Lerwick

With its own intrinsic beauty and sheltered deep water harbour, Lerwick is one of Scotland’s top cruise destinations, ideally located as a midway port on cruises between Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway and the Scottish mainland and Europe. Cruise Ships up to 205m in length berth alongside, while larger ships anchor with passengers just minutes away from a modern floating landing stage and welcome ashore pavilion located in the heart of Lerwick's Town Centre. 

Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment. The location of the islands has contributed to the evolution of spectacular scenery and geology, bird life, sea mammals, wonderful beaches and of course the worldfamous miniature ponies that can be seen throughout the islands.

The main shopping areas in Lerwick are close to hand and provide relaxing and pleasant shopping excursions for cruise passengers and crews. A wide range of shops provide browsing opportunities amongst a collection of high quality exclusive gifts including Shetland knitwear, ceramics, jewellery, confectionery and crafts.

Shetland is renowned for its Scandinavian and Scottish heritage and has many archaeological sites. Shore excursion specialists, Island Vista, continue to develop new experiences for the cruise market. Amongst the unique attractions available are excursions to Mousa Island, which boasts the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland and also to Jarlshof, which has been described as one of the most remarkable archeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles.

Lerwick Port Authority supports a 'Meet and Greet' service that provides a personal onboard and onshore welcome to cruise passengers and crew, complemented by traditional Shetland music on the quayside. A shuttle bus to and from the Town Centre for ships berthed at Holmsgarth and basic orientation information and advice on independent activities is available to guests not taking part in pre-arranged shore excursions.