Shetland Islands

Scotland

Wander windswept cliffs where Atlantic puffins nest and Viking history echoes through ancient stone settlements and museums.

💱 Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 13-16 nights

💰 Price Range $8,619–$11,895 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the remote Scottish islands and Arctic expeditions, offering pristine natural landscapes and access to Orkney, Svalbard, and northern European exploration.

Cruises that visit Shetland Islands

cruises to Shetland Islands

Next Departures from Shetland Islands

About Shetland Islands

Shetland Islands serves as a fascinating port of call in Northern Europe's far north, primarily welcoming expedition-style cruises from specialized operators like Poseidon Expeditions and Quark Expeditions. These intimate voyages typically span 16 nights and connect Shetland to remarkable Arctic and Scottish destinations including Svalbard, Longyearbyen, and the Orkney Islands. May marks the peak season for visits, when longer daylight hours showcase the islands' dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Stepping ashore in Shetland, cruise passengers discover a rugged, windswept archipelago steeped in Norse heritage and natural beauty. The islands' remote location makes them an ideal base for exploring some of the North Atlantic's most pristine environments, while the charming local culture and distinctive traditions offer authentic encounters that larger cruise ports simply cannot match. Whether you're drawn by the call of Arctic exploration or the allure of Scotland's northern reaches, Shetland delivers an unforgettable expedition experience.

Explore Lerwick's Colorful Harbor

Wander through Shetland's charming capital, where distinctive Scandinavian-influenced architecture lines the waterfront. Browse the bustling harbor, visit the impressive Shetland Museum to uncover Viking heritage and local history, then stroll Commercial Street's independent shops selling traditional knitwear and local crafts unique to these northern islands.

Taste Fresh Shetland Seafood

Indulge in exceptional locally-caught fish and shellfish at harborside restaurants and cozy cafes throughout Lerwick. Sample traditional Shetland specialties like smoked salmon, fresh crab, and creamy seafood chowders prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding waters that define island cuisine.

Discover Dramatic Coastal Cliffs

Experience some of Britain's most spectacular seascapes with towering sandstone cliffs and rugged moorland landscapes. Take a guided excursion to witness nesting seabirds, including puffins and gannets, against breathtaking backdrops of windswept terrain that showcase Shetland's raw natural beauty and pristine wilderness.

Shop for Authentic Shetland Wool

Browse renowned Shetland knitwear at local shops featuring hand-knitted sweaters, Fair Isle patterns, and traditional wool goods crafted by island artisans. Visit family-run boutiques where you'll find authentic, high-quality pieces impossible to find elsewhere, each telling stories of Shetland's legendary textile heritage.

Experience Viking Heritage Sites

Explore ancient archaeological sites scattered across accessible areas, including Iron Age brochs and Norse settlements that reveal Shetland's rich Viking past. Visit Jarlshof, one of Scotland's most important archaeological sites, where layers of history span from Bronze Age through medieval times in a single remarkable location.