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Lerwick, Shetland Isles

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

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

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.

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

Scotland Government – Devolved parliamentary legislature within constitutional monarchy

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Lerwick on course in rebuilding cruise traffic

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - 10:28 by lerwick

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

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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Largest cruise ship of the season arrives at Lerwick port

Lerwick Harbour’s largest cruise ship of the season, the 102,587 tonne Costa Fortuna , has arrived in Shetland.

Costa Cruises’ 272-metre-long vessel, with accommodation spanning 13 passenger decks, is carrying 1,443 guests of 29 different nationalities, predominantly German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.

Costa Fortuna arrived from Ijmuiden, Netherlands, on a 15-day Northern Europe round-trip.

The ship anchored in the deep-water harbour, with passengers taken to Lerwick town centre by tenders.

A full day of shore excursions are planned.

Lerwick Port Authority’s cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said: “ Costa Fortuna is another demonstration of the harbour’s capacity to handle a wide range of vessel sizes – 38 so far this season, including eight maiden calls.

“A record of over 100 ship arrivals is scheduled with the final visit in October, highlighting that the recovery in activity post-Covid is well underway, making an important contribution to the Shetland economy.”

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• Lerwick Port Authority
• Melanie Henderson

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About Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor began working as a reporter in 1995, and has been at The Shetland Times since 2007, where he is now deputy editor. He has lived in Shetland since 2002, where he harbours an unhealthy interest in old cars and motorbikes.

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San Francisco (California)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region West Coast USA and Canada

Local Time 2024-09-05 19:23

Port San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

San Francisco cruise port handles over 70 cruise ships with around 200,000 passengers annually. The city has population over 870,000 (metro around 4,7 million) and is known as ”Everybody’s Favorite City” because of its diverse communities and cultural attractions.

Port San Francisco CA

Port San Francisco is managed by San Francisco Harbor Commission (appointed by the city's Mayor). The seaport itself manages the waterfront area (length approx 8 ml / 13 km) from Golden Gate Bridge anchorage, along Marina district, all the way around the city's northern and eastern shores (includes Fisherman's Wharf and Embarcadero) and southward beyond Candlestick Point.

Port of San Francisco (port authority company) is a state-owned revenue-generating agency. It manages the seaport's wide range of commercial and maritime facilities, plus approx 7,5 ml (12 km) long waterfront. The port is located on San Francisco Bay's western edge, near the Golden Gate Bridge. It is ranked as one of the world's 3 largest natural harbors.

The port area, besides the waterfront lands, also includes commercial real estate and docking piers - between Hyde Str (north) and India Basin (southeast). Among the landmarks under the Port Authority control is Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ferry Building, AT&T Park (next to China Basin), Pier 70 (Potrero Point). Huge piers jut out into the bay along much of the city's waterfront, which is bordered by the roadway Embarcadero (port's eastern waterfront).

• Port's cargo ship handling facilities were built in the city's southeastern corner - at Piers 80, 92, 94, 96. The seaport also provides full ship repair services at its drydock yard (managed by BAE Systems Ship Repair) at Pier 70.
• Fisherman's Wharf serves as a base for the city's commercial fishing fleet. This is also one of the Pacific Coast USA's best-known and well-developed tourist attractions. Here are located Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, The Cannery (shopping center), Ghirardelli Square, Ripley's Believe It or Not (odditorium), Musee Mecanique (world's largest privately-owned museum), Wax Museum, Forbes Island (floating restaurant). Numerous restaurants and street stands serve fresh-caught seafood. Among the most popular dishes are Dungeness crab and clam chowder (both served in a bread bowl).
• Pier 39 is a major shopping center and among the city's best-known tourist attractions. The list of facilities and activities includes restaurants, shops, a 2-story carousel, video arcade, aquarium, virtual 3D rides, yacht marina, live street performances. At the marina is also the floating restaurant "Forbes Island".
• Pier 70 is a former (19th-century) industrial area with iron and steel mills, shipbuilding yards and manufacturing facilities (Union Iron Works, Bethlehem Shipbuilding, US Navy). Currently, Pier 70 is used by BAE Systems Ship Repair (a subsidiary of the British corporation BAE Systems Inc) and by Sims Group (Sims Metal Management company/metals and electronics recycling). In 2015, San Francisco Port Commission extended the seaport's lease agreement with BAE Systems (ship repair yard plus 2 floating drydocks) through 2045. The agreement sustains San Francisco's 150-year tradition of shipbuilding and ship repair services. BAE's shipyard employs around 250 skilled workers on a year-round basis, plus additional (up to 1000) local workers during peak periods. Both floating drydocks and the port's location make them ideal for cruise vessels. Here are also refurbished and repaired US Navy and cargo ships.
• AT&T Park (fka SBC Park, and Pacific Bell Park) is a large stadium used for Major League Baseball. The park is rented from the seaport by San Francisco Giants (professional baseball team) since the year 2000.

San Francisco Ferry Building used to serve steamship ferries to  Los Angeles CA , Portland OR , Seattle WA , Alaska and Canada's British Columbia. In 2003, this historic building was restored and reopened. Today it houses a premium gourmet marketplace (lower floors) and office spaces (on upper floors). The building also serves San Francisco Bay Ferry (also operating from Pier 39) to ports in Oakland, Alameda, Bay Farm Island, Vallejo . The other ferry operator using this terminal is Golden Gate Ferry (between San Francisco and Marin County CA / San Francisco Bay Area).

On January 10, 2019, was inaugurated the ferry service from Richmond CA to downtown San Francisco. Ferryboats depart from Richmond's new (USD 20 million) ferry terminal adjacent to The Craneway Pavilion. The new terminal also offers free parking (362 lots). The crossing ends at San Francisco Ferry Building, with crossing time 35 min. San Francisco Bay Ferry Service operates the new route with 4 crossings from Richmond (morning commute hours) and 4 return crossings from San Francisco (evening commute hours). Ferry tickets price is $9. Discounts are offered to Clipper Card users ($6,75) and to disabled/seniors/kids ($4,50).

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the Port's cruise shipping operations were paused for 19 months (March 2020 thru October 2021).

San Francisco cruise port

San Francisco is a turnaround (home) port for major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, NCL-Norwegian. The port is often visited as part of repositioning itineraries (transits through Panama Canal ) between Florida and Alaska. In recent years, also offered are roundtrips from San Francisco to Alaska and Hawaii.

The port's largest cruise liner so far is NCL 's Alaskan ship  Norwegian Bliss  (LOA length 326 m / 1070 ft, max capacity 4900 passengers plus 1730 crew). The maiden call was scheduled for October 3, 2018. San Francisco was the only call port on the 4-day Alaska repositioning cruise (itinerary Oct 1-5) from Vancouver BC to Los Angeles CA . NCL Bliss arrived at 9 am and left port at 7 pm.

In 2017, the port handled a total of 286,352 cruise passengers. For 2018 were scheduled a total of 82 ship calls and estimated ~300,000 passengers.

Port San Francisco provides shore-to-ship power capabilities. The technology (by Nidec Corporation, Japan) enables docked vessels to receive electricity from the city's power grid. From the berth, vessels can plugin directly to the grid which allows full onboard operations without using the diesel engines (being shut down right after docking). The Japanese company has installed such shore-power systems in ports Los Angeles CA ,  Juneau AK , Goteborg ,  Travemunde , Livorno , Genoa .

San Francisco cruise terminal

San Francisco cruise port terminal is located at the western end of San Francisco Bay in the midway between the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay Bridge. It is along San Francisco City's waterfront (Embarcadero) at Pier 35.

Most of the city's highlights are within walking distance from the terminal. Easily reachable are popular restaurants, hotels, theaters, museums. The cruise port is also at 1/2 hours drive distance from San Francisco International Airport.

San Francisco Pier 27 cruise terminal

The terminal has a new shore power technology which allows equipped cruise liners (like Princess’ or Carnival's vessels) to use the city's grid power system instead of their diesel engines to supply onboard services while berthed/docked. This innovation reduces the ships’ emissions at the cruise terminal.

The biggest ship ever docked at Pier 35 is RMS Queen Mary 2 . The new San Francisco cruise terminal (officially "James R. Herman Cruise Terminal") was inaugurated in August 2014. It was built at Pier 27 (at the corner of The Embarcadero and Lombard Street) and replaced the old Pier 35 terminal facility.

The new Pier 27 cruise terminal is operational since August 2014. It features a new modern building, electric shore-to-ship power, large holding areas, customs screening. Currently, the cruise port handles up to 80 ship calls and around 200,000 passengers. In 2013, the  Princess Cruises  ship  Grand Princess became the first-ever liner home-ported in San Francisco for year-round turnaround operations. The round-trip itineraries (operated between March 2013 and April 2014) visited ports in California, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico Riviera.

San Francisco tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

The Golden Gate Bridge: the world’s most famous bridge and top photograph attraction on the Earth. It has 1.7 moles span and 120,000 automobiles get across it each day. On the western side are allowed bikes, you can also cross it on food at the pedestrian walkway.

Cable cars: date from the end of the 19th century. They are driven by an underground cable and run on defined tracks. The ticket costs $5. you can purchase it at the turnaround of the car.

Alcatraz: well-known prison, no one could escape it. Alcatraz is closed since the 1960′s. It is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, on Alcatraz Island. You can take a ferry from Pier 43.

Fisherman’s Wharf: interesting marketplace, at Pier 39.

Union Square: shopping center. You can find top designer boutiques like Geary, Post, Stockton, Sutter, Powell, and Grant.

North Beach: don’t mistake it with a beach! It is a romantic European-style neighborhood. It is located along Grant avenues and Columbus, near Washington Square. Landmark is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Chinatown: enter through the “Dragon’s Gate” at Grant Avenue and Bush Street and find exotic shops, temples, museums, food markets, herb shops, and restaurants.

Dining in San Francisco: try Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Malaysian, French, Moroccan, Mexican or a tasteful combination of all those.

Nightlife in San Francisco: visit the “hottest” night clubs and enjoy different music styles.

Museums: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, the de Young Museum, the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences

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Busiest Cruise Season Yet Opens at Lerwick

Meet and Greet team returns with Shetland welcome

The first of almost 150 cruise ships expected to visit Lerwick this season arrived in the Shetland port today (Thursday 13 April 2023), with passengers being greeted on the quayside by an all new meet-and-greet team.

The 229 metre, 47,842 gross tonne Viking Venus, with capacity for around 930 passengers, berthed at Mair’s Pier for a full day visit.

Melanie Henderson, Lerwick Port Authority Cruise & Marketing Manager, said: “Having a meet-and-greet team back on duty to welcome passengers, and the sheer number of bookings, show how far we have come since the Covid pandemic. The team has a huge input on passenger satisfaction and encouraging repeat business from cruise lines.

“It means that the islands’ tourism network can look forward to its busiest cruise season yet, coinciding with another visit by the fleet of The Tall Ships Races, making for a great season. With strong bookings right through to 2026, the sector will continue to make a significant contribution to Shetland’s economy.”

Viking Venus is on a 14-day voyage from London Tilbury to Bergen, Norway, the next port of call and will return on Monday 17 April for the reverse voyage and several more times this year. Viking Ocean Cruises’ is the port’s foremost cruise customer this season, with a total of 19 bookings, including visits from Viking Jupiter , Viking Mars and a maiden call of Viking Neptune on 21 May.

A record 147 cruise ships are scheduled, with 21 maiden calls and repeat visits a feature, and there are lots of interesting ships to look forward to. It will mean the number of anticipated passengers expected is over 100,000, and the volume of shipping at around 6.2 million gross tonnes, reaching new highs.

Six cruise ships will call during the visit by 38 sailing vessels in the Tall Ships Races (26-29 July), with three ships on one of the days, adding to the spectacle and atmosphere for visitors.

The Port Authority cruise visit list can be viewed at https://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/sectors/cruise/2023

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