Port information & tips for Dundee
Dundee, the Scottish “City of Discovery,” is picturesquely situated at the mouth of the River Tay and delights travelers with a perfect blend of maritime history and modern design culture. The atmosphere is characterized by the impressive waterfront and the creative flair of the UNESCO City of Design, making a shore excursion an inspiring experience. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the spectacular V&A Dundee, the country’s first design museum, and the famous research vessel RRS Discovery. Cruise ships dock at the Dundee Cruise Terminal at Prince Charles Wharf, from where the vibrant city center can be easily reached thanks to short transfer times or a pleasant walk of about two kilometers.
The Port of Dundee, picturesquely situated at the mouth of the River Tay, offers excellent accessibility and is perfectly connected thanks to its central location within the city. Ships dock directly at Victoria Dock, a functional port area that does not, however, have a large terminal facility.
Car
Dundee is easily accessible thanks to good road connections. The A90 expressway provides excellent access from the direction of Edinburgh and Aberdeen. If you are arriving from the south, use the A92 and cross the impressive Tay Road Bridge. For navigation to the cruise terminal on East Camperdown Street, the satellite navigation code DD1 3LG is recommended; also watch for specific signage for cruise traffic. Parking directly at the port must generally be booked in advance via the respective cruise line (e.g., Ambassador's My Ambassador Sailing Portal), as spaces are limited. Alternatively, some hotels in Dundee offer attractive Park & Cruise packages that combine an overnight stay before the trip with long-term parking.
Train
Dundee Railway Station (DEE) is a major transport hub and is only about 2.4 kilometers from the cruise terminal. From there, you can reach the port comfortably and quickly by taxi in about 5 minutes, as taxi ranks are available directly at the station. Another option is to use local bus lines 5, 9, 9A, or 78C, which all run approximately every 6 minutes and take you to the terminal in around 15 minutes. Additionally, a walk along the City Quay to the port is possible in 10 to 15 minutes.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the nearest option with comprehensive connections. It is located about 88 to 96 kilometers away and can be reached by car or transfer in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Convenient onward travel is possible with private transfer services or taxis. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is another alternative, located about 112 kilometers away with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. Due to the travel from the DACH region and the transfer times, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Dundee or Edinburgh is recommended to start your cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
