Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language
English
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit
May–Aug
Typical Duration
14-21 nights
Price Range
From $885 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
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 Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 8-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 9-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 9-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 10-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 10-night Silversea cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 11-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 11-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 11-night Atlas Ocean Voyages 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
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Ring of Brodgar
Definitely one of the top things to see in the Orkney Islands.
Italian Chapel | Orkney
Unique Catholic chapel built by POWs
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
St Magnus Cathedral
Striking, 12th-century place of worship
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Standing Stones of Stenness
Prehistoric monument in a wild landscape
Helgi's
Not large and popular so you have to book on busy days for dinner.
Lucano
Casual Italian cafe with pizza & coffee
Kirkwall Hotel
I'd highly recommend going for dinner as the food was truly outstanding.
Scapa Beach
Ayre Hotel & Apartments
Harbour-view hotel with free breakfast
Archive Coffee
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Harbour Fry
very good food, kind staff, affordable prices.
Auld Motor Hoose
No takeout·No delivery
Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces
Stately remains of 2 historic castles
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Indian Garden Orkney
Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery
Trenabies Cafe Bistro
Delightful big mugs of coffee, friendly staff, and cozy booths.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
The Orkney Hotel
17th-century lodging with classic rooms
The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms
The food and service here was second to none.
The Daily Scoop
Dog friendly, delicious cakes and treats and very speedy service.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Busters Diner
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Lynnfield Hotel & Restaurant 4 Star Rated
Clean, friendly staff, fantastic location and amazing food.
Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Orkney Museum
Local history exhibits in historic home
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Mon
Dil Se Restaurant
North Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine
Tesco Superstore
There is a large free from isle plus a section in the freezer area.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Judith Glue
The shop has a wide range of different knit wear, souvenirs and food.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Twenty One
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
The Shore
Hotel with bar, dining & free breakfast
Torvhaug
No takeout·No delivery
The Brig Larder
Every shelf felt thoughtfully stocked, and the quality was excellent.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Skippers
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Bothy Bar
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon
Pomona Cafe
Your dog is welcome, they even get a bowl of water and an organic treat.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
The Brough of Deerness
Great coastal walk and do visit the gin/whisky distillery
SunBean Coffee House
Customer service is exquisite and delicious food and drinks.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
The Orcadian Bookshop
Lovely shop, lovely staff, always helpful.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Barrier View Cafe @ Celina Rupp Jewellery
Easy parking, beautiful views and comfortable clean cafe .
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Visit Orkney
A coach trip to see neolithic sites and Scapa flow areas well worth while.
Temporarily closed
Kirkwall Swimming Pool
Great pool for swimming and friendly staff.
Temporarily closed
St Magnus Community Cafe
Very quick service,great atmosphere,Happy Staff,good food and lattes
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
Real Food Cafe
This was delicious and prices have been fair.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Royal Cask Whisky Gin Bar
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Sakura Kitchen
Extremely good food, lovely customer service - a big 10/10 from us!
Grain Earth House
Onsite services
Orkney Tweed
The wool selection is good - all from Orkney and natural colours.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Dolly Burger
Burgers were super delicious and the chips were a generous portion.
Movement Coffee
Really Nice Coffee at a good price with good seating in the courtyard
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
cafelolz
Had their vegan carrot cake, and it was the best carrot cake I've had.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
The Longship
Good quality locally produced products.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
The Neuk
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Starlings
Beautiful shop with lots of amazing things to buy!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Kirkwall Pier
Dingieshowe Beach
Nice quiet sandy beach, with dunes, parking and a clean WC.
Macfoys Bar
Brand new building with big glass doors overlooking the bay and town.
The Snak Pot
Excellent place for quick bite, friendly staff and excellent location
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Logo Orkney
Loved the selection of items, and nautical themed gifts too!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Mars Orkney
Great quality local produce, cooked to order, by lovely local lasses 💁♀️🍔🍟
Anchor Shopping Centre
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Orkney souvenirs
The souvenirs are inspired by the island's rich history and culture.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Some Good Cuppa
Best coffee/tea and strawberry tart we ever had <3
The Big Tree
Highland Park Bar
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
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 (106 cruises)
- Holland America Line (39 cruises)
- Seabourn (39 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (30 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (16 cruises)
- Silversea (11 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (10 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (9 cruises)
- HX Expeditions (6 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (4 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (4 cruises)
- Adventure Canada (2 cruises)
- Aurora Expeditions (2 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- Poseidon Expeditions (2 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (2 cruises)
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions (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.