With a highly accessible location on the west coast of Scotland, Greenock Ocean Terminal is perfectly positioned for a cruise itinerary that guarantees a warmth of welcome second to none.
From the moment passengers disembark to the stirring sounds of a traditional piper's welcome, they experience the friendliness and character for which Scotland is world renowned. Our efficient, dedicated staff are on hand to ensure passengers enjoy a cheerful greeting and a seamless transfer to the many excursion opportunities, while crew benefit from our professionalism, technical expertise and excellent facilities.
Every cruise ship that visits Greenock Ocean Terminal is greeted by the greatest ambassadors of our local area. Volunteers from the Inverclyde Tourist Group are on hand as passengers arrive, to extend a warm welcome and provide unrivalled depth of knowledge on the surrounding area.
Greenock Ocean Terminal also lies at the heart of an air, rail and road network providing easy access to the rest of Scotland - from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the mystic Highlands, from Ayrshire's Burns Country to majestic Edinburgh, and Scotland's largest city, Glasgow, is just 30 minutes drive from the port.
Glasgow
Glasgow is hailed as the 'dear green place' for its many attractive and beautifully cared for parks, however its aesthetic standing truly lies with its breathtaking architecture. It is a city of culture with Italianate steeples and medieval spires sit harmoniously with neo-gothic towers, sensuous Charles Rennie Mackintosh Art Nouveau and the titanium, glass and steel of the contemporary city.
For passengers wishing to sample art and history, Glasgow has an outstanding portfolio of more than 20 museums and galleries, most of which offer free admission. These include the People's Palace, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art and Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, with the flagship attraction being Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, offering 22 themed state-of-the-art galleries which house an astonishing 8,000 objects.
Shopping is an absolute delight in Glasgow, its compact city centre and grid system making it easy to navigate for cruise passengers enjoying a vital retail expedition. From designer to high street, vintage to value, visitors experience the best shopping outside London in a uniquely compact location.
Edinburgh
The inspiring capital of Scotland is just 90 minutes drive from Greenock Ocean Terminal. From the ramparts of the must-see historic castle perched high on its steadfast rock imposing its presence at the heart of the city, views abound of the city's architectural delights, the firth of Forth, Calton Hill and rugged Arthur's Seat. Visitors can experience the famous Old Town with its gritty past, the fascinating Royal Mile with its extraordinary buildings, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence when she visits and Greyfriars Kirkyard home of 'Greyfriars Bobby', in a city steeped in tradition with an aura all of its own.
Golf
For many cruise visitors, a trip to Scotland would not be complete without the opportunity to sink a putt in the original 'home of golf'. With over 500 courses across Scotland from links to parkland, there is always time for a few holes. In additional to championship and resort courses such as Turnberry, Gleneagles and St Andrews, there are over 60 fantastic courses in and around Glasgow, with something for every level of ability.
Whisky
Glengoyne has been described as Scotland's most beautiful distillery and rightly so. Nestled below the Campsie Hills in the picturesque Blane Valley, less than an hour's drive from Greenock Ocean Terminal and close to Loch Lomond, this traditional, hard-working distillery has been flourishing since 1833, producing a unique selection of award winning Single Highland Malts, Single Casks and Special Vintages. The Glengoyne experience allows visiting cruise passengers to see behind the scenes in the unique atmosphere where outstanding whiskies have been produced in a time honoured tradition, virtually unchanged over the last 100 years.
Castles, Lochs and Glens
Scotland's many castles, palaces and towns provide a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the country's most famed characters. Stirling Castle, just an hour from Greenock Ocean Terminal, has been the venue for many an important moment in Scotland's history including the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots and provides interesting interpretations of how the castle was in medieval times. From the castle esplanade, the sites of seven historic battles can be seen, as can the Wallace Monument which commemorates one of Scotland's national heroes, 'Braveheart' William Wallace, who fought with Robert the Bruce for Scotland's independence.
Scotland's scenery is majestic and mystical. From mountains such as Ben Lomond to glens like the awe-inspiring Glen Coe; from loch to river it is guaranteed to impress even the most well travelled cruise passenger. Loch Lomond, celebrated in song and poem, is just 35 minutes' drive from Greenock Ocean Terminal. Situated in Scotland's first National Park, this beautiful loch is an impressive 24 miles long with over 30 islands. Teamed with the National Park Gateway Centre and Loch Lomond Shores complex, Loch Lomond makes for a stunning attraction with aquarium, woodland trails, cruises and speciality shopping.
Greenock
Passengers preferring to explore the local area can sample the town of Greenock just a five minute walk away from the terminal, with its spectacular views over the River Clyde from The Esplanade. The viewpoint at Lyle Hill boasts vistas of Loch Long, Holy Loch, Loch Goil, Gareloch, the Argyll Hills and a number of Munros on a clear day.
For passengers wishing a spot of handy shopping, Greenock boasts a pedestrianised indoor shopping mall, the Oak Mall, with many high street names, while nearby West Blackhall Street features a host of independent traders. Nearby towns of Gourock and Kilmacolm are home to many small specialist shops.
