Supported by funding from the Scottish Enterprise Tourism Destination Development Fund (SETDDF), the CruiseForth App provides an opportunity for prospective visitors to learn about their next port of call, the arrival arrangements, and to plan their day ashore by accessing information about all the cruise friendly businesses in the area.

Project Manager Peter Wilson said “The App is designed to enhance the sort of information already provided through the popular CruiseForth.com website, and the local welcome provided on the quayside by the Welcome Teams. Now passengers will be able to either plan ahead, or by downloading the App, to take this information with them as they decide on their own itinerary. Passengers can search the directory, create their own plan for the day, connect through to book tickets, or through the mapping function to understand the distances involved, as well as to orientate themselves. There will also be easy links to local transport providers to help visitors move around.

“In recent years we have seen cruise line companies be more helpful in providing internet access on board. Some lines also provide their own Apps, which assist passengers book on-board restaurants, treatments, or shore excursions. The CruiseForth App, seems however to be the first destination based app designed specifically for cruise passengers, (based on research on the Apple and Google Play App Stores).

Mr Wilson said “It has been heartening to see that some of the global cruise information websites are citing CruiseForth.com as the source of reliable local information for cruise visitors to Edinburgh and Eastern Scotland. We very much hope that the new App will similarly be recognised and referenced.

Cllr Helen Law of Fife Council, who Chairs the CruiseForth Project Strategic Group, said “This is a marvellous development for the CruiseForth Team. The funding provided by Scottish Enterprise has enabled us to support local businesses by providing another platform to promote the many wonderful destinations and opportunities accessible to cruise visitors, but which are often overshadowed by the internationally recognised attractions. We have so much to offer, and such enthusiasm to share.”