linedancer 73

I've been twice to Orkney on a Cruise Ship.  First time we hired a car and did The Italian Chapel, Skara Brae and the Standing Stones.  The weather was just beautiful that day.  The second time it poured all day so we just stayed in Kirkwall.  I looked at the Bishop's Palace and the Cathedral while my other half went to the Town Hall just across the road and enjoyed the coffee and wifi.  There was a Craft Fair upstairs where many local crafters sold their wares.  Apparently they do this quite often when the cruise ships come in.  We will visit again in June this year and will again hire a car to go to some of the other places.  Orkney certainly welcomes the cruise ships and I'm sure you will have a lovely day there.

On 2/10/2019 at 6:25 AM, John Bull said:

Cullen Skink is offered in many establishments.

I think it's some sort of fish broth, but the name put me off 

 

JB 

Cullen Skink is Delicious, also Chowder.  Both are a sort of creamy fish soup.

I would book tickets for the castle in advance as often long queues at the ticket office.

There is a programme on BBC at the moment, a police drama set in Shetland. If you live in UK you may get it on the I-Player. Wonderful scenery. If you have time visit the Shetland Folk Museum. A walk or taxi ride from the harbour.

Shetland Islands is Pounds. Most places will accept credit cards but it would be handy to have a little cash, perhaps for coffee etc.

We took the drinks package on Marco Polo last year and thought it worthwhile. I think a glass of wine or a cocktail was around £5.

Another question. Someone recently told me there are little trains in some of the Norwegian Ports. We have used these in France and found them a good way to get around the small towns.

Thanks for the Info. I am going in August so look forward to hearing how you got on.

I posted on another thread about Orkney and Stornoway.

Hope I am not too late. I can only answer for Stornoway and Orkney. Last year I visited Stornoway and we tendered to shore. Stornoway is a small town easily walkable. There are buses to Callenish where you can see the standing stones. Orkney - Last year the port authorities provided a shuttle bus to Kirkwall where there is lots to see. This year we tendered to shore. Again there are buses to places of interest but it depends how long you have. Last year we hired a car and managed to see The Italian Chapel, The Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, have lunch at Skara Brae and be back in Kirkwall by 2pm.

We did not try but as far as I know they did not search our suitcases. They did not scan our bags after shore visits. We took the all inclusive drinks package which was well worth it and we could sit in comfort in the bars rather than in our cabin.

Have a look at the Wine Package. We were on Marco Polo last year and found it worthwhile. You dont need to book it in advance, you get a book of vouchers for wine and water. We found it saved us buying water at £1.99 for the cabin.

Not sure about bringing wine on board. Last year we had a few miniatures of whisky and port and nobody checked our suitcase. I would advise the wine and water package as you can take the wine anywhere on the ship including your cabin. It works out that the water is free. The water in your cabin is £1.99 a bottle.

We cruised last year with CMV and were pleasantly surprised after reading some bad reviews. We were on Discovery which is no longer in service. We are going on Marco Polo to Iceland this year and hope for just as good an experience. I like the smaller ships as they are more friendly. The crew were very friendly and helpful and the food and accommodation excellent.

Thank you Sharon for your reply. My first cruise was on Funchal and I really enjoyed the small ship. I hope you enjoy your trip. I tried to do a review on Discovery but received an email saying I had not written enough. I seem to have lost the em ail giving guidelines. Is it possible to send it again.

We also took a taxi to the top of the hill. The driver knew exactly where to drop the tourists. I think that was the best way to see Tallin. We even saw a wedding!

I booked a Cruise to Scottish Islands and Faroes after seeing a special offer in the Sunday Post. After paying the deposit I stupidly looked up Cruise Critic. Big mistake. Yes the ship is old but clean, comfortable and excellent crewe. All very helpful and pleasant. The shows in the evening were excellent and the food was first class. We were in an inside cabin and although small was adequate with plenty room for all our clothes. The first 3 evenings we sat out on the deck in the sunshine admiring the stunning scenery. However on the third night came the announcement that due to winds of 45 knots we would not be able to go to the Faroe Islands. Big disappointment for everyone, however it was no fault of the ship. We went to Invergordon in the north east of Scotland instead. By the time we arrived in Stornoway the next day it was indeed blowing a gale but we managed to tender ashore. To sum up an excellent cruise so don't listen to all the moaners on Cruise Critic. The ship can't help the weather and apparently even the Queen Victoria could not go to the Faroes!

Hope you enjoyed your overnight cruise. We joined in Greenock and had a great time.

I have just returned from a cruise on Discovery and heard that it is being taken out of service by Cruise and Maritime. In his speech on Captain's night he talked about her being a grand old lady. It would be a shame as we had a lovely cruise.

Would recommend the hop on hop off bus in Glasgow. Best way to see the city in limited time.

I am interested in this post as we have one day in Kirkwall. I have organised a hired car and hope to see The Italian Chapel, Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar. The Car hire company said this is possible so here's hoping. Will post once we have been.

I Scotland anything from 12/13 degrees to around 21 degrees. We have a saying 4 seasons in one day. Hope you are lucky and get a nice sunny day.

The time of boarding should be on your ticket. I am joining the ship in Greenock. Enjoy your overnight cruise.