Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Kirkwall, Scotland

Where Your Ship Will Dock

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Your cruise ship’s docking location in Kirkwall depends on your vessel’s size.

For medium to large ships:

• You’ll dock at Hatston Pier, 2 miles northwest of downtown.
• The pier offers a 385m deepwater berth.
• The water depth allows for a 10.5m draft.

For smaller vessels:

• You’ll use Kirkwall Pier in the town centre.
• You’ll find shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Alternative docking options:

• Large ships may anchor in Kirkwall Bay.
• You’ll take tender boats to Kirkwall Pier.
• You can dock at Stromness, Orkney’s second-largest town.

Each docking location gives you easy access to explore Kirkwall and its surroundings.

You’ll find clear signage and transport links at all ports to help you start your Scottish adventure.

Getting Around Kirkwall

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Getting around Kirkwall is simple with several transport options. You can catch a free shuttle bus from your cruise ship at Hatston Pier straight to Kirkwall Travel Centre.

The T11 sightseeing bus offers the easiest way to visit major attractions. This open-top double-decker runs between May and October, connecting you to the Ring of Brodgar and Stromness for £18 per person.

Regular buses 8S and X1 serve key sites like Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel. You’ll find these services reliable and cost-effective.

You can also:

• Rent a car for complete travel freedom
• Book a taxi tour for guided experiences
• Hire a bicycle to explore at your own pace

Remember: Bus services run less frequently on Sundays, so plan your journeys ahead.

Must-See Historical Landmarks

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Kirkwall’s Medieval Landmarks Guide

You can explore three main historical sites in Kirkwall’s centre:

St Magnus Cathedral (est. 1137)

• Distinctive red and yellow flagstone construction
• Romanesque architecture
• Contains tombs of St Magnus and St Rognvald
• Open year-round
• Free entry

Bishop’s Palace (12th century)

• Features thick stone walls
• Historical connection to King Hakon of Norway
• Stands next to the cathedral
• Open March to November
• Free entry

Earl’s Palace (early 1600s)

• French Renaissance design
• Built under Earl Patrick Stewart
• Located in the Palace Complex
• Open March to November
• Requires admission ticket

You’ll find all three landmarks within walking distance of each other in central Kirkwall.

The cathedral serves as your best starting point, with the Palace Complex directly adjacent.

You can visit the cathedral any time of year, but plan your palace visits between March and November.

Shore Excursion Options

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When visiting Orkney on your cruise, you can choose between two main options:

Cruise Line Shore Excursions:

• Direct booking through your ship
• Guaranteed return times
• Convenient but typically more expensive

Independent Local Tours:

• Book with companies like GetYourGuide or myvoyagescotland
• Lower costs
• Flexible itineraries
• Freedom to set your own pace

Getting Around:

You can easily reach Kirkwall from Hatston Pier using the free shuttle bus to the Travel Centre.

This connects you with local tour guides or public transport for self-guided exploration.

The simplified structure makes the travel options clearer and lets you quickly compare your choices for making the most of your Orkney visit.

Independent vs. Ship-Sponsored Tours

Choosing Your Kirkwall Tour Option

You’ll face two main choices for exploring Kirkwall: ship tours or independent tours.

Ship-sponsored tours offer:

• Guaranteed return to ship
• Simple booking process
• Professional guides
• Higher prices
• Larger groups
• Fixed schedules
• Standard tourist routes

Independent tours provide:

• Lower costs
• Smaller groups
• Flexible schedules
• Personal interaction
• Local cultural experiences
• Customisable routes

Your best choice depends on your travel style:

Choose ship tours if you:

• Want stress-free logistics
• Prefer organised schedules
• Need guaranteed ship return
• Don’t mind paying more

Choose independent tours if you:

• Like to save money
• Want smaller groups
• Seek authentic experiences
• Can manage your own time

Remember: With independent tours, you must watch your timing carefully to avoid missing your ship’s departure.

Getting Around Orkney’s Attractions

Transportation Options for Orkney Sightseeing

You can easily explore Orkney’s attractions from Kirkwall using several transport methods.

Public Buses:

• T11 tourist route offers unlimited day travel for £23
• X1 route connects major sites
• Both buses serve Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness

Shuttle Service:

• Free transport runs from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre
• Service starts at 8:30 AM
• Last shuttle departs one hour before your ship leaves

Guided Tours:

• West Mainland Group Day Tour covers main attractions
• Private half-day tours visit Scapa Flow, Unstan Tomb and Yesnaby Cliffs
• Tours pick you up directly from your ship

Independent Travel:

• You can hire a car in Kirkwall
• Local taxis offer custom trips from the dock
• You can arrange your own itinerary and timing

Each option lets you see Orkney’s highlights at your own pace.

Buses give you budget-friendly travel, while tours provide expert guidance.

Car hire and taxis offer the most flexibility for your schedule.

Local Shopping and Dining

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The main shopping area in Kirkwall centres on Albert Street and Broad Street.

You’ll discover traditional Scottish crafts, local jewellery and authentic Orkney goods in these historic streets.

Local food offers a genuine taste of Scotland. You can try fresh seafood and North Ronaldsay lamb at restaurants throughout the shopping district.

The popular pattie supper, a local favourite, is available at many cafes.

Two essential food shops stand out: The Brig Larder and Argo’s Bakery.

You can buy unique Scottish treats like Orkney fudge and Kirkjuvagr gin from these shops.

These items make perfect souvenirs from your cruise visit.

Shopping Streets and Markets

Kirkwall’s shopping streets connect to create a compact, walkable centre.

Albert Street acts as the main shopping route, leading you through Broad Street and Bridge Street towards the cathedral.

Victoria Street and Mill Street offer additional shopping options.

You’ll find these key shopping areas:

1. Luxury shops:
   • Hourston Jeweller on Albert Street
   • Sheila Fleet Jewelry in Tankerness
2. Major retailers:
   • Lidl
   • Tesco
   • Boots
   • Superdrug
3. Local businesses:
   • Independent craft shops
   • Orcadian product specialists
   • Souvenir stores

You can reach all shops easily by foot from Kirkwall Pier or the Travel Centre.

Local Food and Drink

Kirkwall offers you authentic Scottish food and fresh local ingredients.

You’ll discover fresh seafood at two main spots: Jollys of Orkney and The Brig Larder, where you can try hand-dived scallops and Partan toes (crab claws).

The Lynnfield Hotel serves special North Ronaldsay mutton, while the St Ola Hotel specialises in Orkney lamb.

You can grab a pattie supper (local meat patty with chips) from any fish and chip shop, or warm yourself with Cullen Skink (smoky fish soup).

The Foveran Restaurant combines local food with views across Scapa Flow.

Judith Glue and The Real Food Café offer home-style Scottish cooking.

For raw ingredients, you can visit two trusted local butchers: Craigie Butchers and Donaldsons of Orkney.

Unique Scottish Souvenirs

You’ll discover authentic Scottish souvenirs throughout Kirkwall’s main shopping areas.

Albert Street and Bridge Street offer the best spots for local crafts, set among historic buildings and cobblestone streets.

Consider these distinctive Orcadian gifts:

1. Viking-inspired jewellery
   • Local artisans create unique designs
   • Pieces reflect Orkney’s landscapes
   • Traditional patterns feature heavily
2. Local wool products
   • Hand-knitted scarves and jumpers
   • Modern and classic Orkney designs
   • Traditional textile patterns
3. Regional specialities
   • Orkney single malt whisky
   • Handmade ceramics
   • Local furniture crafts
   • Artisanal sea salt and spices

You’ll spot these items easily in Kirkwall’s centre, with the best selection in shops along Broad Street and the old town area.

Each shop offers unique pieces you won’t find elsewhere in Scotland.

Internet and Essential Services

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You’ll find reliable internet and essential services throughout Kirkwall:

Internet Access:

• Free Wi-Fi zones: Hatston Pier, Kirkwall shopping areas, Travel Centre
• Mobile coverage: 4G across Orkney
• 5G: Currently in trial phase

Getting to Town:

• Free shuttle bus runs from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre
• Walking takes 40-60 minutes from pier to town centre

Key Services at Travel Centre:

• VisitScotland Information Centre
• Currency exchange facilities
• Public toilets
• Meet and Greet support desk

Travel Tips:

• Book your tours before arrival
• Use the Meet and Greet service to locate facilities
• Download offline maps as backup

The straightforward format should make this easier to follow and remember.

You can visit any information point for additional help during your stay.

Port Facts and Statistics

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Kirkwall Port welcomes cruise ships throughout the year, making it Scotland’s premier cruise destination. You’ll see 169 ships and 160,000 visitors arriving here during 2019.

The port’s key figures tell a clear story:

1. The Highlands and Islands region receives 73% of Scotland’s cruise ships.
2. You’ll find Kirkwall working alongside Lerwick and Invergordon to handle 61% of Scotland’s cruise visitors.
3. Between 2014-2019, you could spot an 80% increase in ships visiting the port.

You can watch ships of every size dock at Kirkwall. The port handles about 12 large vessels yearly, while smaller and medium-sized ships make up most of the traffic.

The port has won several awards, including Best Cruise Port in the UK, putting it among Western Europe’s top cruise destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Weather Like During Cruise Season in Kirkwall?

During cruise season in Kirkwall, you’ll experience:

• Daytime temperatures averaging 15°C
• Long daylight hours (up to 18 hours in summer)
• Frequent light showers
• High humidity levels
• Cool sea breezes

You should pack a light waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly. The mild climate makes sightseeing comfortable, but the coastal winds can feel chilly even on warm days.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted in Local Shops and Restaurants?

Credit cards are easy to use in Kirkwall. You can pay with Visa and MasterCard at most shops and restaurants. Your cards will work with both chip-and-pin and contactless payments. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel to avoid extra charges.

What Is the Best Time to Visit St. Magnus Cathedral?

The optimal visiting hours for St. Magnus Cathedral run from April through September. You can access the cathedral daily between 9am and 5pm on weekdays during this period. The warmer months also give you the chance to join special upper level tours and explore the historic graveyard. This timing lets you make the most of the extended daylight hours and full range of guided experiences.

Can Passengers Store Luggage Somewhere While Exploring the Town?

The Kirkwall Ferry Terminal doesn’t offer luggage storage facilities. You have two main options for your bags:

1. If you’re a cruise passenger, you can leave your luggage safely onboard your ship
2. If you’re travelling independently, you’ll need to carry your bags with you while exploring the town

That’s all you need to know about luggage storage at Kirkwall.

Are There Any Local Festivals or Events During Cruise Season?

The cruise season (May-September) brings many exciting festivals to Orkney. You can enjoy the Orkney Folk Festival in May, featuring local and international musicians. The St Magnus Festival in June showcases classical music, theatre and arts. Throughout summer, you’ll catch popular events like Stromness Shopping Week and traditional Scottish horse festivals. These celebrations let you experience authentic Orcadian culture alongside fellow visitors and locals.