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This is the 2026 South Queensferry cruise schedule — all confirmed ship calls at Hawes Pier, Edinburgh’s tender port, updated as itineraries are released.
Ships typically arrive between 7 and 8 am and tender passengers ashore shortly after. Most depart between 5–8 pm, giving you 8–10 hours on land, including tender time.
From Hawes Pier, Edinburgh city centre is 20–30 minutes away via the X99 CruiseLink bus (no pre-booking needed) or the train from Dalmeny Station, a 10-minute steep uphill walk from the pier.
Only one ship calls on any given day here. The pier doesn’t get crowded.
Find your ship’s date in the table below if it’s scheduled to stop at South Queensferry (Edinburgh) port, then use the guides on this page to plan your day ashore.
Table of Contents
- South Queensferry Cruise Ship Schedule 2026
- Things to Book Before Your Port Day
- Which Edinburgh Port Are You Using?
- What Makes Queensferry Cruise Port Unique?
- Which Cruise Lines Visit South Queensferry in 2026?
- How Long Do You Get Ashore?
- Planning Your Port Day Around the Ship’s Timing
- Transport Tips from Hawes Pier
- Common Questions About Queensferry Ship Arrivals
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.
| 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 |
Please note: times and dates are subject to change – please check with the relevant cruise line for the latest updates.
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
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 Cruise Terminal — 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.
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.
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.
If your cruise date falls between 7–31 August, you’re arriving during the Edinburgh Festival — worth checking before you plan your port day, since transport, ticket availability and crowd levels all shift significantly during those weeks.
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.
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.
If your ship is in port for six hours or more, an Inchcolm Island boat trip is one of the cleanest half-day excursions you can do without leaving South Queensferry — the boat leaves from Hawes Pier and the whole trip takes around three hours.
Only in Scotland: Experiences Worth Booking Ahead
What Cruise Passengers Ask Before Arriving in South Queensferry (Edinburgh)
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.
How much does a taxi cost from South Queensferry to Edinburgh?
£25–£40, higher on busy cruise days, pre-booking essential, groups of 3+ often cheaper per head than X99
Is the pier accessible for people with mobility issues?
The pier is flat, crew assists with tendering, but gangways/tender steps can be difficult; Queensferry High Street is cobbled with narrow pavements; contact your cruise line in advance
Scott Gibson grew up in South Queensferry and runs queensferry.net. The Forth and Edinburgh guides come from lived experience — tender days at Hawes Pier, cruise traffic, the shortcuts into the city. For the wider Scotland cruise ports, he draws on friends in some of the port towns alongside port, operator and transport sources — so the detail holds up on the ground, not just on paper. Clear directions, real timings, no brochure fluff.