cruise liners in kirkwall today

Kirkwall cruise port

Ireland - uk - british isles.

• Coordinates 58.989, -2.965
• LOCODE GBKWL
• Local Time 2024-09-29 13:40

Kirkwall cruise ship schedule

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Kirkwall, Scotland

Port schedule.

Kirkwall, 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.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands Cruise Port Guide

Kirkwall is the largest town on the Orkney Islands, a stunning archipelago of 70 islands situated off the most northern point of Scotland.

• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 01 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 03 Oct 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 06 Oct 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 11 Oct 2024 - 10:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 26 Oct 2024 - 11:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 01 Apr 2025 - 00:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 11 Apr 2025 - 00:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 17 Apr 2025 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 24 Apr 2025 - 07:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 24 Apr 2025 - 08:00
• Viking Vela 998 passengers 29 Apr 2025 - 00:00
• Amera 835 passengers 30 Apr 2025 - 08:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 01 May 2025 - 10:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 03 May 2025 - 07:00
• Borealis 1.685 passengers 09 May 2025 - 00:00
• Spirit of Discovery 1.000 passengers 13 May 2025 - 08:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 14 May 2025 - 00:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 15 May 2025 - 00:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 16 May 2025 - 00:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 17 May 2025 - 07:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 01 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Star 2.813 passengers 03 Oct 2024 - 14:00
• MSC Preziosa 4.378 passengers 06 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 11 Oct 2024 - 20:00
• Oceania Sirena 803 passengers 26 Oct 2024 - 20:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 17 Apr 2025 - 16:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 24 Apr 2025 - 16:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 24 Apr 2025 - 18:00
• Amera 835 passengers 30 Apr 2025 - 18:00
• ms Rotterdam 3.210 passengers 01 May 2025 - 20:00
• Spirit of Discovery 1.000 passengers 13 May 2025 - 17:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 17 May 2025 - 18:00
• Balmoral 1.420 passengers 20 May 2025 - 00:00

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Hatston Terminal has berthing facilities to accommodate ships loa 225m and draught 10m alongside. Kirkwall Town harbor has alongside berth for vessels up to 125m loa, beam no restrictions, draught 5m. Larger vessels anchor in Kirkwall Bay, passengers are landed by tender close to town. The complimentary shuttle service provided by Orkney Islands Council, will operate from Hatston Pier to the Kirkwall Travel Center

Hatston terminal is located 2-3 miles from the center of Kirkwall.

Kirkwall is 16 miles from Stromness, 7 miles from Finstown and 15 miles from St. Margaret’s Hope.

Printable map to take along.

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

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Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Monthly Climate Averages for Kirkwall Orkney Islands Scotland United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

The Orkney Islands are politically a part of Britain, yet seem quite different in many ways. Numerous place names have non-English sounds, reflecting the original Viking settlement of the 9th century. Norse crafts and traditions are obvious everywhere. In addition to the Norse heritage, there are numerous remains of prehistoric monuments such as the Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. The islands were ruled from Norway and Denmark until 1468, when a Norwegian king gave them to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for his daughter's marriage to King James III. The Orkney archipelago is located at the same latitude as southern Greenland; the Gulf stream accounts for the islands' temperate climate. Approximately half of the 60 islands are inhabited; the rest are home only to seals and seabirds. Most of the inhabitants, who draw their livelihood from the fertile hills rather than the sea, live on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall , located on Mainland, is the principal harbor and capital of Orkney. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets that wind around the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral . A museum featuring Orkney historical artifacts is housed in the 16th-century Tankerness House . Other attractions around the island include Maes Howe , the site of Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae . Scapa Flow serves as a reminder of more recent times when, during both World Wars, Britain's naval base was located here. The islands are virtually a museum of prehistoric times. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. The Orkneys are also a paradise for bird watchers, with a myriad of puffins, eider ducks, whooper swans and arctic terns. These birds, as well as many other species, nest here during the summer months.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Stagecoach in Orkney is the main operator of buses in and around Kirkwall. All bus routes focus on the Travel Center, which is located on West Castle Street, just off Broad Street. This is where the tourist information center is also located. Buses operate to most areas of the mainland, with buses going to the main historic sites in the summer months.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

No trip to Orkney is complete without discovering and exploring the smaller islands that surround the Mainland of Orkney. Each island has its own unique character and individuality, with fascinating history, wildlife and attractions.

Shopping and Food

On Albert Street, the main street in the town center, you will find a variety of small shops. Knitwear, local arts and crafts, and jewelry may be of interest.

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

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Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, UK

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A thousand years or so ago, Vikings ruled the Orkney Islands, and remnants of this period can be seen in spots you can visit today, such as Kirkwall’s St. Magnus Cathedral. But here’s the thing: The Vikings were kind of late to the game! The Orkney Islands have points of interest stretching way back into prehistory, such as the village of Skara Brae, dating back 5,000 years, and the Ring of Brodgar, which can claim almost as many. But who’s counting? Practically everywhere you look in the Orkney Islands you’ll find glimpses into how folks of the past lived, such as the (comparatively) new WWII-era Italian Chapel and the Victorian-age Balfour Castle. But you should know that there’s more than just history here: The islands’ natural side is packed with wonders such as the Scapa Flow natural harbor, 1,000-foot cliffs, and amazing birdwatching opportunities.

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Cruises To Kirkwall, Scotland

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• Visit one of the many museums and galleries where you will learn about the cultural side of Kirkwall through paintings, arts and crafts.  
• See the Italian Chapel, Magnus Cathedral and Pier Arts center all established through the long and colorful history of Kirkwall.  
• Discover thousands of birds in the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, noted to be one of the best areas to birdwatch as they pass by the region.  
• Take a tour of a local brewery or whiskey distillery and sample a little of each to try something traditional or new.  
• Sample some regional fresh favorites as you pass through the farmers’ market where you can even learn about how to cook them.

Top 10 Cruises to Kirkwall, Scotland

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Getting To Know Kirkwall – Cruise Port Guide

The orkney Islands are hugely popular with cruise passengers and Kirkwall has a never-ending array of things to see and do. In fact, it has one of the highest concentrations of ancient sites in Europe. Not surprising then that the locals say if you stick a spade in the ground, you’ll probably find another archaeological site. Welcome to our Kirkwall cruise port guide, your one-stop tool for planning and making the most of your time in the Orkney Islands.

Kirkwall is the largest town in the Orkney Islands and its current named was derived from the Norse name of Kirkjuvágr ( Church Bay ). A gin by the same name is now distilled on the island. Kirkwall is a place filled with history, over 5000 years of it, and it’s a destination that will leave you wanting to explore more. One day is simply not enough, but it is a chance to glimpse into the fascinating tales this part of our world has to tell. Be sure to do an organised tour or pre-arrange a tour with a local guide in order to get the very best from your visit. 

Travel Tips

Even in the summer months, there can be a very fresh breeze across Kirkwall, so please ensure you pack a jacket and possibly hat or scarf. Skara Brae is entirely exposed to the elements, so it never hurts to be prepard.

Key Highlights of Kirkwall

•  Skara Brae
• Ring of Brodgar
• St Magnus Cathedral
• Highland Park Distillery
• Standing Stones of Stenness
• Italian Chapel
• The Orkney Museum
• Earl’s Palace
• The Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace
• Groatie Hoose

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Kirkwall, Scotland Port Guide

The largest town in the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall is the center of Orkney in more ways than one. Almost all roads linking the east and west pass through town; it is also the port that provides inter-island ferry links to almost all the northern isles. In addition, it is considered one of the most charming and well-preserved small towns in Scotland, rich in scenic beauty, history and medieval architecture.

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Orkney Isles, Scotland

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Kirkwall, Orkney Isles, Scotland

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This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, which was discovered with the furniture and indoor drains preserved. Make sure to visit the striking trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace and Bishop's Palace. After touring, stop in a pub to chow down on salmon and lamb dishes with the locals. And ask them about the wide range of Kirkwall's speciality items, which includes cashmere, whiskey and crafts.

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• Kirkwall, (Orkney Isles), Scotland

What you NEED TO KNOW

Featured Kirkwall CRUISE ITINERARIES

• Community Learning and Development
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The Orkney Islands Council (Cruise Liners) Temporary Closure Order 2024

Date: 13 September 2024

Orkney Islands Council has made the above-named Order under Section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to ensure the safety of the public and road users when cruise liner passengers are visiting Kirkwall.

The Order will be in operation on Saturday, 14 September 2024 and its effect will be to close Bridge Street and Albert Street, Kirkwall, between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00 on the date specified above. Traffic signs will be erected to indicate when a road is closed.

Oliver Reid.

Chief Executive.

Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY.

13 September 2024.

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