise ship earlier this month.

Under maritime law, Royal Caribbean is not obligated to release the findings of its investigation into the death of the passenger on the Icon of the Seas.

The law allows the company, and other cruise lines — to downplay details that might cast them in a negative light, said Florida-based lawyer Keith Brais, whose firm specializes in injuries and incidents at sea.

“They wouldn’t even need to report on how much alcohol might have been involved if it makes them look bad,” he told The Post.

Royal Caribbean has not commented on the specific details of the incident and has only expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased.

The US Coast Guard in Miami said it assisted with the search, but it is not involved in the investigation into the passenger’s death.

Deaths on cruise ships are rare — but unique circumstances of a floating city in international waters — the Icon of the Seas can carry up to 7,000 people — means that they are not handled like deaths on land.

What happens to someone who dies on a cruise ship?

When an unidentified man jumped from Royal Caribbean’s new 1,200-foot-long Icon of the Seas on the first day of a seven-day voyage on Sunday, a rescue boat from the ship found him and brought him back aboard.

Passengers were initially told that the man was in the intensive care unit, but the Coast Guard confirmed to The Post that he died.

The Icon of the Seas proceeded on its voyage around the Gulf of Mexico after the incident.

It’s not clear where the man’s body is now, but it was likely taken to the ship’s morgue until it can be transferred to authorities on land, Brais said.

The ship has stopped in Honduras and Mexico, and is set for one more port of call in the Bahamas before it returns to Miami on Saturday.

Who investigates deaths at sea?

While the US Coast Guard assisted Royal Caribbean in the search and rescue of the man who fell overboard, officials said it was the cruise line’s rescue boat that ultimately found and transported the body, and it would be up to the company to investigate the case.

Brais said Royal Caribbean is not required to release its findings to the public, adding that it is rare for a company to publish anything that could make them seem liable for the death.

“As a result, the cruise line is likely to find that the passenger’s death resulted from ‘natural causes,’ even if the totality of the circumstances at hand suggests otherwise,” according to his law firm.

Braise noted that in his decades of experience in the industry and law, alcohol is involved in the majority of cases.

Royal Caribbean did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Does the family have any recourse about the investigation?

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety act, which was passed in 2010, mandates that cruises not only follow strict regulations to ensure passengers are safe, but to also track crimes aboard their ships.

In regards to Sunday’s incident, Brais said the man’s family should look at whether Royal had the proper barriers in place to keep people from falling overboard and if they had Man-Overboard cameras installed that alerted them to the incident.

Even if Royal Caribbean was found to be negligent in the man’s death, the compensation could be limited to just covering funeral expenses under the Death of the High Seas Act, Brais added.

How common are deaths on cruise ships?

It can be difficult to determine how many deaths have occurred on cruise ships as it’s up to the companies to report such incidents.

According to the Department of Transportation’s Cruise Line Incident reports, there have only been four deaths aboard major cruise lines between January 2020 to March 2024.

Despite these numbers, Brais said it’s not rare for such man overboard stories to make headlines once every three weeks.

According to cruise expert Dr. Ross Klein, who maintains a master list of media reports of incidents where passengers have gone overboard, there have been at least 410 people who have fallen off cruises or ferries in the last 24 years.

Icon of the Seas death is the second so far this year aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. In April, a drunk 20-year-old passenger reportedly jumped to his death from the Liberty of the Seas following a dispute with his father.

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