Stornoway

Stornoway, Scotland

Stornoway Cruise Port Guide

The Port of Stornoway is the main seaport of the Outer Hebrides, located in the largest town on the Isle of Lewis and Harris. It serves as a vital hub for fishing, ferry services, and increasingly, as a destination for cruise ships.

As a cruise port, Stornoway offers an intimate and authentic Scottish island experience. It is a gateway to the region's rich Gaelic culture, dramatic landscapes, and world-renowned archaeological sites. The port is well-equipped to handle small and mid-sized expedition and luxury vessels, providing visitors with direct access to the charm of the town and the rugged beauty of the island.

Stornoway
Stornoway

Key Stornoway Port Information

🏛️ Top Attractions & Excursions

The most famous attraction is the Callanish Stones, a magnificent prehistoric stone circle dating back to the Neolithic era. Located about a 30-minute drive from Stornoway, this site is often compared to Stonehenge and offers a powerful glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Overlooking the harbour and within walking distance of the port is Lews Castle, a stunning Gothic revival castle set in beautiful grounds. The castle houses a museum that tells the story of the Outer Hebrides and its people, including showcasing some of the famous Lewis Chessmen.

For a unique cultural experience, visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, about a 40-minute drive away. This restored coastal crofting village features traditional thatched-roof houses and demonstrates the way of life on the island in previous centuries. Another excellent example is the Arnol Blackhouse, a preserved historic dwelling.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

🗺️ Nearby Cities & Attractions

A popular excursion is to the northernmost point of the island to see the Butt of Lewis, which features a distinctive unpainted brick lighthouse and dramatic coastal scenery. The drive from Stornoway takes approximately 45-50 minutes each way.

While technically the same landmass, the southern part of the island, known as Harris, offers a different landscape of mountains and spectacular beaches. A trip to see the famous Luskentyre Sands can be a longer day trip, taking over an hour to drive each way, but is renowned for its vast expanse of white sand and turquoise water.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

📍 Port Location

The Port of Stornoway is ideally located, with its main cruise ship berth (Number 3 Berth) situated adjacent to the town centre. From the gangway, it is a very short and easy walk of just 5 to 10 minutes into the heart of Stornoway, where you'll find shops, cafes, the tourist information centre, and Lews Castle grounds.

On occasion, particularly for very large vessels or if the primary berth is occupied, ships may anchor in the bay. In these cases, passengers are brought ashore via tender boats to the marina, which is also conveniently located in the town centre.

Due to the port's proximity to town, shuttle buses are generally not required or provided.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

💰 Local Currency

The official currency in Stornoway is the Pound Sterling (GBP), often denoted by the symbol £.

While Scotland issues its own banknotes, they are a form of Pound Sterling and are legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. However, it's advisable to try and spend them within Scotland as they can sometimes be difficult to exchange back home.

Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are readily available in the town centre for cash withdrawals. US Dollars and Euros are not generally accepted, so exchanging currency or using an ATM is recommended.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

⚠️ Safety Considerations

Stornoway and the Isle of Lewis are considered extremely safe, with a very low crime rate. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring the town and surrounding areas independently.

The primary safety considerations are related to the natural environment and unpredictable weather. If you plan to hike or explore coastal paths, wear sturdy footwear, dress in layers, and carry waterproof gear. Always be mindful of changing tides and take care near cliff edges, as conditions can become windy and slippery. There are no specific areas to avoid, and guided tours are a matter of convenience rather than a safety necessity.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

☀️ Weather & Climate

The main cruise season for Stornoway runs from spring through early autumn (May to September). The climate is maritime, meaning it is mild but highly changeable, and it's often said you can experience all four seasons in one day.

Summer average temperatures typically range from 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F). Rain is possible at any time of year, and windy conditions are common. It is essential to pack layers, including a warm sweater or fleece and a waterproof, wind-resistant jacket. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring. In summer, especially on calm, damp evenings, small biting insects known as midges can be present, so packing insect repellent is a good idea.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

🚕 Getting Around

Stornoway's town centre is compact and easily explored on foot directly from the cruise berth or tender dock.

For destinations further afield, such as the Callanish Stones, taxis are available but should ideally be pre-booked, especially on busy cruise days. There is also a local bus service that departs from the bus station in the town centre, connecting Stornoway with other villages on the island. You can find schedules on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (local council) website.

Ride-sharing services like Uber are not available on the island. Many cruise passengers opt for the convenience of organized shore excursions or private tours to ensure they can visit the more remote sites within their port time.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

🛍️ Shopping

The main shopping area in Stornoway is concentrated along Cromwell Street and the adjacent lanes in the town centre. The shopping experience is characterized by small, independent shops rather than large chains.

The most sought-after local product is authentic Harris Tweed, the world-famous handwoven fabric that is protected by an Act of Parliament. You can find a wide range of Harris Tweed items, from jackets and bags to accessories and home furnishings. Other local specialties include Scottish knitwear, local pottery, Hebridean-made jewelry, and food products like Stornoway black pudding and smoked salmon. Prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable.

Last updated on June 23, 2025

Visiting Stornoway Cruise Deals

13 Night Portsmouth to Portsmouth cruise
August 17, 2025
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
S M L XL
Portsmouth Amsterdam Zeebrugge Kirkwall Stornoway Glasgow Belfast Dublin Portsmouth
$1,431
$110 per day
Inside
12 Night London to London cruise
June 9, 2026
12 Night British Isles Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.62/5)
Cunard Queen Anne
S M L XL
London Edinburgh Invergordon Stornoway Isle of Skye Oban Belfast Liverpool Cork London
$1,659
$138 per day
Inside
12 Night London to London cruise
August 1, 2025
Regal Princess
S M L XL
London Kirkwall Invergordon Stornoway Glasgow Belfast Cork Portland Paris London
$1,527
$127 per day
Inside
17 Night Hamburg to Hamburg cruise
July 14, 2025
Costa Favolosa
S M L XL
Hamburg Stornoway Seydisfjordur Akureyri Isafjordur Longyearbyen Honningsvag Tromsø Maloy Hamburg
$2,405
$141 per day
Inside
12 Night London to London cruise
June 28, 2026
Carnival Legend
S M L XL
London Belfast Stornoway Reykjavik Grundarfjordur Akureyri Seydisfjordur Kirkwall London
$1,709
$142 per day
Inside

Upcoming Cruises to Stornoway Cruise Deals

13 Night Portsmouth to Portsmouth cruise
August 17, 2025
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
S M L XL
Portsmouth Amsterdam Zeebrugge Kirkwall Stornoway Glasgow Belfast Dublin Portsmouth
$1,431
$110 per day
Inside
12 Night London to London cruise
August 1, 2025
Regal Princess
S M L XL
London Kirkwall Invergordon Stornoway Glasgow Belfast Cork Portland Paris London
$1,527
$127 per day
Inside
17 Night Hamburg to Hamburg cruise
July 14, 2025
Costa Favolosa
S M L XL
Hamburg Stornoway Seydisfjordur Akureyri Isafjordur Longyearbyen Honningsvag Tromsø Maloy Hamburg
$2,405
$141 per day
Inside
14 Night London to London cruise
September 1, 2025
Emerald Princess
S M L XL
London Falmouth Cork Reykjavik Grundarfjordur Isafjordur Akureyri Kirkwall Stornoway Belfast London
$3,164
$226 per day
Suite
12 Night Copenhagen to Dublin cruise
August 13, 2025
12 Night Scotland Intensive Voyage
CruiseScore™ (5.00/5)
Azamara Journey
S M L XL
Copenhagen Edinburgh Aberdeen Invergordon Lerwick Kirkwall Stornoway Oban Glasgow Douglas Dublin
$2,739
$228 per day
Inside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Stornoway port area
Stornoway port location
Princess ship
Celebrity ship
Oceania ship In port
Viking Ocean Cruises ship

Showing 4 ships in the area

No ships scheduled in port today.

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Stornoway

Prices are about the same throughout the year. Overall Stornoway is extremely inexpensive as a port of call. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Stornoway.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
$180
May
$273
Jun
$163
Jul
$178
Aug
$157
Sep
$223
Oct
Nov
Dec

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