St. Magnus Cathedral
Historic building
Ask about step-free entry.
Step by step
Getting ashore
Large ships dock at Hatston pier, about 2 km from Kirkwall with shuttles; smaller ships tender to the town harbour.
- 1Visit St. Magnus
Red sandstone Viking cathedral.
- 2See Neolithic Orkney
Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
- 3Stop at the Italian Chapel
Built by WWII prisoners.
💡 Pro move: Skara Brae tickets can sell out on ship days — book ahead.
Where your ship arrives
Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line
Hatston pier or tender.
| Cruise line / ship | Typical berth / arrival | Dock or tender |
|---|---|---|
| Large ships | Hatston pier | 📍 Docked |
| Smaller ships | Anchor; tenders to Kirkwall harbour | 🚤 Tender |
Typical arrangements only — your ship's berth is confirmed in the daily planner.
These typical arrangements were compiled for this new guide in October 2026 and have not all been independently verified. Map links are location searches, not live ship assignments. Confirm the berth, tender landing and boarding arrangements for your sailing. Read this port’s access notes →
Sail here
Recommended cruises
These cruise lines typically include Kirkwall on their itineraries — tap one to see its sailings in the region.
MSC CruisesStylish European ships with excellent value.See sailings →Norwegian Cruise LineFreestyle cruising — no set dining times, big-ship fun.See sailings →Royal CaribbeanMega-ships packed with thrills — great for families.See sailings →Princess CruisesRelaxed, polished cruising with superb itineraries.See sailings →Oceania CruisesSmall-ship comfort with the finest cuisine at sea.See sailings →Regent Seven SeasAll-inclusive luxury — excursions, drinks and suites.See sailings →SeabournUltra-luxury yachts, all-suite and all-inclusive.See sailings →CunardClassic British elegance, afternoon tea and ocean crossings.See sailings →
Typical lines only — which ships visit changes every season. Live sailings and prices come from Cruise Travellers' booking engine.
Worth your day
Top excursions
Compare access requirements for this port before booking an excursion →
The shore excursions most worth your time in Kirkwall.
Tours booked through Viator, Cruise Travellers' excursion partner. Check the operator’s written return-to-ship policy; a guarantee is not assumed.
No tour needed
Self-guided walks
These are sightseeing suggestions. Distances and walking difficulty labels do not establish a step-free route. Read the port-specific access notes before choosing a route.
🚶 Kirkwall center
1.5 km · 45 min · easy
St. Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces and the harbour.
- Kirkwall harbour
- St Magnus Cathedral
- Bishop's Palace Kirkwall
Pack for your month
Weather & best time to visit
Best time: May–September. Mild and long days; weather changes quickly year-round.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F / 6°C | 35°F / 2°C | 22 |
| Feb | 42°F / 6°C | 34°F / 1°C | 18 |
| Mar | 44°F / 7°C | 35°F / 2°C | 20 |
| Apr | 47°F / 8°C | 37°F / 3°C | 16 |
| May ⭐ | 52°F / 11°C | 41°F / 5°C | 14 |
| Jun ⭐ | 56°F / 13°C | 45°F / 7°C | 13 |
| Jul ⭐ | 59°F / 15°C | 49°F / 9°C | 15 |
| Aug ⭐ | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 15 |
| Sep | 57°F / 14°C | 47°F / 8°C | 18 |
| Oct | 52°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 21 |
| Nov | 47°F / 8°C | 38°F / 3°C | 21 |
| Dec | 44°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 22 |
⭐ = best months to visit. Approximate long-term averages — check the forecast before you sail.
From Melody
Insider tips
- 🌬️Windproof. Orkney is breezy.
- 🎟️Book Skara Brae. Limited timed entry.
- 🥃Two distilleries. Highland Park and Scapa.
- 🧀Orkney cheese. And fudge.
- 🌅Long days. Midsummer light.
From the pier
Getting around
🚗 Ride-share: ❌ Not available
No ride-share; taxis and tours.
No ride-share; taxis and tours.
🚌 ShuttleVaries
Hatston to town.
🚕 Taxi£10–15
Local.
🚐 TourVaries
Neolithic sites.
Prices are typical ranges and change — confirm before you ride.
Keep exploring
Nearby ports
Other port guides close to Kirkwall.
Tours, prices, transport fares and pier assignments change. Always confirm with the operator, your cruise line and your ship's all-aboard time before relying on anything here.
Make it your own
Choose your day in Kirkwall
St. Magnus Cathedral, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel.
First visitSkara Brae. Build around one priority, then confirm admission, transfers and time ashore.
Explore independently🚶 Kirkwall center. Published walking routes are ideas, not verified step-free routes.
A slower dayChoose one stop with seating and a confirmed return transfer. Ask the operator for the actual distance from the vehicle to the entrance.
Advisor planning lensNeolithic Orkney is world-class — prioritize it.
Port-specific access notes
Mobility & accessibility in Kirkwall
Hatston docking avoids tenders; ancient sites have grass paths.
Planning notes prepared October 25, 2026 for this new guide. Operator access statements have not yet been individually checked, and this is not an on-site access audit. Access can change with the ship, berth, equipment and operating conditions.
Attractions and excursions: what changes the choice
Skara Brae
Paved and grass paths
The visitor center is accessible; site paths vary.
A practical way to plan this port
Planning suggestion: Book an accessible coach to Skara Brae's visitor center.
Confirm before booking
- Is your ship docking at Hatston?
- Is the coach accessible?
Detailed access-planning questions · Save these arrangements in your day plan
Discuss my access needsPrivate · Personal · Thoughtfully paced
Curated Ashore — Kirkwall
Turn the interests in this guide into a private shore-day brief. These are ideas to discuss with Melody, not confirmed bookable products.
A private take on a local highlightAsk about Skara Brae with a private guide, a flexible pace and a clearly agreed meeting point.
A day built around your interestsRequest food, culture, scenery or a quieter outing. Specify your budget, group size, walking comfort and ship schedule.
Before booking, request the named operator, inclusions, vehicle specification, entry tickets, cancellation terms and a written return plan. Private access, special entry and availability must be confirmed.
Request a Curated Ashore proposal Book a consultationYour day, your pace
Build your Kirkwall port-day plan
Save a personal checklist on this device, then print it or share your brief with Melody. Times are your inputs in ship time; this tool does not calculate travel times or guarantee return.
Plans stay in this browser when storage is available. Email opens your own mail app; nothing is submitted automatically.
Information Status
Confirm piers, fares, transfers, admission, tour duration and assistance with your cruise line and the relevant operator. Weather tables are indicative averages, not a forecast. Report a correction.