Adventour Begins logo

7 Best Things To Do In Lerwick Cruise Port (Shetland Islands) + Port Info

tours from lerwick cruise port

Welcome to Lerwick, the charming capital of the Shetland Islands located in the northeast of Scotland, United Kingdom! Shetland Islands is an archipelago that comprises over 100 islands known for spectacular vistas, abundant wildlife, and a rich history.

The town of Lerwick is located on the Shetland archipelago’s main island called Mainland. Cruise ships typically anchor and use tender boats which dock at a small harbour, located within a short walk from downtown, where you can explore the town’s landmarks such as the iconic Shetland Museum and Archives.

Cruise ships frequently stop at Lerwick as part of the British Isles cruise or on their way to the Norwegian fjords and Iceland.

In this article, I share practical information about the Lerwick cruise terminal and the 7 best things to do in Lerwick port .

Visit also our cruise port guides to Edinburgh , Kirkwall , Newcastle , Glasgow (Greenock) ,  Invergordon (Inverness)

Lerwick Cruise Port

Cruise ships up to 230 meters in length can dock at either Mair’s Pier (1.8 miles from Lerwick downtown) or Holmsgarth 5 (1 mile from downtown). In this case, due to the distance, the Port of Lerwick usually offers free shuttle buses to transfer passengers to the town center.

More frequently, large cruise vessels anchor in front of the town and use tender boats to transfer passengers to  Victoria Pier , a pontoon pier adjacent to a small parking lot for tour buses and taxis. This dock is located within a short walk from Lerwick’s old town. Here, you’ll find essential amenities such as a taxi stand and public toilets.

Lerwick cruise port

Nearby, you’ll find a great tourist information office known as VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre where you can get maps and gather information on local attractions, activities, tours and car rentals. Supermarkets, shops and cafes/restaurants are available within an easy walk from there.

For anyone looking to explore beyond the port’s nearby area, Lerwick has a reliable local transportation system. Bus schedules are available at the Lerwick iCentre and you can also check them on the official webpage https://www.zettrans.org.uk/

Lerwick Tourist Information Center

7 Best Things To Do In Lerwick Cruise Port, Shetland Islands

From wandering through the quiet streets of Lerwich Old Town to spotting Shetland ponies and exploring the archaeological sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this small, yet beautiful port of call!

1. Lerwick Old Town

The historic streets of Lerwick are conveniently located within short walking distance from the dock. Take your time to wander around its cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, traditional houses, and historic buildings. Here’s a list of the must-see landmarks:

1.1. Shetland Museum and Archives

This impressive museum, located within a 15-minute walk from Victoria Pier, is the perfect place to learn about the Shetland Islands’ local history and culture.

The museum features a wealth of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase the diverse heritage of the Shetland Islands, from the maritime history that shaped its identity to the Norse influences that are still evident today. The best thing is – it’s free, so everyone is welcome to visit! Of course, donations are appreciated.

Lerwick - Shetland Museum and Archives

1.2. Commercial Street

This picturesque street, lined with traditional stone buildings, is the main shopping area in the town offering a delightful mix of independent shops, local boutiques, and inviting cafes. Here, you can find unique Shetland crafts, high-quality knitwear, and a variety of local products.

Commercial Street lies parallel to Victoria Pier and is not fully pedestrian, so be mindful of cars passing by.

Lerwick - Commercial Street

1.3. Fort Charlotte

If you keep walking uphill toward the end of Commercial Street, you’ll come across the historic Fort Charlotte, a 17th-century fortress perched atop a hill overlooking Lerwick Harbor.

Built to protect the harbor from Dutch attacks, this well-preserved fortification features robust stone walls and five bastions. Visitors can explore the grounds, its ramparts, cannons, and exhibitions while enjoying panoramic views of Lerwick, Bressay Sound, and the surrounding area.

Fort Charlotte is located within a 5-minute walk from the dock and the admission is free of charge.

Lerwick - Fort Charlotte

1.4. Lerwick Town Hall

Overlooking Commercial Street, this historic gem is another city landmark that can be visited free of charge! Built in the 19th century, the Town Hall is known for its distinctive architecture and beautiful stained glass windows depicting important historical figures and events.

Inside, you can explore its ornate interior, which often hosts local events and exhibitions. It is not just a civic building; it’s a peek into Lerwick’s rich heritage and community spirit.

Lerwick Town Hall

1.5. The Lodberrie

Located at the other end of Commercial Street, within a 5-minute walk from the port, the Lodberrie is one of Lerwick’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks, known for its charming row of 18th-century waterfront buildings.

Originally used as a trading post and storage area for goods arriving by sea, the Lodberrie now stands as a symbol of Lerwick’s rich maritime heritage.

The buildings, with their distinctive stone exteriors and wooden doors, have been carefully preserved, and one of them even featured as the home of Detective Jimmy Perez in the popular TV series “Shetland.”

Explore Lerwick tours and activities

Lerwick - The Lodberrie

2. Broch of Clickimin

The Broch of Clickimin (or Clickimin Broch) is an archaeological site located 1 mile (a 25-minute walk) from Lerwick’s town center. This well-preserved Iron Age broch, dating back over 2,000 years, is situated on a small islet connected by a causeway and offers a fascinating glimpse into Shetland’s ancient past.

The site includes a round stone tower and surrounding structures, providing insights into the architectural skills and daily life of its early inhabitants.

Aside from the broch itself, the surrounding area provides opportunities for leisurely hikes and relaxing nature walks with beautiful views of the sea.

Located along Lerwick’s scenic waterfront, within a 5-minute walk from the archaeological site, is the iconic Fjarå Café Bar which offers a delightful dining experience with stunning views of Bressay Sound.

Explore the Broch of Clickimin tours and activities

Lerwick - The Broch of Clickimin

3. Böd of Gremista

The Böd of Gremista is a historic 18th-century fishing booth located at the north end of Lerwick, right next to Lerwick Marina, around 1.8 miles (a 40-minute walk) from Victoria Pier. If your cruise ship docks at Mair’s Pier or Holmsgarth Pier, you can reach it in a 5-10 minute walk.

Built in 1780, the Böd of Gremista originally served as a storehouse and lodging for fishermen and traders. Today, it has been transformed into a fascinating museum that offers insights into Shetland’s fishing heritage and traditional way of life.

Visitors can explore the preserved interior, which includes period furnishings and exhibits on local history, including the story of Arthur Anderson, a Shetlander who co-founded the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O).

4. Wildlife Spotting

The Shetland Islands boast a rich and diverse array of wildlife, making them a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Among the most famous residents are the sturdy Shetland ponies , known for their small size and remarkable strength. These ponies, with their thick, weather-resistant coats, can be seen grazing in the island’s lush pastures.

The rugged coastline and remote landscapes also provide ideal habitats for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the cliffs.

The surrounding waters are home to seals, otters, and occasionally visiting orcas and dolphins, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

Inland, the moorlands and wetlands support diverse birdlife and small mammals.

Lerwick - Shetland pony

The best ways to see the Shetland Islands’ wildlife from Lerwick include boat tours that navigate around scenic spots like Noss National Nature Reserve , offering views of seabirds, seals, and occasionally whales.

Guided wildlife safaris and walking tours take visitors to key locations for spotting otters, Shetland ponies, and diverse bird species.

Kayaking trips along the coastline provide close encounters with marine life, while local nature reserves like Clickimin Loch and Loch of Spiggie offer excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Explore wildlife spotting tours from Lerwick

5. Explore Archaeological Sites

The Shetland Islands are known for numerous ancient archaeological sites scattered across the archipelago. Besides Clickimin Broch, a few other remarkable sites are accessible from the port of Lerwick.

One of these sites is the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement , which lies 25 miles (a 35-minute drive) south of Lerwick cruise port and spans over a fascinating 4,000 years of history.

This archeological marvel features remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish era, Norse settlement, and medieval period, including stone structures, a broch, and a medieval farmhouse.

Exploring Jarlshof allows you to walk in the footsteps of ancient peoples, marvel at their craftsmanship, and gain insights into their daily lives, customs, and societal evolution over thousands of years.

Broch of Mousa is another archaeological site you can visit, reachable by ferry from Lerwick. This remarkably well-preserved broch, located on the uninhabited island of Mousa 15 miles south of Lerwick port, is one of the finest examples of its kind in Scotland.

Rising majestically to over 13 meters in height, this broch offers a glimpse into ancient construction techniques and features fantastic panoramic views of the coast.

Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village , located near Jarlshof, is the third ancient site well worth visiting. The site features a well-preserved Iron Age broch and Pictish and Norse settlement remains and offers guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Lerwick - Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

6. Scenic Coastal Walks

The Shetland Islands are known for their stunning natural landscapes and scenic coastal walks are an ideal way to explore them.

You can circumnavigate the town of Lerwick on a Lerwick coastal walk , which starts from the Lerwick Esplanade and goes around the town to the renowned Fjarå Café Bar. The walk takes about 2 hours and involves walking on partially hilly terrain. It’s also a great way to explore the local life as the route will take you to some local neighborhoods.

The Lerwick Esplanade offers another great stroll along the waterfront promenade and provides beautiful views of the harbor, traditional fishing boats, and the surrounding islands.

For a longer walk, the Knab , located only a 20-minute walk south of Lerwick, offers panoramic vistas of rugged cliffs, the open sea, and glimpses of seabirds soaring overhead.

Lerwick Coastal Walk

7. Sample Local Cuisine

A visit to Lerwick cruise port is not complete without tasting the fresh local seafood, hearty stews, and traditional Orcadian dishes, perfectly complemented by a pint of local ale or a warming dram of whisky.

Begin your culinary exploration with delicious Shetland mussels , harvested from the pristine waters surrounding the islands. Steamed, baked, or served in a creamy sauce, the Shetland mussels are a seafood lover’s dream!

You must also try the famous Shetland salmon . This famous fish, whether smoked to perfection or eaten fresh, is of great quality and flavor because of the cold, clear waters in which it lives.

For a taste of traditional Orcadian cuisine, hearty stews are the perfect choice. Warm up with a hearty broth filled with root vegetables, barley, and succulent chunks of meat, and enjoy local dishes such as reestit mutton , a local delicacy made from salted and dried mutton that’s been slow-cooked to tender perfection.

To top off your day, try “ Beremeal Bannock “, a traditional Scottish flatbread often enjoyed with sweet toppings like butter, honey, or jam.

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Liverpool , Dover , Dublin , Reykjavik , Bergen , Geirangerfjord , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Le Havre

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  privacy policy  here.

1 thought on “7 Best Things To Do In Lerwick Cruise Port (Shetland Islands) + Port Info”

' src=

My father was stationed on HMS Fox during WWII, based in Lerwick, he was a member of the RNVR, at some time during this time he was on a ship that downed a German submarine for which he was awarded a medal from the then King of England. Patrick C Cother met Muriel the office worker at the base………and she wrote to my mother in Sussex England asking her to divorce my father as they were in love and wanted to get married. This letter arrived before I was born. Mum refused to get a divorce, I dont know what happened to Muriel, she obviously did not know the old adage a sailor has a woman in every port. Maybe not all sailors, but my father was a tremendous flirt with an ego that needed to be flattered by feminine sweet talk. Sadly he had an affair with a London woman prior to going up north and she had two sons by him……….and again my mother refused to divorce him. After WWII my father went to work on yachts and boats in Europe….. having met a French lady with who he lived with until finally when I was 19 my mother divorced him. And he blamed her affair with a neighbor for her unfaithfulness. He was a charmer that is for sure.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

tours from lerwick cruise port

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

logo

Lerwick – Shetland Islands

Welcome to the Lerwick cruise port guide. Lerwick is the capital city of the Shetland Islands which are part of Scotland. Did you know Lerwick actually means “Muddy Bay”. This historical town was founded in the 17th century. In town Fort Charlotte, the Town Hall and Commercial Street make up the main highlights. but you can also visit Clickimin Broch, Shetland museum and archives and the Bod of Greminsta to get acquainted with the history of this lovely town. The archipelago of Shetland is known for its seabird cliffs, wildlife and dramatic scenery. You will find a variety of wildlife on the island and in its waters like seals and the famous native Shetland ponies. Shore excursions can take you on wildlife safaris or for a scenic ride on the island. You are also able to visit the interesting archeological sites from the Bronze and Iron age on the islands. Find out where your ship is going to dock in the Lerwick cruise port guide underneath.

Cruise port guide Lerwick – Shetland: dock or tender

Lerwick tender dock: Victoria pier

Lerwich cruise port - Shetland Islands

Lerwick cruise dock: Homsgarth Pier

Smaller cruise ships are able to dock at the Homsgarth Pier. This cruise dock is not located in the city center of Lerwick. The distance from the dock to the city center is about 1 mile (1,6 km) , so you might want to use transportation to visit it. The port of Lerwick offers a free shuttle service from the cruise dock into town and visa versa. The drop off location is at the waterfront in the old town. Find its exact location marked in the map above. You will find a supermarket and large shopping center nearby your cruise dock.

Shetland tourist information

There is a tourist information center not far from the tender cruise dock. The tourist information here is referred to as the VisitScotland Lerwick iCentre. This iCentre offers great information on what to see and do. They also have specific hand out guides for cruise passengers. Additionally you can also book tours, activities and guided walks here. Visit their office to book or call 01595693434. The Lerwich iCentre is located at the Market Cross in the centre of Lerwick. Find its location in the map above.

Taxis in Lerwick

You will find a taxi rank at both cruise docks. There are standard and 7 seater taxis available. Agree upon a price before you step into the taxi.

Hikes around Lerwick

Lerwick offers great hikes which are known for their beautiful coastline and seabird colonies. Simply follow Twageos Road in a southern direction. This path along the coastline takes you to viewpoint The Knab , Waari Geo and The Sletts which are well known places to spot birds and seals. See the beginning of the hike marked in the map above.

Local transportation

Lerwick has a local transportation system that you can use to explore the island. Bus time tables are available at the tourist information center (a.k.a. Lerwich iCentre) and at the bus station (Viking bus station). We have marked the bus station for you in the map above. Bus fares range from 1 to 4 pounds. You can purchase a top up card on the bus. Children up to 5 years old travel for free. Children between 5 and 16 years old travel with 50% discount. You can find the bus schedules on the following link: http://www.zettrans.org.uk/bus/BusTimetables.asp

Car rental Lerwick

If you wish to venture out on your own and rent a car it is wise to pre-arrange this as cars are limited. If you pre-arrange it they can even bring it to the cruise dock for you. You can rent your car through Star-Rent-a-Car or one of the other car rentals in Lerwick. Generally car rentals offer vehicles ranging from regular 3 doors to 17 seater busses. Find the car rental location marked in the map above.

Bicycle rental Lerwick

The Community Bike Project offers the ability to rent a bike while you are there. See their location marked in the map above.

Wi-fi in port

Lerwick offers plenty of places for free wi-fi. The tender dock actually offers its own wi-fi spot. You can also find it at the Shetland Library, at the tourist information, one of the many restaurants or at the Shetland Museum and Archives.

Lerwick cruise destination

Travel information United Kingdom

Official currency – Pound Sterling Accepts Us dollars – are usually not accepted Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – left Timezone – UTC

About Scotland

Inhabitants – 5,3 million Official language – English Capital city – Edinburgh

Scotland Government – Devolved parliamentary legislature within constitutional monarchy

Find your port of call:

  • Mediterranean
  • Norway – Cruise port guides
  • Baltic & Scandinavia
  • British isles
  • Western Europe
  • French Polynesia
  • North America
  • Central America
  • Southeast Asia
  • North Africa
  • Middle East

tours from lerwick cruise port

  • Need help? 0344 493 2043 0344 493 2043
  • Let Us Call You CALL ME
  • Drink Packages
  • Flights by Celebrity℠
  • Manage Reservation
  • Shore Excursions
  • Upgrade with MoveUp

tours from lerwick cruise port

  • Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • Grand Cayman
  • St. Maarten
  • U.S Virgin Islands
  • New England & Canada
  • Pacific Coast
  • Antarctic Ocean
  • Panama Canal
  • Transatlantic
  • Transpacific
  • Cruise Ports (+300)
  • Mediterranean
  • All Inclusive
  • Bucket List Cruises
  • Cruise & Stay Packages
  • Alaska & Galapagos Packages
  • Family Cruises
  • Groups & Events
  • New Cruises
  • Overnight Stays Cruises
  • Popular Cruises
  • Specialty Cruises
  • Destination Highlights
  • Group Excursions
  • Private Journeys
  • Shore Excursions Overview
  • Small Group Discoveries

CRUISES FROM SOUTHAMPTON

Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

  • 360° Virtual Tours
  • Celebrity Apex
  • Celebrity Ascent NEW
  • Celebrity Beyond
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Celebrity Edge
  • Celebrity Eclipse
  • Celebrity Equinox
  • Celebrity Infinity
  • Celebrity Millennium
  • Celebrity Reflection
  • Celebrity Silhouette
  • Celebrity Solstice
  • Celebrity Summit
  • Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
  • Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

  • Celebrity Flora
  • Celebrity Xpedition
  • Celebrity Xploration
  • The Retreat
  • Suite Life. Elevated.
  • Iconic Suite
  • Penthouse Suite
  • Reflection Suite
  • Royal Suite
  • Signature Suite
  • Celebrity Suite
  • Aqua Sky Suite
  • View All Suites
  • Concierge Class
  • Eat & Drink
  • Entertainment
  • Spa & Wellness

WINTER ESCAPES ON CELEBRITY INFINITY

  • Cruising 101
  • Cruise Fare Options
  • Cruise Tips
  • First Time on a Cruise
  • What is Included on a Cruise
  • Future Cruise Vacations
  • Accessible Cruising
  • Flights by Celebrity
  • Manage Cruise
  • The Celebrity Store
  • Travel Documents
  • Our Distinction
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Celebrity Cruises

Flights by Celebrity

  • At Least 30% Off 1st & 2nd Guest
  • Save up to £100pp on Flights
  • Alaska Veranda Upgrades
  • 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
  • Exciting Deals
  • Cruise and Stay Packages
  • Bluelight & Military Offers
  • View All Offers
  • All Included
  • Dining Packages
  • Photo Packages
  • Wi-Fi Packages
  • View All Packages
  • Captain's Club
  • Celebrity Points
  • Loyalty Exclusive Offers
  • Loyalty Status Match

At Least 30% Off 1st & 2nd Guest + Onboard Credit Bonus

Save at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare, plus receive a bonus onboard credit of up to $200 per stateroom.

Lerwick, Scotland Shore Excursions

Tabs view scotland cruises.

  • Lerwick Port Guide
  • Lerwick Shore Excursions
  • Europe Cruises
  • View Scotland Cruises

See Southern Shetland’s Sights on Lerwick Shore Excursions

When your European cruise port of call is the busy Shetland Islands port of Lerwick, shore excursions offer cruise passengers opportunities to see the island’s mosaic of coves, cliffs, farmland, and beaches, each with its own character and charm.

Admire the tranquil beauty of Shetland, coined “The Crossroads of the Northern Seas,” on Lerwick shore excursions that take you across the southern Shetland. Pass through the coastal streets of Lerwick, with its old waterfront that on any given day may sport yachts as well as fishing boats. Pass by 18th century sandstone buildings as well as homes and parks from the Victorian era, including Lerwick Town Hall. Admire sweeping vistas of sea cliffs, beaches, pastures, and meadows. View the Iron Age round towers, Mousa Broch, from afar, then head cross-island to the Atlantic Coast within view of St. Ninian’s Isle.

For a glimpse of the region’s incredible wildlife, opt for Lerwick shore excursions to the uninhabited island of Mousa. Board a fast ferry that takes you out to Mousa Island to see the Mousa Broch, the round stone tower built over 2,000 years ago, most likely as a defense against invaders. Spiral staircases lead up to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the Mousa Sound. During the summer months, the walls of the tower are home to hundreds of storm petrels. These birds spend their days feeding out at sea, then return to the island at night. Other nesting birds include Arctic terns, red-throated divers, fulmars, and black guillemots. You’re also likely to see grey seals sunning themselves at the shore or harbor porpoises frolicking farther out in the water.

Among the most exciting shore excursions, Lerwick, Shetland Islands has to offer are tours to the amazing Jarlshof Viking Ruins. Here, you’ll walk through the best-known prehistoric archeological site in Shetland, a complex of ancient settlements with dates that encompass the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Middle Ages. There is also a house that dates from the 16th century.

A day in the Scottish countryside from your cruise to Lerwick is not complete without at least a glimpse of a Shetland pony, and an excursion to a pony farm is bound to be a highlight for young and old alike. Spend time with the ponies, and learn firsthand how they are bred and how they have adapted to the harsh northern climate.

Learn More About Celebrity Cruises Shore Excursions

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, lerwick shetland islands scotland united kingdom cruise port guide.

One of the busiest hubs, Lerwick harbor welcomes up to 25,000 cruise passengers to Shetland a year. It has long been a port-of-call for cruise ships which have arrived in record numbers over the last decade. With nearly 50 ships in a single season, Lerwick is one of Scotland's top cruise ship destinations.

Cruise ships up to 205 meters in length can berth alongside at the Port. Larger ships anchor in Bressay Sound, with passengers just five minutes by launch from a floating pontoon in a sheltered dock close to the town center. The small 1.7 meter tidal range facilitates transfer.

The Lerwick cruise terminal is situated at the heart of Lerwick Harbour, which is centrally located in Lerwick itself.

In Spring 2007 a fantastic new museum complex opened on the Lerwick waterfront. It is situated at a restored historic dock just a few minutes walk from the new floating pontoon system and ship berths. A new welcome ashore pavilion, introduced in 2010, provides a dedicated facility for passengers to receive orientation and information.

A shuttle bus to and from the Town center (1 km) for ships berthed at Holmsgarth and basic orientation information and advice on independent activities is available to guests not taking part in pre-arranged shore excursions.

Webcams of the port and town.

Cruise calendar for this port and where you will be docked or anchored.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Lerwick Shetland Islands Scotland United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

Lerwick is a fascinating place at any time of year. In summer, its waterfront is brightened by yachts and cruise liners from ports around the North Atlantic. In winter, the harbor is a refuge for all kinds of craft and the twists and turns of Commercial Street defeat the wildest weather. The town had the humblest of beginnings as a scattering of huts along the shore occupied during the Dutch fishing season, but grew apace from the seventeenth century.

Above the winding shoreline track which became Commercial Street, development was tightly packed into a patchwork of narrow lanes. In the 19th century, new docks to accommodate the fishing fleet were created to the north of the town. At Freefield, Hay's dock was the center of Shetland's fishing industry and the largest ship built in Lerwick, the barque `North Briton', took to the water here in 1836.

By the late 19th century, the more prosperous citizens were moving from the old part of town to flatter land west of the Hillhead and continued to expand to become a thriving and welcoming place of around 7,600 people serving all the 23,000 inhabitants of Shetland.

There's a wide range of accommodation, a choice of good places to eat, pubs and clubs to suit most tastes and some of the most advanced indoor leisure facilities in Britain. Lerwick is also an excellent place to sample Shetland's internationally celebrated musical heritage. The islands are best known for their fiddle music, but there's a wealth of talent embracing a wide range of styles.

Stone flagged Commercial Street, the heart of the town, is the first Cruise Port for most visitors. Winding between tall stone buildings it gives a unique character to one of the finest small town centers in Britain and the hub of much of Shetland's social and business life.

Above Commercial Street, 'The Lanes' have been rescued from earlier dereliction and sheltered, wooded private gardens are bright with fuchsia and flowering currant. As today's street signs acknowledge, the Lanes were originally "Lops" and "Mosses", but were renamed by the Commissioners of Police in 1845 to reflect personalities or themes of that time, hence Pitt, Reform and Fox Lanes.

A little way southwest of the Fort is Lerwick's Town Hall, a beautifully preserved building with Scots Baronial and Gothic influences designed by Alexander Ross and completed in 1883 by local builder John M. Aitken, at a cost of £3,240. Armorial work recalls many of the town's cultural and trading links. Rich stained glass best seen in late afternoon or evening sunlight depicts characters from Shetland's history. A guidebook is available. Across the road from the Town Hall, prominent crow-stepped gables lend the more restrained County Buildings a particularly Scottish flavor. They house the sheriff court, police station and cells.

On Lower Hillhead, the Shetland Museum tells the islands' story from prehistory to the present, with a good collection of archaeological finds and fascinating detail on crafting and fishing. The Library's `Shetland Room' reflects the proliferation of writing about Shetland.

Arthur Anderson was born in 1792 in the Böd of Gremista, now a museum celebrating his life. As a youth, he helped with the curing and drying of fish and in 1808 joined the Royal Navy. He later joined a London partnership running ships to Spain and Portugal which was to become the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O). A philanthropist, Anderson provided funds for the establishment of the Anderson Institute (now Anderson High School).

Tours Excursions Transportation:

It is easily walked and there is lots of beautiful village and countryside to see.

It pays to compare your cruise line excursions : Tours etc. offered by GetYourGuide and by Viator .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Explore Lerwick's quaint streets lined with shops selling local crafts, woolens, and souvenirs. Enjoy traditional Scottish and seafood dishes at local cafes and restaurants.

Most shops are also open on Sundays.

The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.

Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.

Currency Converter

Communication:

English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!

Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.

The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours are in general:

Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7

Holidays in the United Kingdom

Help us to keep this page up to date: Mail us your suggestions

Thank you for printing this article! Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides.

Home | Privacy Policy

  • CruiseMapper
  • Cruise Ports
  • Ireland - UK - British Isles Cruise Ports

Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Lerwick cruise port

Region Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time 2024-08-31 18:59

Port Lerwick cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Lerwick, Mainland Shetland, Scotland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Lerwick is a major port (Shetland's primary seaport) and the capital city of Scotland's Shetland Islands, with population around 7,000. It is located on Mainland Shetland and is the UK's northernmost.

Lerwick Port (locode GBLER) is approx 210 mi (340 km) northeast of Aberdeen , approx 220 mi (357 km) west of Bergen Norway , approx 230 mi (367 km) southeast of Torshavn Faroes .

Lerwick's current economy is based on its seaport - serving mainly commercial fishing vessels and ferries . Lerwick Harbour also provides services to vessels supporting UK's offshore oil industry. The city is served by two airports (Tingwall and Sumburgh) with domestic flights only. The company NorthLink Ferries (car-passenger ferry services between Orkney-Shetland and mainland Scotland) operates a daily overnight crossing between Lerwick and Aberdeen that also visits Kirkwall Orkney .

The first-ever cruise vessel that docked at Lerwick Harbour's new GBP 16,5 million cruise pier (Holmsgarth North jetty) was the Viking OCEAN 's Viking Star (max capacity 930 passengers) on June 12, 2017. Lerwick Port Authority announced a record-breaking 2017 cruising season with a total of 76 scheduled ship calls and ~62,000 passengers (increase 22% over 2016). Due to the new pier, the overall vessel GT/gross tonnage increased by over 18% (to nearly 2,6 million tons).

During season 2018, the cruise port handled 91 ship calls and 90,336 passengers (78% increase over 2017). Of the 91 calls, 11 were maiden port visits, including port's ever-largest liner MSC Meraviglia (length 315 m, max capacity 5390 passengers plus 1400 crew).

For 2019 were booked 115 ship calls (later reduced to 99, including 12 first-time). This was 23% increase (over 2018) with expected 92,000 passengers (83,000 in 2018). Cruise port's berth bookings for 2020 showed 105 ship calls, estimated 92,000 tourists and 4+ million GT-tonnes of cruise shipping. Among the 13 maiden calls were two newbuilds - Le Bellot ( Ponant ) and Spirit of Adventure ( Saga ).

In 2023, the cruise port handled ~124,000 tourists, 129 ship calls (of which 19 maiden ship visits) and 2 new companies/brands - Swan Hellenic and MSC Explora Journeys . In 2024, the Port reported a record year with 149 booked cruise ship berthings and expected ~130,000 passengers.

Founded as a fishing village and with strong Viking connections, today little remains of the old Lerwick. Gray buildings (from the 17th-century) line downtown streets. Shetland Museum houses a unique collection of Pict and Viking artifacts. Other best-known tourist attractions include Town Hall, Fort Charlotte (5-sided artillery fort), Shetland Croft Museum.

On Shetland Mainland Island's southern tip is the prehistoric archaeological site Jarlshof, with ruins that date back from 2500 BC to 17th century AD (the Norse Settlement). Clichimin Broch is a Pictish fort (from 100 BC) set on a small island in Clichimin Loch (lake). Up-Helly-Aa is an annual Norse fire festival (held in January).

Lerwick cruise terminal

On October 22, 2014, Lerwick Port Authority announced port's ever biggest investment in a new pier construction project. It benefits the local fishing, oil shipping and cruise tourism industries. The GBP 16,5 million (USD 20 million) project was for building a new multi-purpose jetty at Holmsgarth North. For the construction works, the port contracted Tulloch Developments Ltd.

The new Lerwick Harbour's jetty is L-shaped (see on the above photo) and provides deep-water docking (berthing) for marine vessels and also more area for the local fishing fleet. The quay's outer arm creates a dock that shelters the new whitefish market (at Mair’s Yard). The new quay is also suitable for docking of offshore industry ships.

Construction works started in December 2014, with completion scheduled for Fall 2016. The new jetty extends 800 m (2625 ft) and has max draft (alongside water depth) of 10 m (33 ft). This port redevelopment project reinforced Lerwick’s future as a major UK fishing port and the industry's key contribution to the Shetland Islands economy, along with Mainland Shetland's oil and gas supply industry.

During Holmsgarth North quay's construction, the fishing fleet used Mair’s Quay for berthing and as a working area. Mair’s Quay was completed in 2013 and is the site for the new whitefish market, which construction started in early 2016.

There are plans for harbour dredging (to increase port's max draft / vessel capacity) and building a new deep-water cruise berth (in downtown).

Ambassador Cruise Line's ship Ambition starts Lerwick Port's 2024 season

Ambassador Cruise Line's ship Ambition starts Lerwick Port's 2024 season

During the upcoming Easter weekend, Port Lerwick is set to welcome its first cruise ship of 2024, marking the beginning of what is anticipated to be...

Swan Hellenic unveils cultural expedition cruises across British Isles and Iceland

Swan Hellenic unveils cultural expedition cruises across British Isles and Iceland

Swan Hellenic, renowned for its cultural expedition cruises, unveils 3 distinctive itineraries across the British Isles and Iceland, offering curious...

Scotland implements new emissions tax on cruise ships visiting its ports

Scotland implements new emissions tax on cruise ships visiting its ports

The Scottish Green party has unveiled plans to impose a new tax on cruise vessels visiting Scotland, aiming to address environmental concerns and the...

Scotland's Port Lerwick Harbour concludes most successful cruise season

Scotland's Port Lerwick Harbour concludes most successful cruise season

Scotland's Lerwick Harbour recently concluded its most successful cruise season to date, rewriting the record book for the maritime sector at this...

NCL's Norwegian Getaway is the largest cruise ship of 2023 for Lerwick Harbour

NCL's Norwegian Getaway is the largest cruise ship of 2023 for Lerwick Harbour

Lerwick Harbour's 2023 cruise season welcomed its largest vessel to date as the Norwegian Getaway, with volume 145655 GT-tons, arrived on Saturday...

Explora Journeys' ship Explora I sets sail on Inaugural Cruise

Explora Journeys' ship Explora I sets sail on Inaugural Cruise

The inaugural journey of Explora I, the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet, commenced on August 1st from Copenhagen (Denmark), offering a...

Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023

Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023

Saga Cruises added a further 4 round-Britain voyages into its summer 2023 schedule, all with up to 35% off, and timed to coincide with events like...

Coastguard helicopter not able to airlift casualty from NorthLink's Hjaltland ferry

Coastguard helicopter not able to airlift casualty from NorthLink's Hjaltland ferry

A UK coastguard helicopter had to airlift a casualty from NorthLink's Hjaltland ferry but high winds prevented the medevac from taking place...

Viking boosts Lerwick Harbour’s cruise activity

Viking boosts Lerwick Harbour’s cruise activity

The rebuilding of Lerwick Harbour’s cruise traffic in the aftermath of COVID restrictions will receive extra impetus in February with the...

Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland) closes short cruise season

Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland) closes short cruise season

Noble Caledonia's cruise ship Island Sky recorded an unexpected double with her first and final visit to Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland...

  •   show more news

Visiting Cruise Ships and Tall Ships - 2024

Sign up to receive cruise list email alerts

More in Cruise

  • Join Our Newsletter
  • Post a Listing
  • Your Listings
  • Your Profile
  • Your Subscriptions
  • Payment History
  • Sign up for Daily Headlines
  • Sign up for Notifications

Kim Pemberton: Cruising from Norway to Scotland

  • Share by Email
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share via Text Message

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of His Majesty King Charles and is at one end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The palace facade remains much as it did since the 17th century when the palace was remodelled for Charles II.	KIM PEMBERTON

This is the first of a three-part series on exploring the British Isles, travelling to six countries over 15 days, with Viking Cruises. Today, leaving Viking’s home port in Bergen, Norway, for the Scottish Highlands.

You know a cruise is popular when it has a private Facebook group, with thousands of members sharing stories and asking questions about Viking’s British Isles cruise.

My daughter and I took the cruise last month and were able to make the most of our time by learning from past cruisers online. After all, there’s a lot of ground to be covered in the British Isles — Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England — and plenty of choices to make on what to do on shore, so getting an insider’s view proved helpful.

The 15-day British Isles Explorer cruise actually covers six countries. Besides the United Kingdom and Ireland, the cruise includes Viking’s home port of Bergen, Norway, which is either where the cruise begins or ends, depending on the time of travel.

For our cruise, Bergen was our embarkation point and London the end. In total, there would be 12 ports of call and one full day at sea.

Visiting Bergen, one of Europe’s oldest port cities, was a bonus, but the majority of time is in the British Isles, beginning with the Shetland Islands. The four other Scotland stops were Invergordon, Edinburgh, Orkney Islands and Ullapool in the Highlands. Next on the itinerary was cruising the Irish Sea to Belfast, Northern Ireland, Holyhead in Wales and Dublin, Ireland, while our last leg of the journey was England, with stops in Liverpool and Dover before reaching our final destination of Greenwich, in south-east London.

I’ve been on four other Viking cruises in the past, all European voyages, and what I loved most was the included excursions at every port of call. Guests can also pay extra for special shore excursions, which we did on four occasions. These were in Northern Ireland to see the Giant’s Causeway, the Scottish Highlands to see ancient stones carved by an extinct people called the Picts, Leeds Castle in Kent and Powerscourt, a private estate near Dublin.

We sailed on the beautiful Viking Saturn, which has a capacity of 930 passengers but feels like fewer thanks to its spacious, open design. And with a full day in Bergen before our departure, there was time to take one of Viking’s included excursions, that began with a bus tour of the city with a local guide, who ended his time with us by walking through the quaint quay of Bryggen wharf and explaining its significance.

The area, with its colourful wooden buildings and old warehouses, began as a major European centre of trade in the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, on our own, we took a funicular from Bergen’s downtown to the top of Mount Floyen for a panoramic view of the city, did the Troll Forest walk and stopped in a cafe to enjoy a classic Norwegian cinnamon bun, called Bergen’s Skillingsboller.

After leaving Bergen, we cruised 194 nautical miles across the North Sea to our first British Isles’ port of call in the Shetland Islands, the northern-most tip of Scotland. While everyone’s Viking journey differs, depending on what excursions they opt to take, ours was a mix of both city life and country life. Here are some of our Scotland highlights:

Shetland Islands

We docked in Lerwick, Shetland Islands’ main town, where you can walk through its paved flagstone streets under streamers dangling from lovely buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The buildings in the small village are mostly occupied by shops, many of them selling Scottish woolen goods and other locally made fare. While the shops were tempting, we continued walking past them along Lerwick’s shoreline, stopping at a place that would be familiar to anyone who has watched the TV crime drama Shetland , which is filmed here. The Lodberrie, with fish boats out front, is home of fictional character Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez.

We also did Viking’s included, two-hour excursion, which brought us by bus through the countryside, passing points of interest like the ruined walls of Scalloway Castle, built in 1599, and both sides of the islands — the North Sea side and the Atlantic (no place in Shetland is further than six km from the sea). But our favourite part of the tour was not a place but a person, Carol Fullerton, who introduced us to eight of her 38 Shetland ponies.

Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, the 67-year-old breeds native Shetland ponies, that measure between 87 and 107 centimetres in height.

“They’ve always been a part of my life. When I was young, the ponies weren’t for fun. They were work horses. All the crop work was done with ponies. There were no tractors,” she said.

Fullerton said the compact, hardy horse is believed to have been on the Shetland Islands since the Bronze Age, possibly longer, and once numbered 10,000. Now, their numbers have dwindled to about 1,000 here.

Shetland ponies are able to carry double their weight so, after an 1847 law banned children from working in mining pits, ponies were sent down instead. Fullerton said “the ponies were treated much better than the men.”

“You must be good to them.”

It was obvious from the interactions I saw between Fullerton and her ponies, they are living the good life in wind-swept pastures of Scotland. A gust of wind brought us to our last Shetland pony fact provided by Fullerton, which related to how they were standing in the field.

“I always say they’re like the weather clock. Whichever way the wind is blowing you’ll always see them standing with their rear ends to the wind.”

The Highlands

After docking in Invergordon, on the doorstop of the Highlands, we bussed to the first of our four special shore excursions to learn about the extinct Pict people. Driving away from the regular tourist routes in The Highlands, we arrived above a small fishing village in the Tarbot Peninsula. It’s here we saw the ancient Shandwick Stone, carved by the Picts, who lived in the Scottish Highlands in the 8th century for about 600 years. The stone, still in its original location overlooking the sea, is protected in a glass box.

It’s special to see this intricately carved, three-metre high stone, here instead of in a museum. Mystery surrounds the Picts since they left no written record, only symbols carved in metal work or stone, like the Shandwick Stone which has both sides carved. On one side is a large worn cross, formed by spirals, while the opposite side has six panels depicting a hunting scene.

Our next stop was a historic museum in nearby Portmahomack, in an ancient church on the site of the only Pictish monastic settlement excavated to date in Scotland. The museum also has a collection of original stone fragments carved by the Pict people. Later, during our visit to Scotland, we visited another group of mysterious stones in the Orkney Islands — the Ring of Brodgar, believed to be older than Stonehenge. The Orkney Islands’ ring of stones was built around 2500-2000 BC and is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles.

Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is mostly famous for its medieval Edinburgh Castle, built in 1102 on a rocky hill in the city’s Old Town, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where visitors can view the Scottish crown jewels and other medieval treasures. The castle lies at one end of The Royal Mile, while at the other end is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland for His Majesty King Charles. The included Viking tour of Edinburgh provided a bus tour of both Old Town and the Georgian New Town. We also had time to explore the Royal Mile and visited Holyroodhouse, which is open to the public when The King is not in residence. A highlight was climbing the spiral staircase to the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots, lived and still has the atmosphere of those turbulent times. Blood is evident on the wooden floors of her private apartments after her secretary David Rizzio was murdered there in 1566. It was a fascinating palace tour, especially knowing the palace has been the site of so many events that changed the course of history.

Next week: Leaving Scotland for Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales.

Kim Pemberton was hosted by Viking Cruises, which did not review or approve this article. Follow her on Instagram at kimstravelogue.

  • See a typo/mistake?
  • Have a story/tip?

This has been shared 0 times

Get your daily victoria news briefing, more travel.

Rick Steves: Croatia offers Slavic twist on la dolce vita

User Picture

  • 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
  • | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • View All Results
  • Preferences
  • Latitudes Rewards
  • Special Offers
  • Personalised Recommendations
  • Make reservations before you cruise
  • 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Shore Excursions

tours from lerwick cruise port

Mousa Island Cruise

Lerwick, shetland islands, scotland.

tours from lerwick cruise port

Jarlshof & Scenic Mainland Drive

tours from lerwick cruise port

Lerwick Walking Tour & Fort Charlotte

tours from lerwick cruise port

Scenery Of Western Shetland

tours from lerwick cruise port

Shetland Ponies & Scalloway Castle

  • Display Results:

Shore EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions (5).

  • Results per page:

Added to Favourites!

tours from lerwick cruise port

Duration 4 hrs

The Shetland’s are a mosaic of over a hundred islands where land and water blend. The most northerly part of the British Isles, it is inhabited by approximately 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea from dramatic sculptured cliffs to tranquil sandy bays. Travel south to visit Jarlshof. A violent storm in the winter of 1896-97 uncovered this remarkable archaeological site, revealing remains from the Neolithic and settlements from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The name Jarlshof, or ‘Laird’s House’, was named by Sir Walter Scott in his book named “The Pirate” based in the area. “Jarlshof” means “Earl’s Farmhouse” and as the archaeological site was only discovered almost a century after it got its name.

The term “Laird’s House” refers to the most modern building on the site built by Earl Patrick Stewart in the late 1500s. A guided tour will give you the chance to admire the remains of these village settlements, sprawled over a low green promontory by the sea. Your tour continues the short distance to the small historic village of Hoswick and a visit to the Hoswick Visitor Centre. Here, you can get an understanding of the history and culture of the Shetland’s from the interpretive displays. There is also the opportunity to purchase a garment from the wide variety of original Shetland wool items on sale in the knitwear shop. You’ll also see the small agricultural areas where sheep farming is important, see the distinctive black and brown Shetland sheep grazing in pastures enclosed by neat dry-stone walls and small communities. Your return to Lerwick will be across moorland.

  • Adult from: € 109,92 EUR
  • Child from: € 72,97 EUR

tours from lerwick cruise port

Duration 2 hrs

Your walk will start at Victoria Pier in the heart of Lerwick, opposite the Market Cross. A leisurely stroll takes in the award winning, recently restored Tolbooth. This is now the headquarters of Lerwick's lifeboat station. You’ll see the unique 'lodberries', once used by the town merchants for the landing and storage of goods. Climbing uphill you’ll observe a traditional method of recycling in the Shetland’s, where an upturned former ferry is now the roof of a garage. You’ll pass various churches on the way to the steep, narrow, intricate web of lanes to the Town Hall, built in 1882.

On the first floor, you’ll find the Shetland's history depicted in pictorial narrative through stained glass windows. You’ll proceed to Fort Charlotte, named after Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The fort never saw action, but it housed a garrison throughout the Napoleonic Wars; it was later a base for the Royal Naval Reserve. It also served as the town jail and courthouse from 1837-75, and later a customs house and a coastguard station. At the end of your walking tour you may wish to stay in town to explore Lerwick's variety of small independent shops, browsing for local crafts and knitwear.

  • Adult from: € 46,19 EUR
  • Child from: € 46,19 EUR

tours from lerwick cruise port

Duration 3 hrs

The Shetland’s, located 112 miles from the most northerly point to the southern tip, is the cross-roads of the northern seas, and unlike anywhere else in Scotland. They roll out in a long vista of moor and wiry pasture, penetrated by great sea inlets. As you come ashore, you’ll notice the main town of Lerwick, with its narrow Main Street and small shops. Climbing out of Lerwick, the road travels south and you’ll soon be seeing the vistas of hillsides. Travel to Scalloway, the former capital of the Shetland’s and see the Scalloway Castle, a forbidding ruin dominating the town, built by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600 using forced local labor. Stewart was the notorious despot who tyrannized Orkney and the Shetland’s, where he extorted crushing taxes and fines from the people.

His cruelty eventually led to his downfall and in 1615, he and his son were executed in Edinburgh. Built in medieval style, the roofless shell, with corner turrets and gables, stands on a narrow promontory by the water. Today, it stands side by side with the commerce of a busy fishing port, a silent sentinel. Your tour route then heads towards the fertile Tingwall Valley. The road passes a collection of farm buildings, and then suddenly there are belts of trees, rising abruptly amongst the barren hills. From the comparatively tranquil landscapes of the Tingwall Valley, you’ll head towards Weisdale Voe where the landscape changes dramatically. Here you’ll visit the small workshops of Shetland jewelers which manufacture a range of silver and gold jewelry featuring Celtic, Viking and local wildlife designs. The showroom also stocks a selection of local crafts. The excursion itinerary then takes to the eastern side of mainland Shetland and returns towards Lerwick.

  • Adult from: € 100,68 EUR
  • Child from: € 82,21 EUR

tours from lerwick cruise port

Duration 2 1/2 hrs

Upon arrival in Scalloway, the former Shetland capital, you’ll visit the castle, built in 1600 by the tyrant Earl Patrick Stewart using forced labor. It is four stories high and now roofless. Your next visit will be the nearby Scalloway Museum which houses a special 'Shetland Bus' exhibition depicting the village's unique role in WWII operations. The story of the Shetland Bus is one of the most dramatic to emerge from the Second World War. It goes back to April 1940 when German forces occupied Norway, resulting in a stream of refugees heading west, most of whom landed in Shetland.

You’ll continue through the Tingwall Valley with its Norse heritage for a visit to a local farm to see some Shetland Ponies, native to the island. Here, you’ll have the chance to photograph the world famous ponies. These delightful animals are also known to have heavy coats, short legs and are considered quite intelligent. They are a very strong breed, used for riding, driving, and pack purposes. The owner or staff member of the stud will be delighted to give a short talk and share their knowledge of the ponies with you. We head back to the quayside whilst hearing more about Shetland`s culture and heritage from our local guide.

  • Adult from: € 183,82 EUR
  • Child from: € 41,57 EUR

tours from lerwick cruise port

Mousa Sound is one of Scotland`s most important sites for the threatened Harbor Porpoise. Locally known as `Neesicks`, the animals are present between May and September, taking advantage of the abundant food supply of sandeels, herring and mackerel. Take a scenic drive from Lerwick to the small community of Sandwick, where you’ll board the Mousa ferry. Enjoy a spectacular one hour cruise around and near the tranquil and picturesque island of Mousa, home to the world’s best preserved Iron Age Broch.

You’ll be able to catch perfect views of the Mousa Broch, a stone-built `castle` over 2,000 years old, standing 43 feet high on the island. While enjoying your cruise, you may be fortunate to spot sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife. It is one of the best locations in Shetland to watch the Grey seals as large numbers bask around the island`s shallow pools. Mousa is also famous for its abundance of breeding seabirds, including hundreds of graceful Artic Terns, Artic Skuas and their larger relatives the Great Skua. After your Mousa cruise, return to the coach for your return journey to Lerwick.

  • Adult from: € 137,63 EUR
  • Child from: € 91,45 EUR

*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions

NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.

Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.

Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.

Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen kann körperlich anstrengend sein und unter Umständen Risiken und Gefahren beinhalten. Jeder einzelne Gast trägt die Verantwortung dafür, einzuschätzen, ob er/sie in der Lage ist, an entsprechenden Aktivitäten teilzunehmen. Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.

Die Fotos dienen ausschließlich zur Veranschaulichung der Exkursionserfahrung und bilden möglicherweise die entsprechende Exkursion, den Ort oder die Aktivität nicht akkurat ab.

A participação em atividades e excursões pode envolver esforço físico e pode ser perigosa. É sua responsabilidade determinar se você é capaz de participar das atividades. A participação em qualquer atividade ou excursão é por sua conta e risco.

As fotos são apenas para fins ilustrativos, usadas para representar a experiência da excursão e podem não retratar com precisão a localização ou atividade indicada.

アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーには激しい活動を行うものもあり、危険が伴う場合もあります。 内容がご自身に適したものかは各自でご判断ください。 アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーへは、あくまでもご自身の責任でご参加いただきますようお願いいたします。

写真は寄港地観光ツアーの体験を表現するためのもので、実際のツアーや場所、アクティビティとは異なる場合があります。

La partecipazione ad attività ed escursioni potrebbe prevedere sforzi fisici e potrebbe essere potenzialmente rischiosa o pericolosa. È responsabilità di ciascun individuo stabilire se si è in grado di partecipare a qualsiasi attività. La partecipazione a qualunque attività o escursione è a proprio rischio e pericolo.

Le fotografie utilizzate per raffigurare l'escursione sono unicamente a fini illustrativi e potrebbero non rappresentare accuratamente l'escursione, il luogo o l'attività indicata.

La participation aux activités et excursions peut demander un effort physique et peut parfois être potentiellement dangereuse. Il revient à toute personne de déterminer si elle est capable de participer à une activité ou non. La participation à toute activité ou excursion se fait à vos propres risques.

Les photos sont affichées à titre d'illustration uniquement et de représentation de l'expérience et peuvent ne pas représenter l'excursion, le lieu ou l'activité indiqués avec précision.

השתתפות בפעילויות ובסיורים עשויה לכלול מאמץ פיזי, ועלולה להיות מסוכנת. זוהי אחריותו של כל אדם לקבוע האם הוא מסוגל להשתתף בכל פעילות. השתתפות בכל פעילות או סיור היא על אחריותכם בלבד.

תמונות מוצגות לצורך הדגמה בלבד, הן משמשות כדי לייצג את חוויית הסיור ועלולות שלא לתאר במדויק את הסיור, המיקום או הפעילות.

Las fotografías son solo para fines ilustrativos y se utilizan para representar la experiencia de la excursión y es posible que no reflejen con precisión la excursión, el lugar o la actividad indicada.

Oceania Cruises will sail from Port Tampa Bay beginning in 2026

  • Shauna Muckle Times staff

A new luxury cruise line is coming to Tampa Bay. Oceania Cruises will set sail for the Caribbean and Panama Canal starting in February 2026.

The 670-guest Insignia ship will offer guests five options of seven- to 20-night cruises from February to April, according to a media release from Port Tampa Bay. Passengers will dock in Costa Maya, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia, and other similar destinations.

Oceania, a Miami-based subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Lines, operates eight luxury vessels that traverse all seven continents. The line’s “Around the World” cruise takes guests to over 100 destinations in 180 days — prices for 2026 start at $42,000. On board, guests can access fine-dining options like Polo Grill, an American steakhouse, and Toscana, an Italian venue.

Starting prices for sailings from Tampa currently range from $2,200 for a seven-night Caribbean cruise to $5,800 for a 20-night Panama Canal cruise.

Here’s a look at the five itineraries that will sail from Tampa in 2026:

• Tropical Harmony : February 22-March 3, nine days. Starting in Bridgetown, Barbados; Oranjestad, Aruba; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; ending in Tampa.

• Leeward Isles Serenade : March 3-18, 15 days. Starting in Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua; Roseau, Dominica; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Frederiksted, St. Croix; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; ending in Tampa.

• Western Caribbean Escape : March 18-25, seven days. Starting in Tampa; Cozumel; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya; ending in Tampa.

•Palms and Panama Canal : March 25-April 4, 10 days. Tampa; Cozumel; Costa Maya; Belize City; Roatan; Puerto Limon; Colon, Panama; ending with one overnight stay in Panama City, Panama. The ship crosses the Panama Canal during daylight hours.

• Panama Canal Connoisseur : March 25-April 14, 20 days. Starting in Tampa; Cozumel; Costa Maya; Belize City; Roatan; Puerto Limon; Colon; one overnight stay in Panama City; Cartagena; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Montego Bay; George Town, Cayman Islands; ending in Miami.

Port Tampa Bay now hosts six cruise lines. Oceania will join Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Margaritaville at Sea.

Catch up on top stories before rush hour

Become a Times subscriber to get our afternoon newsletter, The Rundown

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Cruises represent a quarter of the port’s revenue, and that share is rising. In fiscal year 2025, the port expects 373 sailings with around 1.6 million passengers. This year, nearly 1.2 million people are projected to sail from Tampa’s port as the industry makes a rapid comeback post-pandemic.

Shauna Muckle is reporter covering tourism, transportation and technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

MORE FOR YOU

  • Advertisement

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS

The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper every day, please subscribe.

Cape Liberty cruise port: A guide to cruising from New Jersey

Melissa Klurman

The first thing you'll notice about the Cape Liberty cruise port is the views: Situated on the Hudson River in New Jersey across from New York City, the port has spectacular skyline panoramas of Manhattan and unimpeded views of the Statue of Liberty. In fact, sailing out of Cape Liberty will bring you face-to-face (OK, face-to-toes) with Lady Liberty when you sail through the harbor.

Cape Liberty is a hub for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. From here, ships from those two lines sail to the Bahamas , Bermuda , Caribbean , Canada and New England and beyond.

Note that although Cape Liberty is often referred to as "New York" on some cruise-selling websites, it is squarely on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, in Bayonne. (It's a quirk of the region that many popular things in New Jersey are labeled as "New York" — for example, both the New York Jets and the New York Giants play their home games at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.)

Although Cape Liberty is the ideal place to set sail from if you're already based in the nearby Tri-State region (New York/New Jersey/Connecticut), Pennsylvania or other East Coast locations, the port is also easy to get to from Newark International Airport (EWR) just 10 miles away. Fly in early and you'll find plenty of points hotels for a pre- or postcruise stay nearby, too.

Plus, you'll be just across the Hudson River from New York City , making it easy to add a visit to the Big Apple to your cruise itinerary.

Cape Liberty cruise port overview

tours from lerwick cruise port

Cape Liberty cruise terminal information

Address: 4 Port Terminal Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002

Number of terminals: One While Cape Liberty is wheelchair accessible, contact your cruise line at least 30 days prior to your cruise to arrange assistance for boarding from the terminal to the ship.

Cruise lines sailing from Cape Liberty

  • Royal Caribbean
  • Celebrity Cruises

Airports near Cape Liberty cruise port

tours from lerwick cruise port

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port. It's 10 miles away and about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.

While LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 22 miles away and John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 32 miles from Bayonne, the ride to Cape Liberty cruise port will take a minimum of one hour, and possibly up to two hours, from either airport depending on traffic, since you'll need to either traverse or circumnavigate Manhattan.

There is no direct public transportation from any of the three area airports to the cruise port.

EWR is a United Airlines hub and offers a plethora of flights from around the country on the carrier into Newark daily. Other domestic carriers that fly into EWR are Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country and Spirit Airlines.

If you want to fly with Southwest, you will have to choose LGA, since the carrier consolidated all of its New York City gates at that airport. Other domestic airlines at LGA are Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines and the American Shuttle.

JFK is the farthest airport from Bayonne and Cape Liberty, but it has the largest number of carriers, 70 in all, and is a hub for both American and Delta. Other domestic carriers are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines and WestJet.

Since outbound flight times don't always line up perfectly with your cruise line's disembarkation time, you might find yourself with time to kill at the airport, so make sure you carry a credit card with airport lounge access as a benefit. For EWR, it's especially helpful to carry a United branded card that offers lounge access: Since United is terminal C's sole occupant, the lounge options are limited to United Clubs and the Polaris Lounge . The other domestic terminal, A, offers a Delta Lounge as well as an AA Admiral's Club. The airport does not have any lounges accessible with Priority Pass .

How to get to the Cape Liberty cruise port

tours from lerwick cruise port

Whether you're coming to the cruise port from the airport or a nearby hotel, you'll find several transportation options available. What you won't find are cruise-line-organized shuttles from the airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port.

Hotel shuttles

A few select Hilton hotels near EWR offer free shuttle service to the port. Note, however, that overnight parking at these hotels will incur a fee.

Limos and private car transfers

There are myriad options for limos and private cars in the New York/New Jersey metro area. One of the most popular and easiest to remember is the Dial 7 car and limousine service, the number for which is 1-212-777-7777.

Blacklane is another good option for private transfers. Expect to pay between $130 from EWR to around $330 from JFK for a private car or limousine transfer.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Hailing a taxi to take you to Cape Liberty from EWR is simple. Taxi stands are on the arrival (ground) level of the airport (outside baggage claim).

You'll pay by the meter. The rate is $4 for the first 1/8 mile then $0.65 for each additional 1/8 mile. Waiting time is $0.65 per minute. There's a $1 per bag surcharge for luggage put in the trunk and a $1.75 fee for originating from the airport. The average fare from Newark Airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port is $40.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

UberX can run around $25 to $35, and UberXL around $35 to $45, depending on the time of day. Premier and Premier SUV cars can run around $75 to $90. All prices can vary during traffic or high-demand times. The Uber/Lyft ride from LGA or JFK will be much more expensive due both to distance and interstate tolls (about $40): Expect prices starting at $120 for UberX and $150 for UberXL.

Public transportation

A few forms of public transportation in New Jersey run to Bayonne, but none will get you closer than 2 miles from the cruise port.

NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and PATH: Traveling from Jersey City or Hoboken, New Jersey, take the light rail to the 34th Street stop in Bayonne. One-way tickets are $2.25. After you disembark, you will need to call a cab/Uber/Lyft to take you the last 2 miles to the cruise port. If you are coming from New York City, take the PATH train that runs from New York to Jersey City and Hoboken (also $2.25) and then connect to the light rail.

Bus: From the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, take the NJ Transit 119 bus to Bayonne. Tickets cost $6. The bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks. The closest point to the cruise port is 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard. From here, you can either call a Bayonne cab company or get an Uber/Lyft to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

Cape Liberty cruise port parking

On-site parking.

Cruisers can find ample, on-site parking at Cape Liberty adjacent to the terminal. No reservations are necessary, and parking is guaranteed. Parking fees are $30 per day, including tax.

Park-and-cruise

Park2Go (Cape Liberty Cruise Port) offers parking in an indoor valet garage for $20 a day and in an outdoor valet lot for $18. A free shuttle service runs to and from Cape Liberty every 30 to 45 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. seven days a week. Reservations should be made on the website prior to arrival.

Hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

tours from lerwick cruise port

A number of points hotels are within easy reach of Cape Liberty. Look for your preferred brands by Newark Airport and in Jersey City (7 miles north of the cruise port) and Hoboken (9 miles north of the cruise port). If you plan on staying in the area longer, or want to explore New York City, then you might want to base yourself in Manhattan. (If you choose this precruise option, leave plenty of time to get to the cruise port because there is no direct transportation or shuttle from points in the city to Cape Liberty cruise port.)

Your choice of hotel and location will depend on how long you're staying in the area, what you'd like to see while you're in town and how many hotel points you have to spend.

Hilton hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

Chocolate chip cookies? Yes, please! The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City (from 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night) doesn't just deliver on the fresh-baked treats; it's also in a prime location to walk to nearby Newport Centre mall and hop on the PATH train at Newport.

Hampton Inn & Suites Newark Airport Elizabeth (from 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is about a five-minute drive from EWR and 20 minutes from Cape Liberty and is one of the few hotels that offers a shuttle to the cruise port. (The shuttle is free, but parking at the hotel is $20 per night.) The chain's free breakfast is a great way to start the day; it'll hold you over until you get on the ship and can enjoy a leisurely lunch before sailaway.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport (from 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night) also offers a free shuttle to Cape Liberty and is similarly located about 11 miles (a 20-minute ride) from Cape Liberty and within a 5- to 10-minute drive to EWR. Parking is $20 a night. Staying at an Embassy Suites comes with free breakfast and also a complimentary happy hour with drinks and snacks. Guests can make use of the on-site restaurant and indoor pool.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Hyatt hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson (from 15,000 points per night) offers stellar views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from its vantage point on a pier by the Exchange Place PATH station. It's one of the few hotels in the area with a pool, making it a fun choice for families.

For a stay in the bustling heart of the Jersey City Arts District near Exchange Place, the modern Hyatt House Jersey City (from 15,000 points per night) is a top option.

Marriott hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

If you're traveling with friends, the W Hoboken, which has live music in the lobby lounge and a popular sushi restaurant on-site, is a fun option. Nights start at 32,000 points, so you can use a Marriott 35k free night certificate on some dates of the year. Depending on your elite status tier with Marriott Bonvoy , you might be eligible for free breakfast at this hotel.

Nonpoints hotels

New York City is chock-full of really special hotels that don't participate in a traditional loyalty program.

For a special occasion splurge, go for the Four Seasons New York Downtown. In addition to the plush rooms, it has a fabulous spa, a 75-foot indoor heated lap pool with cozy cushioned loungers and even an outdoor relaxation terrace.

Trendsetters will want to head to the hip The Standard, High Line for a stay that's in the center of all the action in the bustling Meatpacking District. Plus, the location gives you easy access to the High Line elevated pedestrian walkway and the nearby Christopher Street PATH train.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

Restaurants near Cape Liberty cruise port

If you're staying in or near Newark, head to Ferry Street, which is known for its collection of authentic Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. Here, you can fill your bellies with large pitchers of sangria and copious portions of traditional dishes such as baked rice paella and seafood stew mariscada.

In Jersey City, the Newport area offers restaurants with views of New York City, as well as some reliable chains, including Cheesecake Factory in Newport Centre. In Hoboken, Washington Street, the city's main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants offering everything from tacos to sizzling steaks, with lots of bars, cafes and shops tucked in-between.

Related: Best dining credit cards

Things to do near Cape Liberty before or after your cruise

tours from lerwick cruise port

There's plenty to do in New Jersey near Cape Liberty if you want to tack on some time before or after your cruise. Here are some top options nearby.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

You'll get a view of the Statue of Liberty as soon as you arrive at Cape Liberty. But you can see her even closer, and go all the way up to the crown inside, by purchasing tickets for a Statue City Cruise through the National Parks Service. This ticket will also allow you to visit Ellis Island and the National Museum of Immigration. Although the Statue is often associated with New York, and there is a cruise departure point downtown, it's actually faster (and usually much less crowded) to visit from the New Jersey launch point in Jersey City at Liberty State Park, which is about 6 miles from Cape Liberty.

Liberty Science Center and Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is also a fun place to explore on its own. It features restaurants with water and New York City skyline views, bike and walking paths, sprawling playgrounds and a fabulous interactive science museum, Liberty Science Center, that could easily fill a whole day.

American Dream

About 15 miles north of Cape Liberty in East Rutherford is American Dream, the second-largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States. (The first is its older sister, Minnesota's Mall of America.) In addition to shopping and myriad places to eat, this never-dull destination contains the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, the DreamWorks Water Park, an ice skating rink, an aquarium and even an indoor ski slope .

New York City Museums

New York City is at your fingertips when you're visiting Cape Liberty. It's especially easy to reach attractions in Lower Manhattan and the West Side using the PATH transportation system. Walking distance from the Christopher Street PATH station, the Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St.) is a popular choice for its cutting-edge art exhibits as well as its Hudson River views. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 and is located near the World Trade Center PATH station (180 Greenwich St.).

For the best of 20th-century art, utilize the subway to head uptown to the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53rd St.) or Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave.). On the west side of Central Park is the American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park W), a top spot for kids with a large dinosaur exhibit and starry planetarium. The east side of the park is where to find the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Ave.), the largest museum in North America and home to some of the world's most impressive works of art.

Shopping near Cape Liberty cruise port

In addition to the large selection of shops at American Dream, you can find several easy-to-reach shopping centers near Cape Liberty if you need to stock up on last-minute cruise supplies. If you're staying in Jersey City or Hoboken, Newport Centre in Jersey City is easily reached by PATH train at the Newport stop. Here, you'll find an array of retail shops, such as Sephora and Macy's; a Target is located across the street. Washington Street in Hoboken has boutique shops, bookstores, bodegas and some large retailers, such as Lululemon and Athleta.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

  • Pre-Cruise FAQ
  • Onboard FAQ
  • Post-Cruise FAQ
  • Cruisetours FAQ
  • Special Offers Sign Up
  • Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Sails to All Regions of the Caribbean for the 
First Time Ever in Summer 2026

More than 90 voyages conveniently embark from ft. lauderdale and port canaveral aboard regal princess and caribbean princess.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 23, 2024) – Princess Cruises today announced its biggest summer Caribbean cruise season ever for 2026, with two ships—Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess—departing from Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades and Port Canaveral respectively.

Now available for booking, guests seeking the ultimate summer getaway can choose from over 90 voyages sailing to every region of the Caribbean from two of Florida's most convenient cruise ports.

“Princess continues to expand access to our world-class premium experience now operating from eight North America homeports. With ships now departing from both Central Florida and South Florida, it’s easier and more convenient than ever to set sail aboard the iconic Love Boat,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

Highlights of the summer 2026 Caribbean season include:

Port Canaveral – Cruising roundtrip from Port Canaveral, an easy drive from Orlando, Caribbean Princess offers sailings to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean on 7-day cruises that can easily be combined to see both regions on 14-day Caribbean Adventurer sailings, including:

  • 6-Day Eastern Caribbean with Turks & Caicos : Nassau, Amber Cover and Grand Turk – May 11, 2026
  • 7-Day Eastern Caribbean with Turks & Caicos : Nassau, Princess Cays, Amber Cover and Grand Turk – May 17, June 7, 28, July 19, August 9, 30, September 20, October 11, 2026
  • 7-day Western Caribbean with Mexico : Cozumel, Cosa May and Roatán (Mahogany Bay) – May 24, June 14, July 5, 26, August 16, September 6, 27, 2026
  • 7-day Eastern Caribbean with Puerto Rico : San Juan, Amber Cove and Grand Turk – May 31, June 21, July 12, August 2, 23, September 13, October 4, 2026

Ft. Lauderdale – Offering sailings that visit all regions of the Caribbean in the summer including, Eastern, Southern and Western, Regal Princess sails 7-day Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries, or an 8-day cruise Southern Caribbean. Guests who want a longer vacation to visit multiple regions can sail on a combination cruise for 14 days:

  • 8-day Southern Caribbean with ABC Islands :  Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – April 3, 2026. Guests can take advantage of extended port stays with More Ashore in Aruba and Curaçao, offering more time to explore the islands.
  • 7-day Eastern Caribbean with Bahamas : Princess Cays, Amber Cove, Grand Turk – April 11, May 9, June 6, July 4, August 1, 29, 2026
  • 7-day Western Caribbean with Mexico : Cozumel, Belize City, Roatán (Mahogany Bay) – April 18, May 2, 16, 30, June 13, 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, 2026
  • 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Thomas : Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas – April 25, May 23, June 20, July 18, August 15, 2026

Princess also sails two Southern Caribbean Islander cruises at the start and end of the season, including:

  • Caribbean Princess 13-day Southern Caribbean Islander : From Ft. Lauderdale to Port Canaveral: Princess Cays, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, San Juan, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Nassau – April 28, 2026
  • Regal Princess 14-day Southern Caribbean Islander : From Ft. Lauderdale to New York: Curaçao, Aruba, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, San Juan – September 5, 2026

Onboard Spending Money for Captain’s Circle Members

Captain’s Circle members will receive up to $200 in onboard spending money if they book by October 31, 2024. Summer 2026 guests will receive $50/per person for voyages 7-10 days, and $100/per person for guests booking combined, 14-day Caribbean Adventurer voyages.

The Princess Experience

Caribbean Princess and Regal Princess offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities.

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew appreciation and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

COMMENTS

  1. THE 5 BEST Lerwick Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    5. Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer. Bus Tours. 3 hours. Often overlooked by tourists, the west side of the Shetland Mainland (known as the Wastside locally) is a haven of unspoilt…. Free cancellation. from. $643. per group.

  2. 7 Best Things To Do In Lerwick Cruise Port (Shetland Islands) + Port Info

    3. Böd of Gremista. The Böd of Gremista is a historic 18th-century fishing booth located at the north end of Lerwick, right next to Lerwick Marina, around 1.8 miles (a 40-minute walk) from Victoria Pier. If your cruise ship docks at Mair's Pier or Holmsgarth Pier, you can reach it in a 5-10 minute walk.

  3. Lerwick cruise port

    Find out where your ship is going to dock in the Lerwick cruise port guide underneath. Cruise port guide Lerwick - Shetland: dock or tender ... Additionally you can also book tours, activities and guided walks here. Visit their office to book or call 01595693434. The Lerwich iCentre is located at the Market Cross in the centre of Lerwick ...

  4. West Mainland and Shetland Ponies Shore Excursion

    Private tour in LerwickLara T. Pricing Details. Base cost of tour. $ 637 USD. West Mainland and Shetland Ponies Shore Excursion. Tour #812515. 5(8) Pricing Details. Base cost of tour.

  5. Lerwick Shore Excursions & Cruise Excursions

    Lerwick Shore Excursions. is the busy Shetland Islands port of Lerwick, shore excursions offer cruise passengers opportunities to see the island's mosaic of coves, cliffs, farmland, and beaches, each with its own character and charm. Admire the tranquil beauty of Shetland, coined "The Crossroads of the Northern Seas," on Lerwick shore ...

  6. Lerwick (Shetland Islands) Shore Excursion Reviews

    Cruise Critic provides reviews and ratings to help you plan your next cruise excursion in Lerwick (Shetland Islands) Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all taxes and fees.

  7. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Shore Excursions

    Mousa is also famous for its abundance of breeding seabirds, including hundreds of graceful Artic Terns, Artic Skuas and their larger relatives the Great Skua. After your Mousa cruise, return to the coach for your return journey to Lerwick. Adult from: $149.00 USD. Child from: $99.00 USD.

  8. Tours from Lerwick and Shetland Islands

    Company Number: SC497357 | Place of Registration: Companies House Edinburgh Office | Address: 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9FF. Our Partners. Tours from Lerwick around Shetland islands, shore excursions cruise ship tours and package holidays.

  9. Lerwick, Scotland Shore Excursions

    Lerwick Shore Excursions. is the busy Shetland Islands port of Lerwick, shore excursions offer cruise passengers opportunities to see the island's mosaic of coves, cliffs, farmland, and beaches, each with its own character and charm. Admire the tranquil beauty of Shetland, coined "The Crossroads of the Northern Seas," on Lerwick shore ...

  10. Cruise

    Lerwick has long been a port-of-call for cruise ships which have arrived in record numbers in recent years. It is one of Scotland's top destinations, ideally located midway between Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Norway and the Scottish mainland and Europe. Cruise ships up to 230 metres in length berth alongside at either Mair's Pier or ...

  11. Lerwick Shetland Islands Scotland United Kingdom Cruise Port

    With nearly 50 ships in a single season, Lerwick is one of Scotland's top cruise ship destinations. Cruise ships up to 205 meters in length can berth alongside at the Port. Larger ships anchor in Bressay Sound, with passengers just five minutes by launch from a floating pontoon in a sheltered dock close to the town center.

  12. For Cruise Passengers

    For Cruise Passengers. Lerwick is Britain's most northerly cruise ship destination. Situated in the heart of the North Sea, it's the perfect gateway for Faroe, Iceland and Norway, as well as the Scottish mainland and Europe. A warm welcome awaits all our cruise ship visitors, whether you're staying a few days or just a few short hours.

  13. Excursions

    Description. The Shetlands are the most northerly of the British Isles and consist of over one hundred islands, of which a mere 16 are inhabited. Lerwick is the capital of the archipelago. Located on the eastern shore of Mainland, the largest Shetland Island, the town was largely developed by Dutch herring fisherman in the 17th century.

  14. Lerwick (Mainland Shetland, Scotland) cruise port schedule

    The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Lerwick, Mainland Shetland, Scotland. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates - just follow the corresponding ship-link. Lerwick cruise port schedule 2024-2025-2026, map, address, ship terminals ...

  15. 2024 Cruise List

    150m. Holmsgarth 5. GAC Shipping (UK) Ltd. Mon 18. 14:00. TBA. 143 visits from Cruise Ships. 18 visits from Sail Training vessels / Tall Ships. M - Maiden call to Lerwick.

  16. Lerwick (Shetland Islands) Cruise Reviews

    Read over 106 detailed Lerwick (Shetland Islands) cruise port reviews and find great tips to enjoy Lerwick (Shetland Islands) including shore excursions, local activities and must see attractions.

  17. Cruises to Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

    On Foot: Nearly all of Lerwick's main attractions are within a seven-minute walk from the port. In addition, shuttles are available to and from town if you're unable to walk. By Inter-island Flights: Operated by Direct Flight, the inter-island flight service makes it easy to hop over to Shetland's other remote islands. The airport is just six minutes from the center of town and can be reached ...

  18. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Cruises

    81 Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Port Reviews. Lerwick was enchanting. Simply a storybook kind of town. The history, the architecture, the scenery, all of it was pretty fantastic. We hired a local guy for the day and got an incredible tour of a great deal of the mainland. Castles, ruins, lighthouses, ponies, seals, tucked away beaches ...

  19. Cruising from Norway to Scotland

    This is the first of a three-part series on exploring the British Isles, travelling to six countries over 15 days, with Viking Cruises. Today, leaving Viking's home port in Bergen, Norway, for ...

  20. Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Shore Excursions

    Mousa Island Cruise Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland; 2 of 5 . Jarlshof & Scenic Mainland Drive Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland; 3 of 5 . ... Today, it stands side by side with the commerce of a busy fishing port, a silent sentinel. Your tour route then heads towards the fertile Tingwall Valley. The road passes a collection of farm ...

  21. Norwegian Cruise Line Rolling Out New App Across the Fleet

    Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced a new mobile app. The phased rollout begins with select ships from August 30 through December 2024.

  22. Ketchikan Port Calls Continue as Planned After Tragic Landslide

    Cruise ship calls to the Port of Ketchikan, Alaska, are continuing as planned following the tragic landslide that hit a section of the town on August 25, 2024, killing a local resident and ...

  23. Royal Caribbean Adding Brand New Port to Multiple Sailings

    Two Royal Caribbean ships are adding a brand new, first-ever port of call to select itineraries, giving guests even more to explore.

  24. Cruises to Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

    Find and plan your next cruise to Lerwick (Shetland Islands) with cabin price comparison, variety of departure ports and dates to choose from. Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices ...

  25. Cruises from Portsmouth to Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

    We offer a wide selection of departure dates for cruises from Portsmouth to Lerwick (Shetland Islands) with popular cruise lines. Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all ...

  26. Oceania Cruises will sail from Port Tampa Bay beginning in 2026

    A new luxury cruise line is coming to Tampa Bay. Oceania Cruises will set sail for the Caribbean and Panama Canal starting in February 2026. The 670-guest Insignia ship will offer guests five ...

  27. Cape Liberty cruise port: A guide to cruising from New Jersey

    A number of points hotels are within easy reach of Cape Liberty. Look for your preferred brands by Newark Airport and in Jersey City (7 miles north of the cruise port) and Hoboken (9 miles north of the cruise port). If you plan on staying in the area longer, or want to explore New York City, then you might want to base yourself in Manhattan.

  28. Princess Cruises Sails to All Regions of the Caribbean for the First

    FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 23, 2024) - Princess Cruises today announced its biggest summer Caribbean cruise season ever for 2026, with two ships—Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess—departing from Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades and Port Canaveral respectively. Now available for booking, guests seeking the ultimate summer getaway can choose from over 90 voyages sailing to every region ...

  29. June 2026 Cruises from Edinburgh

    Looking for June 2026 cruises from Edinburgh? Find and plan a June 2026 cruise from Edinburgh on Cruise Critic. Browse our wide selection of destinations and popular cruise lines.

  30. Carnival Adjusts Port Times for Four Cruises on Same Ship

    For that special 4-night Bahamas cruise, Celebration Key will be the ship's only port of call, but it will certainly be something to celebrate as travelers are among the first to enjoy the new ...