Shetland Islands

Port Shetland, tucked into Scotland’s northern isles, stands apart from the usual cruise-port script with a genuine, wildlife-forward welcome and coastlines that look carved from the edge of the Atlantic. The signature experiences here are immersive and uncluttered: close encounters with puffins and seals on Lerwick’s nearby cliffs, guided walks through Jarlshof and other Norse-influenced ruins, and wildlife safaris that reach to Mousa’s Iron Age broch and the seabird-packed headlands of Hermaness. Guests can stroll from ship to shore to discover Lerwick’s harbor-side pubs, craft shops selling Shetland lace and knitwear, and the vivid storytelling of local guides who bring centuries of seafaring, Viking heritage, and island life to life. The port’s fleet features are built for mid-sized expedition vessels rather than mega-liners, with stable berthing, practical tender operations when the elements demand, and flexible turnarounds that keep calls efficient yet intimate. Onboard services echo the destination: seafood-forward menus that celebrate Arctic char, langoustine, and dried-salted cod; comfortable lounges with panoramic views; and onboard talks and cinema-style presentations that deepen guests’ understanding of Shetland’s wildlife, archaeology, and crafts. In essence, Port Shetland offers an authentic, nature-rich experience that sets it apart—a Scotland of curious bygone times that leaves guests inspired and eager to return.