Kirkwall Cruises
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for 'Church Bay', relating to the town's 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway.
Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney's turbulent past.[ReadMoreMob] The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.
Don't miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it's fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.
Top Experiences
Neolithic Orkney
The group of Neolithic monuments on Orkney consists of a large chambered tomb (Maes Howe), two ceremonial stone circles (the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar), and a settlement (Skara Brae), together with a number of excavated burial, ceremonial and settlement sites.
Skara Brae, on the shores of the bay of Skaill, is reputed to be the best-preserved Stone Age village in Europe. Skara Brae is accorded the same status as the pyramids in Egypt, however, the village is in fact much older, dating from 3200BC compared to 2700BC when the building of the pyramids began.
The spellbinding Ring of Brodgar arguably the most iconic symbol of Orkney's prehistoric past. It is a site of ritual and ceremony, an archaeological treasure and without doubt, one of the islands' most visited attractions.
Cruises to Kirkwall
Classic Norwegian Fjords • S2208
- Experience the unique seasonal wonder of Norway
- Witness Fureberg Waterfall at its most powerful
- A chance to take a fjord kayak tour on glassy waters
Natural Wonders of Iceland • T2209
- Search for Whales in their natural habitat
- Visit the Gulfuss & Godafoss waterfalls
- Spot Puffins & Arctic Terns on Vigur Island
Scenic Orkneys & Shetlands in Five Nights • L2214
- Scenic cruising past coastal sea stacks
- Spot local wildlife including a variety of seabirds
- Explore Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands
Scenic Isles of the UK • T2212
- Visit the UK’s most hard-to-reach islands
- Marvel at wildlife in natural habitats
- Explore off the beaten track on remote islands
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2215
- Scenic cruise by impressive Fingal’s Cave
- Calls into remote Islands, such as Orkney
- View seabirds & sea stacks on the Isle of Skye
Scenic Isles of Scotland • S2215BFS
- Scenic cruise by impressive Fingal’s Cave
- Calls into remote Islands, such as Orkney
- View seabirds & sea stacks on the Isle of Skye
Scenic Isles of Scotland • T2215
- Scenic cruise by Fingal’s Cave & Dutchman’s Cap
- Visit remote islands of Bute, Orkney & Shetlands
- Spot seabirds on St. Kilda & the Shetlands
Scenic British Isles • T2217A
- Discover the beauty, history and wildlife of rugged and remote Scottish isles.
- Look out for native seabirds in Shetland, Orkney and on the Isle of Skye, plus seek-out their historic sites.
- Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too.
Scenic Isles and Lochs of Scotland • T2219
- Scenic cruise the picturesque Sound of Mull
- Explore the remote Orkney & Shetland Islands
- Explore Loch Ness from Invergordon
UK Scenic Isles & Celtic Cities • M2228
- Visit remote islands of Scilly, Shetland & Orkney
- Explore beautiful Cornwall from Falmouth
- Experience scenic cruising by Fingal’s Cave
- NB: This cruise will be sailing on board Balmoral
