Lerwick is Britain’s most northerly cruise ship destination. Situated in the heart of the North Sea, it’s the perfect gateway for Faroe, Iceland and Norway, as well as the Scottish mainland and Europe.
A warm welcome awaits all our cruise ship visitors, whether you’re staying a few days or just a few short hours. You will be bowled over by Shetland’s stunning coastal landscapes and rugged natural beauty. There is plenty to see and do here too. From wildlife spotting with experts and tours of world-class heritage sites, to shopping for local arts and crafts and leisurely coastal walks, Shetland really does have something for everyone.
Upon arrival in Lerwick, visitors can explore the town easily by foot, bus or taxi. Highlights include a walk through the old town, where you’ll find The Lodberrie – best known as the home of fictional detective Jimmy Perez from the Shetland TV series, as well as a bustling high street selling a range of artisan produce, including our famous Shetland knitwear.
If you are planning a cruise visit to Shetland and would like to know more about things to do when you get here, such as planning a tour or booking an activity, or getting around, you can find all the information you need on the Shetland Cruise website.
"After a half day tour of the lighthouse, Viking ruins and watching seals, we then had a walk through the town of Lerwick which shows both the beautiful old town and a new modern area.”
Shore Excursions
Excursions can also be arranged to scenic spots and visitor attractions across the islands. For example, a trip to Sumburgh Head, a breath-taking seabird colony and lighthouse in the South Mainland and Mousa Broch, an island boasting the world’s best preserved Iron Age broch. You can see samples of popular shore excursion itineraries that may be offered by your cruise line below.
With a culture steeped in both Nordic and Scottish history, Shetland really is a place like no other and, for that reason, an essential stop on any cruise ship itinerary.
Learn stories of smugglers, fisherman, Vikings and fictional detectives as you walk around Lerwick, Shetland’s bustling capital.
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Pay a visit to Shetland’s historic capital and then marvel at a patchwork of islands and inlets from one of Shetland’s most spectacular viewpoints.
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The peninsula, which runs 25 miles south from Lerwick, has some of Shetland's most attractive scenery and an extraordinary concentration of archaeological sites.
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Explore the dramatic cliffs of Eshaness and see where the Atlantic Ocean almost cuts through the land to meet the North Sea at Mavis Grind.
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