Book a private tour from South Queensferry Cruise pier. Our bespoke shore excursions from South Queensferry are tailored to your interests and typically cover more attractions than organised group tours.
South Queensferry is situated on the Firth of Forth (river forth estuary) approximately 14 miles west of Edinburgh city centre. Cruise ships anchor off the coast adjacent the Forth Railway bridge and guests are tendered in to the Hawes Pier. Typically a day tour from South Queensferry starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm, however that is influenced by the arrival and departure time of your ship.
From South Queensferry it is easily possible to explore Edinburgh, East Lothian, The Kingdom of Fife or Stirling and Loch Lomond. Each shore tour is unique so please let us know your dates and what you would like to see on your visit to Scotland.
Cruise ship calls at South Queensferry in 2026
April
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 25 Apr 2026 | Majestic Princess |
May
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 03 May 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 07 May 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 11 May 2026 | MSC Virtuosa |
| 18 May 2026 | MSC Virtuosa |
| 19 May 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 31 May 2026 | Majestic Princess |
June
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 01 Jun 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 04 Jun 2026 | Celebrity Eclipse |
| 05 Jun 2026 | Silver Spirit |
| 12 Jun 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Rotterdam |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Sky Princess |
July
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 13 Jul 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 18 Jul 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 24 Jul 2026 | Rotterdam |
| 30 Jul 2026 | Majestic Princess |
August
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 03 Aug 2026 | Aurora |
| 18 Aug 2026 | Valiant Lady |
| 19 Aug 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 20 Aug 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 23 Aug 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 24 Aug 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 24 Aug 2026 | Silver Spirit |
| 25 Aug 2026 | Nieuw Statendam |
| 28 Aug 2026 | Rotterdam |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Valiant Lady |
September
| Date | Ship |
|---|---|
| 04 Sep 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 16 Sep 2026 | Majestic Princess |
| 26 Sep 2026 | MSC Preziosa |
South Queensferry meeting point at Hawes Pier
At South Queensferry we will meet you on the Hawes Pier where the tenders arrive. This is immediately opposite the Hawes Inn Restaurant. Your guide will be identifiable with a signboard with your name
Inquire about a private shore excursion tour from South Queensferry
2026 Shore Excursions from South Queensferry
Each of our shore tours are bespoke, but here are a few suggestions of private excursions from South Queensferry
Frequently Asked Questions
These are common questions about shore excursions from South Queensferry
Cruise ships anchor in the Firth of Forth, and passengers are tendered ashore to Hawes Pier in South Queensferry.
Your guide from Experienced Tours will meet you right at the tender pier exit, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
Private tours are flexible we monitor your ships’ schedule and adjusts pickup times accordingly.
Yes, it’s only about a 30-minute drive, making it perfect for a relaxed and in-depth visit.
It’s known for the iconic Forth Bridges, including the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, Queensferry Crossing and Forth Bridge
Yes absolutely, we frequently offer roll-call shore excursions. Once you have your group together please let us know and we will organise your reservation.
Yes! Experienced Tours ensures timely return and plans routes carefully around your ship’s departure.
If your ship is weather cancelled, we will refund the balance payment for your tour. Please note that your deposit is non-refundable.
Most cruise stops range from 8 to 10 hours, which is ideal for a full-day private tour of Edinburgh or beyond. In August many ships stay into the evening for the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo / Edinburgh Festivals.
Yes, South Queensferry is a tender port.
Most of our 8-hour day tours from Edinburgh are possible from a cruise ship visit in South Queensferry. See our suggested tours above.
Yes! St Andrews is around 90 minutes drive from South Queensferry, making it a great destination for a shore excursion!
