Things to do in the Shetland Islands
This isn’t some cozy Scottish village with polite charm. Lerwick is the real deal — sea-lashed, windbitten and proud of it. When you land here, you’re stepping into 5,000 years of salt and unconquerable human tenacity.
Shore excursions to explore in Shetland Islands
Shetland surprises in the best way — rugged landscapes wrapped around a community that loves to celebrate. From Lerwick, its small but spirited capital, you’ll find festivals, music and traditions woven into everyday life. These excursions bring you into the heart of that culture and the wild scenery that inspires it.
Experience the Lerwick port on your next cruise
When your British Isles or European cruise anchors offshore in the Shetland Islands cruise, you’ll board tenders that whisk you to Victoria Pier near downtown Lerwick. Some smaller ships dock directly at Holmsgarth or Mair’s Pier, and free shuttle buses carry guests the rest of the way. Stepping onto the quay, you'll find the town compact, walkable and ready with shops, culture, sea air and that sense you’ve landed on a different plane — one draped in wind and history.
Discover the Shetland Islands on your next cruise
Dare to cruise to Shetland Islands with Princess Cruises® and experience an archipelago that defies expectation. Here, local culture isn’t curated behind glass — it's lived in wool, sea spray, craft and myth. From the Norse skeletons of Jarlshof to the bird cliffs of Sumburgh, your senses will stretch to match the land’s scale. This is Shetland: raw, bold, beautiful and entirely unafraid to be itself. Let your next Shetland Islands cruise change how you see the edge of the world.
Walk through the stone passageways of the Laird’s House, where Shetland’s ancient past whispers from every wall.
Two visitors explore historic stone croft houses with thatched roofs along Shetland's dramatic coastline, where centuries-old architecture meets the timeless beauty of the North Atlantic.
A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.
Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.
Discover our ships
Whatever adventure you decide to embrace in the Shetland Islands you can be sure that the journey to and from will be just as memorable.
Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards.
No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.
Cruises to Shetland Islands FAQs
*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.
Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels
Cruise deals and promotions
Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.
Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.
?qlt=82&ts=1726747413489)
You may also like
British Isles cruises
Land of storybook settings, megalithic, monuments and legendary lores.
Scandinavia & Baltic cruises
Royal palaces, ancient art and celebrated history of Baltic ports.
Mediterranean cruises
Rich flavors, thriving culture and long history fills this regions.