Does your Scotland cruise itinerary schedule a stop at South Queensferry (Edinburgh) port? If so, you’re in for a real treat. Arriving at Queensferry is one of the best ways to experience rich history, Scottish culture, and the Scottish capital. Here, you’ll find the 2026 Queensferry Cruise Schedule so you can plan your shore day.
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If you’ve never been to the City of Edinburgh before on a Scotland cruise, you’ll be wondering how long I’ll be ashore, how easy it is to reach Edinburgh, or even what time the cafés open. Every cruise season, thousands of cruise passengers to Scotland step off the tender at the Hawes Pier and immediately ask the same things.
Which Edinburgh Port Are You Using?”
- South Queensferry (Hawes Pier) — tender port for larger ships; iconic Forth Bridge arrival; handles Princess, HAL, Norwegian, MSC, Cunard, Silversea. That’s this page.
- Leith (Port of Leith) — dockside berth, closer to Edinburgh city centre; used occasionally by smaller or repositioning vessels. No tender required.
- Newhaven — A tender port near Edinburgh and the Port of Leith. Some larger cruise ships dock here. Transport to the city centre is by the tram service.
- Rosyth Dockyard — on the Fife side of the Firth of Forth; handles occasional calls, usually smaller ships or Fred Olsen. Bus transfer across the Queensferry Crossing to Edinburgh.
For detailed information on where cruise ships stop in Edinburgh, my guide to Edinburgh cruise ports covers all four.
That’s why I’ve pulled together everything I know from years of watching ships come and go here. I grew up in The Ferry, I’ve stood at the Hawes Inn while the tenders rolled in, and I’ve helped more than a few dazed passengers find their way up to the High Street or catch the train from Dalmeny station to Edinburgh Waverley.
Read on to find out exactly what to expect when cruise ships anchor off South Queensferry in 2026.
South Queensferry Cruise Schedule 2026
Cruise days in Queensferry bring a buzz you can feel from the harbour to the High Street. Typically, only one cruise ship at a time docks in the Firth of Forth. So, the cruise port never gets too busy.
Below is the full schedule of cruise ship calls via tender at South Queensferry (Hawes Pier) for 2026. The schedule includes ship names, dates of arrival, and available arrival/departure times (in local time). This information has been compiled from official cruise line itineraries and port schedules for accuracy
Please note: times and dates are subject to change – please check with the relevant cruise line for the latest updates.
| Date (2026) | Ship Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
| 25 April (Sat) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 3 May (Sun) | Nieuw Statendam | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| 7 May (Thu) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 11 May (Mon) | MSC Virtuosa | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| 14 May (Thu) | Seabourn Ovation | 01:00 | 20:00 |
| 18 May (Mon) | MSC Virtuosa | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 19 May (Tue) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 20 May (Wed) | Costa Favolosa | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 29 May (Fri) | Norwegian Star | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| 31 May (Sun) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 1 June (Mon) | Nieuw Statendam | 07:00 | 20:00 |
| 2 June (Tue) | Marina | ||
| 3 June (Wed) | Norwegian Star | ||
| 4 June (Thu) | Celebrity Eclipse | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| 5 June (Fri) | Silver Spirit | 08:00 | 23:30 |
| 11 June (Thu) | Queen Anne (Cunard) | Early morning | Evening |
| 12 June (Fri) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 13 June (Sat) | Norwegian Sky | ||
| 19 June (Fri) | Rotterdam (HAL) | 08:00 | 23:00 |
| 20 June (Sat) | Norwegian Sky | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| 23 June (Wed) | Norwegian Sky | ||
| 25 June (Thu) | Sky Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 8 July (Wed) | Seabourn Ovation | 08:45 | 19:00 |
| 10 July (Fri) | Norwegian Star | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| 11 July (Sat) | Norwegian Sky | ||
| 13 July (Mon) | Nieuw Statendam | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| 18 July (Sat) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 24 July (Fri) | Rotterdam (HAL) | 08:00 | 23:00 |
| 27 July (Sat) | Norwegian Sky | ||
| 30 July (Thu) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 3 August (Mon) | Aurora (P&O) | Early morning | Early evening |
| 18 August (Tue) | Valiant Lady (Virgin) | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 19 August (Wed) | Nieuw Statendam | 08:00 | 01:00 (next day) |
| 23 August (Sun) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 24 August (Mon) | Nieuw Statendam | 07:00 | 17:00 (next day) |
| 28 August (Fri) | Rotterdam (HAL) | 08:00 | 01:00 (next day) |
| 4 September (Fri) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 11 September (Fri) | Norwegian Star | ||
| 16 September (Wed) | Majestic Princess | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 22 September (Tue) | Costa Favolosa | 08:00 | 18:00 (next day) |
| 26 September (Sat) | MSC Preziosa | 08:00 | 18:00 |
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Edinburgh or sticking close to the pier, knowing when the ships arrive makes all the difference. With your timing sorted, let’s look at what actually makes Queensferry such a unique and memorable cruise stop.
Princess Cruises regularly includes Edinburgh in Scotland in its cruise itineraries. Discover what you can expect if Majestic Princess has a port call in South Queensferry.
A port of call at South Queensferry cruise port is usually part of the itinerary of a longer British Isles cruise to Scotland and Ireland. Discover what to expect at other Scotland cruise ports when you arrive there.
Things to Book Before Your Port Day
What Makes Queensferry Cruise Port Unique?
South Queensferry’s good location makes it an attractive destination for cruises to Edinburgh. It’s also a great destination for cruise ship passengers, without travelling to the nation’s capital.
Tendering from the cruise ship in the Firth of Forth takes you under the famous Forth Bridge—a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s just a stone pier with the Hawes Inn ahead and the town stretching out on your right. If you’re fortunate, you’ll hear the rumble of a Scotrail train crossing the River Forth.
In the distance, you’ll see the other two Forth Bridges—the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge.
Stepping off the tender at the Hawes Pier, you’ll experience a warm Scottish welcome, and a piper is usually on hand for that authentic touch. The promenade section is cordoned off on cruise days, and from here, you’ll find pre-booked excursion buses, as well as the X99 CruiseLink bus to Edinburgh city centre.
Discover what to expect from the cruise ship tendering process when arriving at South Queensferry’s Hawes Pier.
How Long Do You Get Ashore in Queensferry?
Most ships anchor early between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m., and tenders start shortly after. The last tender is usually between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m., though it may vary depending on the itinerary. You’ll often get eight to ten hours on land, and that includes tendering both ways.
The good news is that 8 hours is plenty of time to catch the X99 bus to Edinburgh and see the sights like:
- Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels
- The Royal Mile
- Princes Street Gardens
- The National Portrait Gallery
Get your timings right, and you’ll have enough time for a self-guided walking tour of South Queensferry.
Which Cruise Lines Visit South Queensferry in 2026?
In 2026, expect Queensferry cruise ship arrivals to include cruise lines like:
- Holland America Cruise Line’s MS Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam
- Princess Cruises Majestic Princess, Sky Princess
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sky
- MSC Cruises MSC Virtuosa
Other cruise lines that include Edinburgh (South Queensferry) on their itinerary sailings include Silversea Cruises, Cunard, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises.
South Queensferry, as a cruise port, handles mid to large-sized vessels that are too tall or long to dock in Port Leith.
Planning Your Port Day Around the Ship’s Timing
How long you’ve got ashore determines your day. With 3, 6, or 9 hours, your day looks very different—whether you’re strolling Queensferry, heading into Edinburgh, or doing both. Check your tender return time, then build your plan around it. Need ideas? See our complete guide to “Cruising to South Queensferry: What to Know Before You Dock.”
Check the forecast before your ship arrives
The South Queensferry cruise schedule tells you when ships are due, but the weather decides how comfortable the day feels. Rain, wind and cool air around Hawes Pier can catch visitors out. Use my Queensferry cruise weather guide before packing your day bag.
Transport Tips: Know Your Options Before You Land
Getting from South Queensferry to Edinburgh isn’t hard, but it pays to plan ahead. Tender queues, steep hills, and missed connections can eat into your day if you’re not prepared. Here’s a quick breakdown of your best transport options from the pier:
- X99 CruiseLink Bus: Operated by Lothian Buses, you can travel direct to George Street in Edinburgh, timed for cruise passengers. Easiest and most popular option. Cost: £12 – £15 one way. Here is the latest X99 Bus timetable.
- Train from Dalmeny Station: 10-minute uphill walk from the pier. Trains to Edinburgh Waverley take about 20 minutes. This is the fastest transport method to
- Taxi: Expensive but convenient for groups. Must be pre-booked—local availability is limited on cruise days.
In all cases, leave enough time to return to the port, as it’s your responsibility for errors using public transport.
Check out my cruiser’s guide on how to get from South Queensferry to Edinburgh on a cruise day.
Top insider tip: Leave enough time to enjoy a pint at the Hawes Inn or The Railbridge Bistro—both have outdoor seating.
Common Questions About the Queensferry Cruise Ship Arrivals
Got questions about timing, transport, or what to expect when you dock? You’re not the only one—here are the answers to the most common cruise-day queries in South Queensferry.
Arrival, Departure & Tender Details You Should Know
How long do cruise ships to Scotland stay in South Queensferry?
Usually 8–10 hours, including tendering. Arriving early and leaving in the mid-evening is normal. But it varies, so check your itinerary closely.
What’s the difference between Rosyth and South Queensferry ports?
Rosyth Dockyard is on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, where smaller cruise ships or super yachts dock. Transport to Edinburgh is only by bus across the Queensferry Crossing. On the other hand, Queensferry is a tender port—ships anchor offshore, and boats ferry passengers to Hawes Pier.
How long is the tender from the cruise ship to Queensferry port?
The tender ride from your ship to Hawes Pier takes about 10 minutes. It’s a smooth trip across the Firth of Forth with stunning views of the rail bridge as you approach.
What happens if my tender is delayed?
Delays are rare but possible in rough or inclement weather or early congestion. Cruise lines adjust departure times when needed, but it may cut into shore time. Most cruise ships wait for passengers who are late returning to the ship only if they booked the excursion through the cruise line.
Getting From South Queensferry to Edinburgh
Will I have time to visit Edinburgh from South Queensferry?
Yes, if you leave early. Plan for 45–60 minutes each way, including tender time. Heavy traffic builds up on the A90 between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Stick to core sights (Castle, Royal Mile, Princes Street) if you’re short on time.
A cruiser to Scotland on Tripadvisor shared that the bus takes around 35 minutes and the walk up to the castle another 15 minutes.
Can cruise passengers explore South Queensferry on foot?
Absolutely. From the pier, walk west for shops and cafés, or east for coastal views. Don’t forget to snap picture of the unique terraced High Street, Black Castle, and the Harbour. The town has plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
Top photo opportunity: Walk halfway up The Loan to the Scotmid. You’ll get fantastic views of the Forth Railway Bridge and Forth Road Bridge.
How far is Edinburgh from South Queensferry cruise port?
Roughly 10 miles. By train or X99, the journey takes 20–30 minutes. Add time for transfers.
Can I get to Edinburgh without a cruise tour?
Yes. Lothian Buses runs the X99 service specifically for cruise ship passengers. It’s the easiest way to get from Queensferry to Edinburgh as there are no transfers and the bus stop is at the pier. Trains run from Dalmeny Station.
How much does a taxi cost from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
Expect to pay £25–£40 for a standard taxi to Edinburgh city centre, depending on traffic and time of day. On busy cruise days, prices can edge higher, and availability is limited — pre-booking is essential. For groups of three or more, a taxi often works out cheaper per person than the X99 and saves the queue. Private transfers can also be booked in advance, which locks in the price and guarantees a vehicle at the pier.
Only in Scotland: Experiences Worth Booking Ahead
Facilities, Walkability & Local Support for Cruise Visitors
Are Sundays different for transport or opening times?
Yes. Trains run less frequently, and some shops open later. But cruise days often prompt early openings. Check the ScotRail timetable and local listings.
Do cafés and shops open for cruise ship passengers?
Many do—especially on scheduled arrival days. Popular spots like The Little Bakery and Manna House on the High Street tend to be open early. Expect many shops and cafes to close around 5:00 p.m.
Is the cruise ship pier accessible for people with mobility issues?
The pier is flat, and the crew assists with tendering. But steep gangways or steps onto the tenders can be tricky. Ask your line in advance. However, Queensferry High Street is cobbled and has narrow pavements (sidewalks). The one-way traffic system means that there’s not much traffic and it’s relatively safe to walk.
What Cruise Passengers Ask Before Arriving in South Queensferry (Edinburgh)
South Queensferry Cruise Schedule FAQs
How long do cruise ships stay in South Queensferry?
Usually 8–10 hours, including tendering. Arriving early and leaving in the mid-evening is normal, though timings vary by itinerary.
What’s the difference between Rosyth and South Queensferry ports?
Rosyth Dockyard is on the northern shore and used by smaller ships or super yachts, with transport to Edinburgh only by bus. South Queensferry is a tender port where cruise ships anchor offshore and ferries take passengers to Hawes Pier.
How long is the tender from the cruise ship to Queensferry port?
The tender ride to Hawes Pier takes about 10 minutes, offering smooth crossing and clear views of the Forth Bridge.
What happens if my tender is delayed?
Delays are rare but can occur in rough weather or early congestion. Cruise lines may adjust departure times, but delays can reduce shore time. Ships generally wait for late passengers only if they booked a ship-run excursion.
Will I have time to visit Edinburgh from South Queensferry?
Yes, if you leave early. Allow 45–60 minutes each way, including tender time. Traffic peaks around 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m. Focus on central sights if time is limited.
Can cruise passengers explore South Queensferry on foot?
Yes. From the pier, walk west for cafés and shops or east for coastal views. Highlights include the terraced High Street, Black Castle, the Harbour, and photo viewpoints up The Loan.
How far is Edinburgh from South Queensferry cruise port?
Around 10 miles. Trains or the X99 bus take 20–30 minutes, with extra time needed for transfers or tendering.
Can I get to Edinburgh without a cruise tour?
Yes. The X99 runs directly from Hawes Pier to Edinburgh for cruise passengers. Trains to Edinburgh Waverley also run from Dalmeny Station.
Are Sundays different for transport or opening times?
Yes. Train services are less frequent and some shops open later, though many open early on cruise days.
Do cafés and shops open for cruise ship passengers?
Many do, especially on scheduled arrival days. Popular cafés like The Little Bakery and Manna House open early on cruise days. Most close around 5 p.m.
Scott grew up in South Queensferry and knows the town like the back of his hand. He writes practical travel guides based on lived experience — tender days, cruise traffic, shortcuts into Edinburgh, local food spots, and the quirks only residents notice. His articles focus on clear directions, accurate timings, and grounded advice for visitors exploring Queensferry and the east of Scotland.