What dates are cruise ships visiting Shetland in 2024?

Every summer, Shetland welcomes thousands of visitors to the islands, and many arrive by cruise ship. Often up to 230 metres in length, these impressive cruise ships dock around the island, most commonly in Lerwick at Mair's Pier or Holmsgarth 5.

Shetland is becoming one of the top destinations in Scotland for cruise ships, offering a unique blend of Scottish life and Nordic traditions.

Although most cruises only stay for 1 day, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a month-long visit, as from mid-April to late September, Shetland is visited almost daily by cruises from around the world. Cruises can lend a buzzing atmosphere to the islands and support local tour operators, shops and restaurants.

The full timetable for when cruise ships are visiting Shetland this year can be found on the Lerwick Port Authority website.

Helpful Tips for Cruise Ship Days

• Book ahead: Avoid disappointment and book ahead when planning meals, tours and activities in Shetland. Many places in Shetland offer online booking services. Of course, you’ll never need to book a beautiful walk; discover some of Europe's best walking routes with Promote Shetland’s walking guide.
• Be ready for any sort of weather: Like much of Scotland, Shetland is famous for its temperamental climate. While the day may start off grey and wet, by the afternoon it could be hitting the high teens and blue skies. Dress with layers to ensure you can take off, or put on, jumpers and jackets as the weather shifts.
• Get out of town: While Lerwick offers some great things to see and do, including the five-star Shetland Museum and Archives, there is so much more to Shetland than its capitol. Use the Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick to discover more of the islands and avoid the busy town centre.
• Double-check opening times: Nothing is worse than picking out your dream locally made gansey, deciding to come back for it later and then discovering at five o’clock the shop closed at four! Many local businesses use Instagram and Facebook for opening times information so remember to check out their socials to avoid missing out on local treats!

If you're visiting Shetland on a cruise this summer, make the most of your visit by checking out our dedicated cruise site.