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Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
🗣
Language
English
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Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
May–Sep
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Typical Duration
14-21 nights
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Price Range
From $854 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the remote Shetland Islands, offering rugged landscapes, Viking heritage, and access to some of Scotland's most pristine natural scenery.
Cruises that visit Lerwick, Shetland Islands
- cruises to Lerwick, Shetland Islands
- Lerwick, Shetland Islands sailings
- Lerwick, Shetland Islands cruises
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 8-night Seabourn cruise
- 8-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 9-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 9-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 10-night Seabourn cruise
- 10-night Seabourn cruise
- 10-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 11-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 11-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Lerwick, Shetland 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:
Shetland Museum & Archives
I recently visited Lerwick, Shetland, and it was absolutely breathtaking.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Fjarå Café Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
The Dowry
I ate dinner here twice while in Lerwick.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Douglas Arms
Live music, great range of drinks and a cosy atmosphere while still trendy.
Toll Clock Shopping Centre
A nice small shopping centre with a great convenience store and a nice café
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Lerwick Hotel
The blonde waiter stood out — incredibly kind and truly professional.
The Lounge Bar
Great night of live music, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere!!
No 88 Kitchen and Bar
Do not miss an opportunity to eat here while in Lerwick!
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Saffron
Had dinner here while travelling to Shetland last week.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Fort Charlotte
Not a lot to do or see, but worth a look if you are in Lerwick.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Broch of Clickimin
A truly memorable experience in the heart of Shetland!
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Mareel - Music, Cinema and Education Venue
A key place for locals and visitors to Lerwick.
🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
C’est la Vie
This is one of the top restaurants in Lerwick.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Olive Tree
Not a bad place to eat if your around Bolts end of Lerwick.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Grand Hotel
The staff were attentive, the food was great, the pints were excellent.
The Lodberrie
It is just a photo opportunity but lots more to see in Lerwick.
Thule Bar
Brilliant pub with great drinks, beer and a pool table with character.
The Knab
A lovely way to see Lerwick.
Shetland Seabird Tours - THE No.1 NOSS BOAT
This was a massive highlight in a highlight trip to the Shetland Islands.
Harry's Department Store
A treasure trove of stuff.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Pete's Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Tesco Superstore
Even has a little clothing section towards the back of the store.
🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
The Waterfront Bar and Grill
Had a very lovely dinner here.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Island Larder Ltd
The shop is well laid out, clean tidy and inviting.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM Thu
The Shetland Bookshop
Great selection and helpful staff
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Lerwick Distillery
And today, June 1st 2025 we were in Lerwick and finally had the opportunity.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Adventure Shetland
We arrived on a cruise ship for our first visit to Shetland.
Lerwick Brewery
Great tasting beer and really friendly staff.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Anderson & Co
Lovely family operated business with excellent quality and caring people
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Trench Bar And Nightclub
Delicious mojito and lovely decor and atmosphere here.
The Noost Bar
Excellent pints, atmosphere and decor.
🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Bains beach
A must see, even in high tide.
The Bay Brasserie
For the main course at dinner we had venison with haggis and duck.
Himalayan lounge Lerwick
The best food and service.
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu
Bargain Centre
Great range of furniture and the owner is very helpful.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ninian
Lots of cute finds and many items made locally.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Aurora Jewellery - Lerwick
The team were really friendly and patient with the wee guy trying stuff on.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Peerie Shop
If you’re looking for quality gifts or souvenirs this is a must visit store.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Lerwick Coastal Walk
The Lerwick Coastal Walk offers a peaceful escape from the town’s bustle.
Stouts Pier
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick, the charming capital of Scotland's Shetland Islands, has become an increasingly popular port of call for Northern European cruises. With 15 major cruise lines calling here—including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea, and expedition specialists like PONANT and HX Expeditions—you'll find an impressive variety of itineraries departing from or passing through this remote northern port. With nearly 250 upcoming cruises and peak seasons running from May through September, Lerwick offers excellent opportunities to explore the North Atlantic and beyond, with many voyages heading to iconic destinations like Bergen, the Orkney Islands, Dover, and Belfast.
Stepping ashore in Lerwick, you'll discover a vibrant harbor town steeped in Viking heritage and maritime tradition. The colorful waterfront is instantly charming, while the town's museums and cultural attractions reveal fascinating stories of Shetland's unique Norse and Scottish influences. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, or simply a taste of authentic island life, Lerwick provides a memorable and accessible cruise experience in one of Europe's most distinctive regions.
Stepping ashore in Lerwick, you'll discover a vibrant harbor town steeped in Viking heritage and maritime tradition. The colorful waterfront is instantly charming, while the town's museums and cultural attractions reveal fascinating stories of Shetland's unique Norse and Scottish influences. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, or simply a taste of authentic island life, Lerwick provides a memorable and accessible cruise experience in one of Europe's most distinctive regions.
Cruise Lines at Lerwick, Shetland Islands
- Viking Ocean Cruises (101 cruises)
- Holland America Line (47 cruises)
- Seabourn (47 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (31 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (16 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (9 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (8 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (7 cruises)
- Silversea (4 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (2 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (2 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (1 cruise)
- HX Expeditions (1 cruise)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Cruises Visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Ship Schedule at Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick, Shetland Islands Location
Other Cruise Ports in Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lerwick known for?
Lerwick is the administrative center of Shetland and a historic harbor town known for its lodberries along the harbor.
How can I visit Lerwick?
Lerwick is accessible by air and sea, and is a common stop for cruise ships visiting Shetland.
What can I see in Lerwick?
Lodberries along the harbor, twisting lanes, and coastal views, plus nearby cultural sites.
When is the best time to visit Lerwick?
Summer brings milder weather, longer days, and peak cruise ship visits.