With so many cruise ships now coming into the new Harbour at Aberdeen, Scotland, my business, “Highland Journeys” (which provides private and personalised guided tours) has been very busy with requests for tours around Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside.

Cruise ship in Aberdeen Harbour — Cruise Ship in Aberdeen Harbour Spring

Is Balmoral Castle too far?

When I’m setting up the itinerary with the guests a few months prior to the shore excursion, the first question I get asked is “Is it possible to drive to Balmoral Castle and back to the ship by 4.30pm?” Yes, of course it is! I do this scenic tour regularly and we are never rushed and have loads of time to explore the stunning grounds of Balmoral Estate and the Cairngorms National Park. If whisky is your tipple, we even have time to do a wee whisky distillery tour and tasting not far from Balmoral Castle.

We also have time to see another famous Castle for photos and time to see our hairy friends, the iconic Highland Cow.

Food is always a big part of my tours, and even if you only want a bowl of delicious home-made soup at the Royal Café, then that’s fine (I know you get well-fed on the cruises!). There is also a wide selection of home-made treats on offer, such as home-baked royal scones with clotted cream and jam. Probably a ‘must-try’ when you’re visiting the Royal Family’s Summer Residence!

I collect guests from Viking Cruises (@vikingcruises), Adventure Canada, Azamara Cruises (@azamaracruises), Infinity Cruises (@infinitycruises), Ambassador Cruise Line (@ambassadorcruiseline), and more.

Last year, one of my groups had just finished a cruise voyage and the last stop was Aberdeen. They were on a small-ship expedition cruise (@adventure.canada) which had sailed from Iceland, the Faroe Islands and arrived in Scotland. Their request was a ‘slow travel journey’ that took in lots of nature and beautiful countryside plus a castle! I showed them our local National Park and Nature Reserve where we went walking through the pinewoods and enjoyed the tranquillity of the area and popped into Balmoral Castle for tea!

I am always fascinated to learn about my guests’ adventures on the High Seas and which countries they have visited and so on. Our Aberdeenshire tour together is all about sharing stories and conversations and making memories that will stay with you for a long, long time!

Guests from Azamara Journey Cruise at Dunnottar Castle

I am a credited Gold Award Green Tourism Tour Guide, so that everything I do on my guided tours is all about caring for the environment whilst making sure my guests are having a great experience in our beautiful, natural country.