Kirkwall is the largest town on the Orkney Islands. Ships either berth at Hatston Pier or anchor in Kirkwall Bay. When alongside at Hatston, you disembark into a working commercial port roughly two miles from town. When at anchor, tenders bring passengers ashore before the same transfer pattern begins.
Most people make a quick exit from the pier. Kirkwall is small and easy to get around, but the big-name archaeological sites are scattered across Orkney. Early on, you’ll find yourself choosing: wander the streets around St Magnus Cathedral, or jump on a coach and head out into the Neolithic heart of the island.
Arrival and Docking
Hatston Pier is the primary deep-water berth. It can accommodate some of the largest cruise vessels operating around Britain. The pier sits north of Kirkwall town centre and functions as a commercial port rather than a promenade.
Once you’re off the ship, you’ll find yourself in a fenced-off area with coaches lined up in neat rows. If you’re not on a tour, you can join the queue for the free shuttle into town, or sort out your own ride. Walking the two miles from Hatston is possible, but most people don’t bother unless they’re feeling energetic.
When anchorage is used, tenders operate from inner or outer positions in Kirkwall Bay. Once ashore, passenger flow follows the same pattern – shuttle, taxi, or tour coach.
Cruise Docking Specifications
• 4 cruise berths in wider Kirkwall area
• Hatston Pier – 385m LOA / 10.5m draught
• Town centre approx. 2 miles from Hatston
• Anchorage available in Kirkwall Bay and Stromness
Air draught and ship width are unrestricted.
Passenger Flow
As soon as the gangways drop, groups start to gather and coaches fill up fast. Most people head out in the first wave, so the pier empties quickly.
There’s a free shuttle bus from Hatston into Kirkwall, and the queue builds up gradually rather than all at once. Most people head out early to avoid waiting around.
Taxis are available, but there aren’t many compared to the number of coaches. If you’re hoping to visit places like Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar on your own, it’s best to have your transport sorted in advance.
Once the first coach wave leaves, the pier area quietens.
Staying Local in Kirkwall
Kirkwall is easy to explore on foot. The centre is compact, with St Magnus Cathedral right at its heart. Shops, cafés, and narrow streets all gather around the Cathedral, making it a natural starting point.
You can easily fill two or three hours in town. The Cathedral, small museums, and independent shops give you plenty to do without needing to arrange any transport. The ground is flat and easy to manage.
Kirkwall isn’t a big town – there are no sprawling shopping districts or long waterfront promenades. Everything feels close-knit and contained, which suits anyone looking for a relaxed day without much travel.
Excursion Reality
Most tours head west towards Orkney’s prehistoric sites. Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe sit across the island. These are not adjacent to Kirkwall town. Road time is built into every itinerary.
The Italian Chapel requires travel south towards the Churchill Barriers. Scapa Flow Museum and sites on Hoy require additional transfers.
The day becomes coach-led once you leave Kirkwall. Distances are not extreme, but stops are dispersed. A full excursion often covers multiple sites before returning to Hatston in sequence with shuttle and embarkation timing.
For a wider look at how this port compares with others on similar itineraries, see the full Scotland Cruise Guide. Orkney, Kirkwall, is usually one of the stops before or after anchoring in Lerwick, the Shetland Isles. It can also be part of a Northern Europe cruise itinerary that include Norway, Iceland, and Greenland.
What Passengers Misjudge
Distance is the first factor. Kirkwall town is compact. Orkney is not. Archaeological landmarks sit across open ground rather than within walking range of the pier.
The second is transport dependency. There are no trains. There are no dual carriageways or fixed traffic light systems across the islands. Public transport is limited in frequency. Cruise schedules do not align neatly with rural bus timetables.
Weather affects open sites more than the pier area. Standing stone circles and coastal viewpoints offer little shelter. Conditions inland can differ from what you experienced stepping off the ship.
Passengers who stay within Kirkwall rarely encounter timing pressure. Those covering multiple sites independently need tighter planning.
Who This Port Suits
Kirkwall is ideal if you want easy access to Orkney’s big historic sites with everything organised for you.
If you’re keen on Neolithic archaeology or World War history, booking a tour makes life much simpler. The sites are spread out, and the coach routes are designed to cover the ground efficiently.
If you’d rather keep things simple and avoid road travel, Kirkwall’s town centre is perfect. The Cathedral, shops, and local cafés are all within easy walking distance once you’re off the shuttle.
Trying to visit several sites around the island on your own, without booking transport ahead, is a gamble with your time.
Kirkwall Cruise Port at a Glance
• Dock or Tender: Berth at Hatston or anchor in Kirkwall Bay
• Distance to Town: Approx. 2 miles (shuttle available)
• Typical Day Pattern: Majority depart on excursions
• Terrain: Flat in town, open and exposed at rural sites
• Best For: Neolithic archaeology and heritage tours
Image attibution:
Picture: Cruise Ship at Kirkwall Andy Farrington, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Picture: Cruise ship at Kirkwall Colin Park, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Scott grew up in South Queensferry and knows the town like the back of his hand. He writes practical travel guides based on lived experience — tender days, cruise traffic, shortcuts into Edinburgh, local food spots, and the quirks only residents notice. His articles focus on clear directions, accurate timings, and grounded advice for visitors exploring Queensferry and the east of Scotland.