Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands port stands apart from other cruise stops with its intimate, walkable harbor and a landscape where archaeology, wildlife, and seafaring heritage fuse into one unforgettable day at sea. Signature experiences invite guests to step into a sense of time: standing inside Maeshowe as the winter sun slides through the gallery of runes, wandering the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness, and tracing Neolithic life in Skara Brae before pausing in Kirkwall to visit St Magnus Cathedral and the charming lanes of the town; seal and puffin watching along the Hoy cliffs or at Noup Head, and a peaceful shoreside tasting that introduces Orcadian flavors and local hospitality. Destinations reachable from the port include Kirkwall’s medieval streets, Stromness’s cheerful harbor, and island excursions to Hoy, Rousay, and Sanday for cliff scenery, birdlife, and archaeology. Fleet features reflect the port’s readiness to welcome mid sized expedition and premium ships, with modern berthing options, efficient embarkation and disembarkation routines, shore-power readiness where available, and streamlined tender operations that minimize time in port. Onboard services at the port presence extend to a multilingual information desk, well-signposted excursion desks, and cozy lounges near the gangways, plus digital guides and maps that ship partners integrate with to give guests a seamless, immersive introduction to Orkney’s culture, cuisine, and coastline.