cruise liner list invergordon

Welcome to Invergordon Gateway to the Highlands

Your gateway to a highland adventure.

At the Port of Cromarty Firth, we welcome cruise liners and passengers, inviting you to embark on a journey through the Highlands of Scotland from our home in Invergordon. Nestled within the rich tapestry of tradition and history, our port is your gateway to this magnificent region.

Discover the Port of Cromarty Firth

Our port is a maritime gem, offering safe and sheltered deep berths and anchorages that are perfectly suited to even the largest cruise ships.

Since 1978, we’ve been welcoming cruise ships, making us not just a port but a unique Highland experience.

Immerse Yourself in Highland Culture

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Highland culture and hospitality. Our port provides authentic shore excursion experiences, allowing you to delve deep into the heart of the Highlands and experience its wonders.

We have published our Gateway Magazine so you can learn more about local organisations that we work alongside to ensure you maximise your time onshore and enjoy cultural experiences that expose you to the true majesty of the highlands.

We are a Trust Port

A Trust Port is governed by stakeholders rather than shareholders and controlled by an independent Board. We reinvest 100% of our surplus income into the Cromarty Firth, the local community and the Port’s sustainable development.

The Cromarty Firth is a valuable national asset and our role as a Trust Port is to safeguard and nurture this asset in a sustainable way so that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the Firth. When you come to Invergordon you’re contributing to the local community, you’re helping us protect the Port and bring great value to the Highlands. Thank you.

Invergordon and the Highlands will see the benefits of an increase of 27% in cruise calls and passenger figures next year.

Cruise ships 2024 timetable.

Last updated 26/07/2024

We protect the Cromarty Firth

The Cromarty Firth is a very special environment consisting of Sites of Special Scientific interests, a Special Protected Area, a Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar sites for the protection of birds. The wildlife is abundant and the nature is spectacular.

Every year, over 30,000 birds spend winter with us in the Firth, feeding on the 21 species of algae and eelgrass. We are home to 300 harbour seals and have a group of 195 bottlenose dolphins, one of only two resident populations in the UK.

We welcome 10,000 Scottish salmon every year, travelling through the Cromarty Firth to their home river systems in the wider Highlands. Not long after, 200,000 of their smolts travel back down the Firth, through the Sutors and out to the North Sea.

We work tirelessly with local organisations to maintain clean water and a healthy environment – together with our shore excursion partners we care deeply for the Highlands, and we’re proud to welcome you to this diverse and spectacular area. Please tread gently and leave only footprints to ensure the environment remains special for generations to come.

Cruise The Highlands Contact Details

Cromarty Firth Port Authority, Port Office, Shore Road, Invergordon, IV18 0HD

Call +44 (0) 1349 852308  |  Email: [email protected]

Cruise Manager – Allison McGuire

For information concerning your cruise, please contact your cruise operator. For information regarding your shore excursion, please contact your shore excursion team or ground handling agent.

Useful Links

Useful links, with information to help you make the most of your time in the Highlands:

Invergordon Tourism Alliance www.visitinvergordon.com

VisitScotland www.visitscotland.com

Cruise Scotland www.cruisescotland.com

National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk

Port of Cromarty Firth Port Office, Shore Road Invergordon, IV18 0HD

Tel: 01349 852308 Email: [email protected]

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Invergordon Cruise Port Guide | 5 Best Things To Do in Invergordon

Welcome to Invergordon cruise port guide! (Post updated: March 2024)

Filled with hundreds of exciting stories and spectacular landscapes, the Scottish Highlands are lands of legends, heroic battles, heroes, villains, monsters, and majestic castles. Invergordon is a small port town located at Cromarty Firth (a North Sea inlet that is part of Moray Firth), and the main getaway to the Inverness , the capital of this beautiful historic region of Scotland. In this article, read about:

• Invergordon cruise port (Invergordon cruise terminal, getting around the port, local transportation)
• 5 best things to do in Invergordon Scotland  (Inverness, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, Cawdor Castle + How to get there)

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Cork (Cobh) , Belfast , Holyhead , Dover , Dublin , Amsterdam ,  Le Havre

Invergordon Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Cromarty Firth . Invergordon cruise terminal consists of two piers, the Admiralty Pier (Max LOA 350 m) and the Saltburn Pier (Max LOA 300 m), both of them located within a short walking distance from Invergordon downtown. There are also additional berths within the port facility but these are small and mainly serve the energy industry. Anchorage is available when all berths are occupied.

In 2018 started construction works on a new cruise terminal with a capacity to accommodate the world’s largest passenger cruise liners (RCL Oasis Class, LOA 362 m) by expanding the existing berths. Find updated information on the port authority’s official webpage https://www.pocf.co.uk/

Close to the piers, you will find a tourist information center and friendly locals selling authentic souvenirs and crafts. Right at the quayside talented bagpipers welcome and entertain visitors with traditional tunes throughout the day.

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• The city center of Invergordon is located approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) or a 5-minute walk from Invergordon cruise terminal and can be easily explored on foot.
• Invergordon railway station is located 10 minutes walk from the cruise terminal and offers daily transportation to the region’s capital Inverness, situated 25 miles (40 km) south of Invergordon. The train ride lasts 50 minutes. See the timetables on the official webpage https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
• To get to Inverness, you can also take the public bus 25X that departs from Camerons Garden Center, located on Invergordon High Street, less than a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 50 minutes. See the timetables on the official public bus operator’s website https://www.stagecoachbus.com/
• Taxis are also available on the pier, however, during a ship call these services might be limited.
• The official currency in Scotland is the British Pound (£). Local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
• Inverness Airport is the nearest airport to Invergordon port. It is located 30 miles/50 km (a 40-minute drive) to the southeast.
• Book a private transfer to/from Invergordon cruise port
• Explore Invergordon tours and activities
• Find accommodation in Invergordon port

5 Best Things to Do in Invergordon Cruise Port

1. inverness.

Enjoy scenic panoramic views as you travel along the Cromarty Firth waterway and green hills to the capital of the Highlands! These are some of the must-see Inverness attractions:

• Inverness Old Town – Filled with historic landmarks and a variety of shops selling clothing, arts and crafts, souvenirs… Old Town boasts numerous eateries where you can sit and savor Scottish delicacies such as Scotch pie and haggis and enjoy a pint of beer at one of the local pubs.
• Inverness Cathedral – Dedicated to St Andrew, this magnificent red-brick cathedral lies on the bank of River Ness and dates from the 19th century. It boasts numerous valuable treasures including the gold icons gifted by Czar Alexander II to the Bishop of Moray.
• The Victorian Market – Dating back to 1890, this picturesque indoor market is today filled with charming shops, bars and eateries.
• High Street – One of the main streets in Inverness, packed with shops, bars, restaurants, street performers, and Highland pipers. At the end of High Street is the Ness Bridge from where you can enjoy a beautiful city panorama.
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery – Located at the end of the High Street, this contemporary museum displays rich collections of Scottish history, geology, art, and archeology.
• Inverness Castle – Built on the site of an 11th-century defensive structure, the castle was rebuilt into the 18th-century citadel known as Fort George and got its present look a century later after another reconstruction. The castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, and its grounds and the north tower are open to the public. William Shakespeare used the castle as the setting for Duncan’s murder in Macbeth.
• Craig Phadrig Fort – This hillfort is located in the suburbs of Inverness and lies 172 meters (564 ft) above sea level. You can take a walk through the forested hill to the vitrified fort on the hill’s summit and enjoy fantastic views of the Beauly Firth.
• Free Church of Scotland
• The Junction Church
• Inverness Hop on Hop off bus tours are also available and they include stops at the major city highlights, including Inverness Castle, Botanic Gardens, Inverness Cathedral, and others. Check Inverness open sightseeing bus tours on Get Your Guide and  Viator

How to Get from the Port of Invergordon to Inverness?

• Inverness is located 25 miles south of Invergordon cruise port, and the ride takes around 30 minutes. The easiest way to here is by taxi .
• Cruise lines also offer guided tours of Inverness with stops at the main attractions or convenient bus transfers that include a knowledgeable escort that will provide city maps and useful tips for your “On Your Own” exploration. Escorts will set a specific meeting time and location for your return trip to the Invergordon cruise port. Alternatively, you can go for a cheaper option and book a tour with an independent tour operator .
• There are trains available from Invergordon to Inverness and the journey takes 55 minutes.
• Bus 25X from Invergordon Station will get you to Inverness in 50 minutes (subject to traffic).

Check out Inverness tours and activities

2. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

Dating from the early 16th century, Urquhart Castle was once a medieval Scottish stronghold on the shores of Loch Ness, in the village of Drumnadrochit. The castle was robbed by the MacDonald clan of the Western Isles and then destroyed during the first Jacobite Rising in 1692.

Tourists can explore the castle ruins and visitor center where they can see the exhibitions, enjoy a film presentation, and learn more about the legendary monster “Nessie” whose cave is said to be under the castle.

How to Get to the Urquhart Castle from Invergordon Cruise Port?

• The Urquhart Castle is located 37 miles (60 km) south of the Invergordon cruise terminal and 18 miles (29 km) south of Inverness. The best option for cruise ship passengers to visit the castle is on an organized shore excursion due to the distance.
• There are also many ways to get to Loch Ness by public transport , such as taking a train to Inverness and then switching to bus #917 or bus #919 departing from Inverness bus station. You need to get off at the Urquhart Castle bus stop (castle car park). The bus ride takes 35 minutes, however, the buses do not run as often as thought so make sure you check the timetables when planning your trip.
• You can also get there by taxi in around 50 minutes. The drive from Inverness takes 25 minutes.

Check out Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness tours and activities

3. Dunrobin Castle

Boasting 189 rooms, this fairytale castle is the largest in the Northern Highlands and is the most northern of Scotland’s great houses. Situated on a scenic hill overlooking the North Sea, the castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century, one of the most powerful families in Britain.

The castle served as a naval hospital during World War I and as a boarding school from 1965 to 1972. Today visitors can explore the castle’s opulent staterooms, the museum, the Victorian gardens, and the famous falconry displays.

How to Get to Dunrobin Castle from Invergordon Cruise Ship Port?

• Dunrobin Castle is located 30 miles (48 km) north of the port of Invergordon, and the ride takes around 40 minutes. Due to the distance, it’s advisable to either book a shore excursion or a round-trip private transfer so you don’t worry about getting back to the ship on time.
• You can also take a direct train from Invergordon to Dunrobin Castle. The ride takes 1h 20 minutes. However, the trains don’t operate frequently so make sure you check timetables before planning your journey.
• It is also possible to go there by bus (bus #25 and then switch to #X99), however, the ride can take more than 2 hours one way and the buses don’t run frequently.
• The taxi ride takes 40 minutes (subject to traffic conditions).

Explore Dunrobin Castle tours and activities

4. Cawdor Castle

Set amidst beautiful gardens in the historic county of Nairnshire, Cawdor Castle has been inhabited by the Cawdor family for over 600 years and is one of the most visited castles in Scotland. The castle dates back to the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. With its 15th-century tower house, iron gate, moat, drawbridge, and turrets, you’ll be transported back to medieval times.

Stroll through the castle and admire the beautiful architecture and exquisite decoration, including rare tapestries and valuable artwork. Make sure you visit three gorgeous castle gardens offering a symphony of colors with flowers and more than 131 registered species.

How to Get to Cawdor Castle from Invergordon Cruise Port?

• Cawdor Castle is located around 36 miles (58 km) southeast of Invergordon, and only 16 miles (26 km) east of Inverness. The ride from the cruise terminal to the castle takes approximately 45 minutes one way.
• The best way to get there is on an organized shore excursion where transport and entrance fees are included.
• Another way to get to Cawdor Castle is by taxi . Alternatively, you can book a round-trip private transfer to ensure you get back to the ship on time.
• Public transportation is also available however the journey can take up to 3 hours one way, which includes train and bus transfer in Inverness.

Check out Cawdor Castle tours and activities

5. Invergordon

If you decide to stay near the port or you have some free time, you can walk around the small town of Invergordon, whose city center is located within a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

You can walk around streets filled with shops and visit the Invergordon Museum , a small town museum that provides the history of the town as a naval port and serving the offshore oil industry. The museum is easily identified by the colorful and interesting murals painted on the sides of the building.

The town also has a beautiful church ( Invergordon Parish Church ) that serves as the seafarer’s center during the cruise ship season. You can get free wi-fi and tea inside the church free of charge, however, donations are welcome.

Visit also our cruise port guide to Greenock (Glasgow) , Cork (Cobh) , Belfast , Holyhead , Dover , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness) , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Le Havre

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4 thoughts on “Invergordon Cruise Port Guide | 5 Best Things To Do in Invergordon”

Your guide is very detailed and I found it to be very helpful! We will see you in September.

Thanks a lot, Kathy! Cheers!

Great guide to Invergordon port. I work there with cruise ships as a guide and ground handler. 2023 looks set to be our busiest year yet. It looks like there will be some changes to the piers used next year with perhaps more use of Saltburn pier. Unfortunately for most of this year the pipe band has been unable to come into the port due to each piper needing to attend a health and safety briefing – let’s hope they get back in for 2023 as it is a great send off. Also cruising out of the Cromarty Firth between the sandstone peaks – the Sutors – back into the North Sea is a good spot to see some Bottlenose dolphins.

Hi, Melanie! Wow, thanks for this super useful info and the updates! I wish you a great 2023 season! 🙂

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Highlands cruise schedule: More than 230,000 visitors expected to arrive this year

All the details of the cruise ships arriving in the north; from arrival and departure times to guest capacity.

The Highlands has become a top destination for travellers on cruises with more than 230,000 visitors expected through Invergordon this year.

Operated by Port of Cromarty Firth, the cruise terminal at Invergordon will see more than 110 cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers.

Among the vessels arriving into Invergordon is the newly-christened MS Queen Anne, operated by the Cunard Line, which will be making its first journey around the UK.

While the number of ships arriving into Invergordon will be lower than in 2023, the port authority says the vessels are much bigger with many more passengers.

The port is expecting the 2024 cruise season to smash the previous annual passenger numbers with more than 230,000 descending on the Highlands from April to October.

Typically, passengers disembarking from ships get shuttled into Inverness to enjoy all that the Highland capital has to offer giving a major boost to local businesses.

Cruise companies due to dock at Invergordon include Viking, Marella, MSC and Aida, with five cruise ships making their inaugural call including the Queen Anne.

Here is a list of all the cruise ships scheduled to call at Invergordon in the next seven months.

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Invergordon – Scotland

Your port of call Invergordon is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Invergordon is not the highlight of Scotland, however it is a great location to kick off any day trip to see the Scottish highlands and Loch Ness. Therefore, going a bit further afield is highly recommended to make the most out of your day.

Cruise port Invergordon

Cruise ships dock in the port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon. A port that goes through great effort to facilitates the need of the cruise passengers. They provide a great information booth at the cruise pier where you can pick up detailed information about transportation and activity options while in port. Facilities like toilets are clearly marked. There are independent tour options provided shore side and public transportation to several places. The port of Cromarty Firth often even provides a bagpipe performance to the cruise ship close to all aboard time which gives it a nice touch.

Cruise dock Invergordon

Cruise ships always dock in the port at either Berth 2, 3 & 4 or at Admiralty pier. Both docks are located in from af the city center of Invergordon. The high street is only a couple of blocks walk from the dock.

Tourist information at Invergordon cruise dock

There is a tourist information booth available on the dock. In the first few hours after the arrival of your ship there will be a couple of very helpful staff member helping you on your way. If you have any questions about your day ashore and how to go about things, make sure that make a stop here to get the full information. At the information booth you can also pick up a brochure and any maps you might need.

Taxis at Invergordon cruise pier

Taxis are available at the cruise pier. They are represented by Scotland Taxi Tours that has an information booth at the exit of the pier. They have several set tours that you can opt for. Their information signs are out in front of the booth. Make sure to agree on a price before you step in. Taxis are usually mini vans. They usually charge by the hour.

Taxi prices at cruise port Invergordon

Expect the follow taxi rates at the cruise pier of Invergordon: 4 seat taxi: 50 pound per hour 6 seat taxi: 60 pound per hour 8 seat taxi: 70 pound per hour

A minimum of 4 hours is required for a taxi tour. However, if you are a party of 4, then consider taking a taxi tour. Comparing a 4 hour private taxi tour for 200 pound to 4 tickets through your on board shore excursions might work out for you.

Public transportation in Invergordon

The public busses that run through Invergordon all make a stop on the Highstreet. Bus stops are clearly marked and often a electronic information sign will tell you when the next busses are coming. You can hop on the bus the Inverness from here. If you are simply looking for a way to get from the cruise dock to Inverness you can simply also buy a ticket for 15 pounds per s eat at the tour booth that will you pass on your way out of the port. These busses depart regularly.

Car rental Invergordon

Another option to see the Scottish highlands from Invergordon is to rent a car and drive yourself. Please know, as this is the UK, cars drive on the left side of the road. Close to Invergordon’s cruise dock there is a car rental. You will find it at Ken’s Garage. Cars are limited so you might want to consider to book ahead of time.

Wi-fi in Invergordon

For those cruise passengers that need to catch up on their wi-fi… please know that free wi-fi can be found in the High Street in Invergordon.

Things to do in Invergordon:

Invergordon is a small town and has a couple of things to see and do to offer for cruise passengers: – Church of Scotland – Mural trail (hosting 11 beautiful Murals) – Invergordon heritage and naval museum & Craft Fair – Rosskeen cemetry (Commonwealth War Graves) 2,5 km walk.

Things to do outside of Invergordon:

To make the most out of your day in port we highly recommend you to go further afield. Book a shore excursion, get a taxi or get yourself on a bus. This port is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, so to make the most of it you want to make sure you don’t stay in Invergordon. – Touring the South: where you will find Lochness, Inverness and James Pringle Woolen Mill – Touring the East: where you will find Cawdor castle, Culloden Battlefield, Newtonmore Highland Folk museum and the Black Isle. – Toursing the North: you will find Dunrobin Castle, Glenmorangie distillery, Shin falls and Millionaires view – Inverness: the closest city to Invergordon which could mean a great day of shopping and culture. – Golf: You will find several golfclubs close of in Invergordon: Invergordon golf club, Royaldornoch Championship golf club and Castle Stuart golf links, Golspie golf club, Tain golf club, Brora golf club, Fortrose & Rosemarie golfclub.

Currency in Invergordon

The local currency used in Invergordon and Scotland is the Sterling Pound. You can find a couple of ATM’s in town to get local cash from. However, please know that debit and creditcard are accepted at most places. Some shops might even take euros or US dollar at a not so convenient exchange rate. The post office on High Street is also able to exchange some small amounts of currency.

Sailing in and out of Invergordon

Make sure to not miss the sail in and out of Invergordon. This way you can catch a beautiful glimpse of the Scottish hills, local town, oil industry and some wildlife. Bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise can sometimes be spotted between the port and the sea. You might alway want to watch out for Eurasian otters and harbour seals.

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Cruise Liners

Port Office, Shore Rd, Invergordon IV18 0HD

Invergordon is a town with a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars and is now a centre for oil-rig refurbishment and maintenance. It is also a major port of call for cruise liners with 2012 seeing over 60 visits bringing some 77,000 passengers to the area.

The cruise liners are greeted by a piper and a pipe band plays as the ship leaves. If the liner requests it, a Scottish folklore show can be put on for the passengers (on-board the ship) about an hour before it is due to leave.

The popularity of the port continues with some fifty cruise liners calling into the sheltered deep water Port of Invergordon on the beautiful Cromarty Firth from May to September each year.

Invergordon is often referred to as 'the best natural harbour in Europe', this means that deep sea ships can come and leave the harbour no matter the state of the tide.

To check cruise liner details Tel: 01349 852308 or go to http://www.cfpa.co.uk/port-activities/cruise/

Invergordon welcomes the cruise liners with pipe bands and traditional dancing.

Excursions from the Cruise Liners take the passengers to Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, Whisky Distilleries and golf courses in the area.

Invergordon Murals. The "Invergordon Off The Wall" group was set up in January 2002 to address the social and economic deprivation of our town through the medium of the arts, to promote the rich and diverse history of the town,Cruise-Liners7.jpg illustrating the events, people and industries that shaped this 'Noble Harbour'.

Their objective was to create a professionally executed outdoor art gallery, accessible to tourists and locals alike, involving the whole community. They set out to emulate the success of the Canadian town of Chemainus which, like Invergordon, had lost its major employer and came up with the innovative idea of creating skillfully executed murals.

Invergordon has been very successful in achieving its objectives, today you can see 11 murals, each very professionally put together. We highly recommend taking the time when you vist the town, to take time to look at each mural. To learn all about each Invergordon mural, we recommend you go to their web site to read about the detail of how and why each was chosen.

The Invergordon Naval Mutiny. Invergordon is well known for the Naval Mutiny from 15th to 16th September 1931, soldier-murial.jpgwhen the British Atlantic Fleet took industrial action. For two days, ships of the Royal Navy at Invergordon were in open mutiny, in one of the few military strikes in British history.

The cause of the strike was that In September 1931, (at the time of the Great Depression), the new National Government made up of both the Labour and Conservatives Parties launched massive cuts to public spending, including the armed forces. A 10% cut would cause great hardship to the already poorly-paid ratings. Ratings below Petty Officer who had joined before 1925 would have their pay cut by 25%.

Sailors of the Atlantic Fleet, arriving at Invergordon, learned about the cuts from newspaper reports; athletes-murial.jpgsome reports implied that a 25% cut would be imposed on all ratings. A group of sailors met at a football field in Invergordon. They voted to organise a strike.

The sailors returned to their ships; many gathered on deck to protest. Rear Admiral Tomkinson (in temporary command of the fleet whilst Admiral Sir Michael Hodges was in hospital) informed the Admiralty of the protests, stating that the cause seemed to be the disproportionate pay cut of 25% for some ratings. The protesters prevented their ships from sailing to take part in practice maneuvers, they only carried out essential duties, including the provision of safety patrols and fire guards. The crews remained respectful to their officers throughout, and officers had done their best to explain the government's reasons for the cut in pay and that complaints would be taken seriously.

Rear Admiral Tomkinsons' report of the incident concluded that the mutiny had been caused primarily by the 25% cut for junior ratings, that there were no grievances besides the pay cut, and his belief that the complaint was well founded. He also believed that any use of force would have made the situation much worse.

The Cabinet accepted Tomkinson's recommendations. A number of the organisers of the strike were jailed, a total of 200 sailors from the Atlantic Fleet were discharged from the service. The Admiralty held Tomkinson accountable for the mutiny, blaming him for failing to punish dissidents after the first protests.

The Invergordon Mutiny caused a panic on the London Stock Exchange and a run on the pound, bringing Britain's economic troubles to a head that forced it off the Gold Standard on 20 September 1931.

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Invergordon Cruise Terminal – Helpful Things to Know

• 21 June 2024

🚢 Invergordon Cruise Port Tour Guide for +10 years

Are you coming to Invergordon cruise terminal?

Here is everything you need to know including what to look out for on the way in and out, facilities at the terminal, and what’s nearby in the town too.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Great Cruise Deals and Helpful Forums on Cruise Critic Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

Invergordon Cruise Terminal

Table of Contents

Entering the Cromarty Firth

Your cruise ship will approach the Invergordon cruise terminal from the North Sea. As your ship turns into the Cromarty Firth have a look for bottlenose dolphins. They are often spotted in this area. These bottlenose dolphins live in the area all year round. They are the largest bottlenose dolphins in the UK. That is because the water is so cold they need extra fat to cope with the temperature.

Boat trips go out every day from Cromarty to see the dolphins. This might even be an optional trip available through your cruise line!

Your ship will then pass through the entrance to the Cromarty Firth. This is a deep water channel about 1/2 mile wide. The channel is between two sandstone headlands, known as the Sutors.

Look on the seaward side of those sandstone hills and you should see the remains of some concrete structures. Some of these defences date from 1914 and some from WW2.

Nigg and Cromarty

As you move into the Cromarty Firth you will see the small town of Cromarty on the port side of your ship. In the summer months, there is a small ferry that runs between Cromarty and Nigg.

Nigg is the area you can see on the starboard side of the ship. The most noticeable thing is Nigg Energy Park. This was previously an oil rig service yard which was brought back into use a few years ago. Now it carries out work on ships and is also a base for renewable energy projects.

You will probably see some large metal structures which are parts for offshore and onshore wind turbine projects.

The Black Isle

As you cruise further into the Cromarty Firth you will pass the Black Isle. This is the area of land on the port side of the ship. It is not an island but rather a headland with Cromarty being at the head. The Black Isle has very good soil for farming. Lots of grain is grown there. If you want to try a local beer then try something from the Black Isle Brewery.

Oil Rigs in the Cromarty Firth

As you sail into the Firth you will also notice some oil rigs. Most of these are just being stored while not being used in the North Sea oil fields that are relatively close by. Many of these rigs are ‘cold stacked’. That means the staff have been reduced, or there might be no staff. It means the rig is unlikely to go back into service anytime soon and it will likely need work to put the rig back into service.

Some of the oil rigs are ‘hot stacked’. This means they have crew on them. Whilst they are not drilling in the Firth they are ready to go back out the oil fields quickly if they need to.

Approaching Invergordon

Where do cruise ships dock in invergordon.

The majority of cruise ships dock at the Invergordon Cruise Port, located within the Port of Cromarty Firth complex. Some ships may dock at Saltburn Pier. This is a 1-mile long wooden pier just on the edge of Invergordon.

Most cruise ships moor at the service base. This is a large industrial area that is operated by the Port of Cromarty Firth. There are many businesses operating within the base that is connected with the oil and gas industry and also the renewable energy industry, especially wind turbines.

Cruising to the service base you will pass a long wooden pier. This is a mile long. It’s called Salturn Pier. Sometimes smaller ships will be moored here.

You will then pass Admiralty Pier. This was built in 1914 for the Admiralty when Invergordon was a naval base. Previously cruise ships did call at this pier.

Your ship will moor alongside the dock at the Invergordon cruise terminal.

Invergordon Cruise Terminal Facilities

The Invergordon Cruise Terminal has the following facilities;

• Coach parking for cruise ship excursions – take a left when you exit the ship and follow along to the coach parking area.
• Quayside shop selling gifts and souvenirs – take a right from the gangway and follow the green path to the shop which is located in a mobile building structure.
• Toilets – take a right from the gangway and the toilets are just on the left-hand side before.
• Local information – volunteers are available to give information about local activities and things to do, including how to get around.

Getting into Invergordon

It is very easy to reach Invergordon High Street from the cruise terminal. Just follow the green pathway. This will bring you to a pedestrian crossing. Cross over and follow the path to the right. Walk through the gardens on your left-hand side. Walk in between the buildings facing you and you will be on Invergordon High Street.

It is around 10 minutes walking from the cruise ship to Invergordon High Street.

Hints and Tips for Cruise Ship Guests

• If you are taking a cruise ship organised excursion you will need to board a coach in the coach park. This area is quite exposed to the weather and often windy.
• There is no seating in the coach park area.
• Due to limited parking spaces coaches don’t arrive until around 30 minutes before the excursion departs (sometimes less)
• Coaches are not allowed to run their engines for long periods when they are parked. This means on hot days coaches can get extremely warm.
• Not all the coaches have air conditioning so a small fan might be a good idea.
• There are no toilets in this area of the cruise terminal. The nearest toilets are at the other end of the dock, you will have to walk back past the gangway to find them.
• Cruise ship guests are not allowed to exit the port complex from the coach park area. To exit the port you need to walk back past the ship and follow the green pathway toward the town.
• If you are meeting a local tour operator (not a cruise ship-organised excursion) you will have to go out of the port complex to meet them. They will give you instructions on the meeting point but allow a little extra time to get there.

Invergordon Cruise Terminal – Conclusion

• Invergordon cruise terminal is located in the heart of a busy commercial port specialising in energy
• The cruise terminal can accommodate the largest cruise ships
• It is less than 10 minute’s walk from the ship into the town centre
• It is around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Inverness from Invergordon

Links You Might Find Helpful: Great Cruise Deals and Helpful Forums on Cruise Critic Private Half-Day Car Tour to Loch Ness for Up to 3 People Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

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Find more information on my Invergordon Cruise Port page

Further Reading

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Look for bottlenose dolphins when sailing in or out.

There isn't much to the Invergordon cruise terminal, it consists mainly of a long pier and a short pier with room for ships as large as the QE2, but the setting is pleasant, and there's a small shop near the foot of the pier where friendly locals are selling whisky, crafts, jewelry, and Scottish food gifts. The town is only a few minutes walk away. On occasion your when all berths are occupied, your ship will anchor and will tender you ashore.

Invergordon offers a friendly welcome to all cruise ships with pipe bands and traditional dancing giving the passengers a glimpse of what the Highlands of Scotland has to offer its visitors.

The train station is a 10 minute walk, from there trains connect to Inverness (50 minute trip). Fare is £11 one way.

Public bus 25X that departs from Camerons Garden Center, located on Invergordon High Street, less than a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The total trip duration is approximately 50 minutes. £12.60 return per person. see below!

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port and which pier will be used.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Invergordon Scotland United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

Invergordon is a relatively small city of about 5,000 people. Invergordon is the port for Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and junction of many routes. Watch for the murals painted on the sides of buildings – these depict historical events of the area. Pick up your brochures at a well stocked information booth at the pier.

Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre is open to visitors 10am until 1pm every day that a cruise liner is in port.

One hour is in general enough to explore Invergordon, most guests head to Inverness or beyond.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Contact this group of local volunteers to ask any questions you have about sightseeing from Invergordon - especially if you want to DIY.  They are area residents who set up a booth at the exit to the pier on cruise ship arrival days and are very friendly and helpful.

Cruise ships will provide transportation to Inverness. Around 45 minutes very nice bus ride (Around 45 Euro). A much better alternative is Public Bus 25X leaves from Invergordon High Street, only steps from the cruise pier, to Inverness from 7:45 and every 30 minutes. Journey is 45 minutes. Return trip is £12.60 (day ticket). Even when there are two large cruise liners in port, this local bus line gets expanded with extra buses, so all cruise passengers are well attended too. So if the initial lines at the bus stop seem long, another bus will arrive soon. Great service!

Get the best vantage point of Inverness aboard an open-top double decker bus. This tour operates as a hop-on, hop-off tour that encompasses twelve stops throughout the city. Enjoy the spectacular views and touring freedom from aboard these buses.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

The much larger and more well known city of Inverness (population 50,000) is located on the Ness River, 23 miles to the south of Invergordon.

Over the centuries, Inverness was often the focal point of clashes between Highland chiefs, and the Crown. Today the town is a popular tourist attraction as well as a gathering place for the clans of the surrounding area. Many of the traditional Scottish events take place here each summer, including the Highland Games and the Sheep Dog Trials.

Invergordon is also a good starting point for excursions to many of the area's attractions, including the Battlefield of Culloden , Loch Ness , the villages of Tain and Cromarty, historic castles and old whisky distilleries. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, in addition to fishing and agriculture.

Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and perhaps an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage.

Shopping and Food

There is only one main street in Invergordon, High Street with some shops and restaurants.

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 and Scottish spoken here.

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

Holidays in the United Kingdom

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Invergordon, Scotland cruise ship schedule

Invergordon, Scotland  cruise calendar 2024 provides the opportunity to search the arrival and departure schedules of cruise ships arriving in port.  The timetable displays dates and times cruise ships are scheduled to dock in port in two separate columns for arrivals and departures with the name of the ship, cruise operator, and maximum passenger capacity.  Please note, the following cruise port schedule is created on updated itineraries from the following cruise lines: Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Marella Cruises, TUI, P&O Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Viking and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Here you can  view cruise ship Itineraries  classified by cruise lines.

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Invergordon, Scotland

Get to know what it’s like to visit this destination.

Getting To Know Invergordon – Cruise Port Guide

Our free Invergordon cruise port guide is aimed at helping you make the most of your time here.

Invergordon is a small town located in the wonderful Scottish Highlands and it’s your cruise gateway to an array of wonderful things to see and do. There’s history to explore, dolphins to admire and some of the most impressive natural scenery in the world to take your breath away. A somewhat under-rated port of call, Invergordon really is a destination that will leave you wanting more.

Travel Tips

Consider taking a dolphin watching excursion, sightings are plentiful and are offered aboard small RIB’s for a far more up close experience. One of the best local operators is EcoVentures.

The town itself is very small and can easily be explored on foot within less than one hour. We would recommend doing a tour here and going further afield, then explore the town upon your return to the port.

Key highlights of Invergordon

• Dolphin Watching
• Highlands Tours
• Dunrobin Castle 
• Urquhart Castle
• Culloden Battlefield
• Clava Cairns

Regular cruise line visitors

• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Invergordon, Scotland

Port schedule.

Invergordon, Scotland cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 19 Aug 2024 - 10:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 20 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 21 Aug 2024 - 11:00
• Viking Venus 930 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 00:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 23 Aug 2024 - 06:00
• Star Legend 312 passengers 24 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• Seabourn Sojourn 540 passengers 26 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 27 Aug 2024 - 07:00
• Crystal Symphony 1.040 passengers 28 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 28 Aug 2024 - 12:00
• AIDAluna 2.500 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 10:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Queen Mary 2 3.271 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 00:00
• AIDAluna 2.500 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 05 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 08 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 19 Aug 2024 - 19:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 20 Aug 2024 - 16:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 21 Aug 2024 - 21:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 17:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 19:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 23 Aug 2024 - 14:00
• Star Legend 312 passengers 24 Aug 2024 - 21:00
• Seabourn Sojourn 540 passengers 26 Aug 2024 - 17:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 27 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Crystal Symphony 1.040 passengers 28 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAluna 2.500 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Costa Favolosa 3.617 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAluna 2.500 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 17:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 05 Sep 2024 - 19:00
• Caribbean Princess 3.766 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 08 Sep 2024 - 18:00