Edinburgh has been named the top destination in western Europe for cruise ships.

Ratings and reviews posted on Cruise Critic, the world's largest cruise website, have placed Scotland's capital at the top of the British Isles and Western Europe category for the 2018 Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards.

The city beat competition from Lisbon, Bilbao and Amsterdam to win the award for the first time.

The website notes Edinburgh's "beautiful setting" and the Old Town's "wonderful labyrinth of alleyways and cobbled streets".

Golf and whisky tasting are recommended, as well as summer visits to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Last year saw a record number of cruise ships dock in Scotland, with 761 vessels bringing almost 680,000 passengers.

This year is expected to have another record-breaking season, with 815 vessels due to arrive carrying 821,000 passengers.

At the weekend, the 317m Celebrity Eclipse and the 330m Royal Princess anchored off Edinburgh, each carrying thousands of passengers.

Adam Coulter, managing editor of Cruise Critic, said: "Our data analysis shows that destination continues to be a top consideration for holiday makers looking to cruise, regardless of whether they are new to cruise or seasoned cruise travellers.

"We are delighted that Edinburgh has pipped so many other wonderful Western European ports to the post to be crowned the best destination in the British Isles & Western Europe.

"Not only does this highlight the rise in popularity of destinations more known for their immersive, educational and experiential offerings, rather than just their temperate climate or great beaches, but also shows just how attractive Scotland is proving to travellers across the globe."

Capital Cruising, which offers ports in Leith and Rosyth, will welcome 150,000 passengers to Edinburgh this year.

Rob Mason, head of cruise at the firm, said: "This is a significant global recognition for Edinburgh and we are thrilled with the award especially as this is feedback directly from cruise passengers.

"Our cruise business is thriving and we are seeing our cruise calls grow each year.

"We are the only operator to offer the closest cruise connection to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and we have invested significantly over the past few years to provide the most direct access for liners of all sizes to Scotland's Capital."

Andrew Hemphill, chair of marketing organisation Cruise Scotland, said: "Capital Cruising's award is well deserved as an excellent example of the high standard of services and facilities provided by our member ports in continuing to attract record numbers of cruise passengers to Scotland's many outstanding attractions."