Scrabster

Scotland

Explore dramatic sea cliffs and golden beaches while discovering the rugged beauty of Scotland's far north coast.

💱 Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 14-26 nights

💰 Price Range From $4,539 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Scotland's rugged North Coast, offering access to dramatic coastal landscapes and the charming harbor town of Thurso.

Cruises that visit Scrabster

Build Your Day in Scrabster

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

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Ring of Brodgar There is free parking and a lot of attractions nearby. Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Italian Chapel | Orkney Impressive what they were able to do with limited materials. Church · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Duncansby Head Lighthouse Walk to the Stacks is well worth the visit Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k

The Castle & Gardens of Mey Excellent experience, guides in every room with stories. Castle · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

The Ferry Inn Scrabster Highly recommended if you are making the journey. Hotel · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Forss House Hotel A highlight was the dinner, so beautifully presented and delectable. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

The Galley Delicious food cooked with flare, served well in a great atmosphere. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Bydand Delicious food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. European · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:45 PM

Capilla Tapas Restaurant The staff were attentive the food was lovely and the Sangria is a must. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Scrabster Harbour Trust Really busy port supporting a lot of different industries Port operating company · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Scrabster Ferry Terminal Magnus lounge is nice. Ferry terminal · ★ 4.4 · 0k

'The Upper Deck' restaurant Had an amazing meal here, food was just cooked to perfection. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Peerie Cafe Solid stomach lining fry ups with brown sauce on every table. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Bells Seafood Really, a fantastic place. Fish store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

The Grain Store Restaurant Reasonable cost 3 course dinner plus drinks for 4 people. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Holborn Head Lighthouse Steep path to Start and a style but don't let that put you off! Historical landmark · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Stromness - Scrabster Ferry Excellent connection with Stromness! Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Scrabster Seafoods Ltd Top quality, thank you Seafood wholesaler · ★ 3.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Scrabster Farm Farm · ★ 3.5 · 0k

Scrabster Gear Store The best gear around! Store · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Scrabster

About Scrabster

Scrabster serves as a charming port of call on Northern Europe itineraries, with two distinguished cruise lines—Oceania Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises—calling here regularly. With ten upcoming cruises on the schedule, this Scottish port offers excellent opportunities for travelers seeking 14-night voyages that connect to destinations like Southampton, Copenhagen, and Edinburgh. The peak season runs from April through September, with particularly strong activity in May, July, and June, making it an ideal time to experience this far northern corner of the British Isles.

As a port of call, Scrabster provides cruise passengers with a taste of authentic Scottish Highland culture and dramatic coastal scenery. The nearby town of Thurso and the surrounding region offer visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes and genuine local hospitality, while those interested in maritime heritage will find the port's fishing village character particularly appealing. Whether you're embarking on a longer voyage or simply spending a day ashore, Scrabster delivers a memorable introduction to Scotland's northern coast.

Dunnet Head's Dramatic Cliffs

Experience Scotland's northernmost mainland point with breathtaking sea cliffs rising 300 feet above the Atlantic. The short drive from Scrabster rewards you with panoramic views of the Orkney Islands and a sense of standing at the edge of the world. Perfect for photography and invigorating coastal walks.

Fresh Seafood at Local Harbors

Taste the day's catch at Scrabster's working fishing harbor, where local restaurants serve exceptional langoustines, crab, and white fish. The harbor itself buzzes with authentic Scottish fishing culture, and nearby eateries offer traditional preparations that showcase the region's maritime bounty.

Thurso's Historic Town Center

Stroll through charming Thurso, just minutes from the port, featuring Victorian architecture, local shops, and the ruins of Thurso Castle. This genuine Highland town offers authentic Scottish character without tourist crowds, perfect for discovering local crafts, woolens, and traditional Scottish goods.

Dunnet Beach's Golden Sands

Discover one of Scotland's most pristine beaches with golden sand stretching for miles beneath dramatic cliffs. The sheltered bay offers stunning views and a peaceful escape where you can walk, photograph, or simply absorb the raw beauty of Scotland's far north.

Caithness Heritage & Archaeology

Explore ancient standing stones, Iron Age brochs, and Neolithic sites scattered across the Caithness landscape surrounding Scrabster. This region is an archaeologist's paradise, offering glimpses into 5,000 years of Scottish history within easy reach of the cruise port.