Marketing organisation, Cruise Scotland, which represents ports around the country, is exhibiting at Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, (6-8 March), where members are promoting facilities and attractions before future vessel itineraries are decided by cruise lines.

It follows another record year for cruise activity in Scotland in 2017 when 761 vessels visited, bringing almost 680,600 passengers.

Cruise Scotland Chair, Andrew Hemphill, commented: “Participation at the Seatrade Expo, with opportunities to target cruise lines, has been a key factor in persuading the industry to increasingly choose Scotland as a destination. The growth will be maintained this year, with new records to be set.”

There are currently 815 vessels and around 821,000 passengers expected in a season which gets underway this month and continues well into autumn.

“A significant milestone will be achieved this year when the passenger total since 2010 will pass the four million-mark,” added Andrew Hemphill.

The cruise industry is estimated to be worth almost £100 million annually to the Scottish economy.

Membership of Cruise Scotland, established in December, 2008, includes 16 ports, two major ground handlers, and five associate members in the tourism sector.