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Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
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Language
English
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Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
May–Aug
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Typical Duration
14-21 nights
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Price Range
From $885 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the remote Orkney Islands, offering access to ancient Neolithic sites, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich Viking heritage in Scotland's far north.
Cruises that visit Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
- cruises to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
- Kirkwall, Orkney Islands sailings
- Kirkwall, Orkney Islands cruises
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 8-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 9-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 10-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 10-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Seabourn cruise
- 11-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 11-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 11-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
This is a MUST SEE if visiting the Orkney Islands.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Ring of Brodgar
Definitely one of the top things to see in the Orkney Islands.
Italian Chapel | Orkney
This is one of the highlights of a trip to Orkney, don't miss it.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
St Magnus Cathedral
Definitely put it on your list of things to do in kirkwall.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Standing Stones of Stenness
Definitely one of the top places to see in the Orkney Islands.
Lucano
Very good food and well worth a visit while in Kirkwall.
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
Helgi's
On be if the best places to eat in Kirkwall.
Kirkwall Hotel
Enjoyed a fantastic meal on our last day in Kirkwall.
Scapa Beach
A 30 minute pretty walk from Kirkwall.
Auld Motor Hoose
Cracking friendly bar good beer Whisky and Craik
Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces
Orkney Scotland the main town is Kirkwall a great town with lots of history.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms
We had dinner there twice during our stay in Kirkwall.
Lynnfield Hotel & Restaurant 4 Star Rated
A fantastic dinner after a long day of sight seeing across Orkney.
The Orkney Museum
Great museum, gives an overview of Kirkwall and Orkney.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Judith Glue
The shop has a wide range of different knit wear, souvenirs and food.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Twenty One
By far the best choice for dinner in Kirkwall.
🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Torvhaug
Great place in Kirkwall to go and get a pint!
The Brig Larder
Every shelf felt thoughtfully stocked, and the quality was excellent.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Skippers
Best we had in 5 days in kirkwall.
Bothy Bar
When I come back to Kirkwall I will definitely visit again.
The Brough of Deerness
One of the bests, on Orkney.
The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre
Well worth adding to any trip to Orkney x
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Orcadian Bookshop
Lovely shop, lovely staff, always helpful.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Visit Orkney
If you go to Orkney, take 15' to see it!
🕐 Temporarily closed
Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar
Really good food and great whisky selection.
🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Orkney Tweed
The wool selection is good - all from Orkney and natural colours.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Grain Earth House
Conveniently close to Kirkwall, too.
Sakura Kitchen
A gem in Kirkwall, always delicious with amazing service!
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Longship
Good quality locally produced products.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Neuk
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Starlings
Good selection of clothing and homewares and gifts.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Kirkwall Pier
It's a working pier, which is business access only.
Aurora Jewellery
Harris Tweed jacket was the plan, but a coat had my name on it 😉
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Logo Orkney
Loved the selection of items, and nautical themed gifts too!
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Anchor Shopping Centre
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Orkney souvenirs
The souvenirs are inspired by the island's rich history and culture.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Highland Park Bar
Wonderful whisky bar in Kirkwall Hotel.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Kirkwall, the charming capital of Scotland's Orkney Islands, has become a thriving port of call for Northern Europe cruises, with 16 major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, and Silversea regularly calling here. With over 200 upcoming sailings and a peak season spanning April through August, this port serves as a natural hub for exploring the Scottish Highlands and beyond, with convenient connections to popular destinations like Bergen, Lerwick, and the Shetland Islands. Most cruises visiting Kirkwall are extended 14-night voyages, allowing plenty of time to experience this remarkable corner of the world.
When your ship docks in Kirkwall, you'll step ashore into a town brimming with Viking heritage and ancient history. The iconic St. Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline, while the nearby archaeological treasures of the Orkney Islands—from Neolithic stone circles to Iron Age brochs—offer fascinating glimpses into Scotland's distant past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking authentic Scottish charm, Kirkwall provides an unforgettable port experience that captures the rugged beauty of the far north.
When your ship docks in Kirkwall, you'll step ashore into a town brimming with Viking heritage and ancient history. The iconic St. Magnus Cathedral dominates the skyline, while the nearby archaeological treasures of the Orkney Islands—from Neolithic stone circles to Iron Age brochs—offer fascinating glimpses into Scotland's distant past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking authentic Scottish charm, Kirkwall provides an unforgettable port experience that captures the rugged beauty of the far north.
Cruise Lines at Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
- Viking Ocean Cruises (97 cruises)
- Seabourn (33 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (30 cruises)
- Holland America Line (21 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (19 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (10 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (10 cruises)
- Silversea (6 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (2 cruises)
- Aurora Expeditions (2 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (2 cruises)
- Adventure Canada (1 cruise)
- Carnival Cruise Line (1 cruise)
- Celebrity Cruises (1 cruise)
- HX Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Swan Hellenic (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Cruises Visiting Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Ship Schedule at Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands Location
Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Kirkwall?
Visit Kirkwall Cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Museum, and the Earl's Palace.
When is the best time to visit Kirkwall?
Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
How can I get around Kirkwall?
Most sights are walkable; local buses and taxis connect Kirkwall to nearby stops.
What local foods should I try in Kirkwall?
Try fresh seafood, Orkney cheddar, berries, and local pastries.