Hatston — the main deepwater berth
Hatston is Orkney’s principal cruise berth for larger vessels. It sits roughly two miles from Kirkwall town centre. On published harbour lists you will often see berths labelled Hatston (for example Hatston 1A/B). A shuttle typically connects Hatston with Kirkwall during call days — exact timing, frequency, and whether your ship or the port operates it can vary, so treat “shuttle available” as the usual pattern rather than a guaranteed timetable we can promise here.
Kirkwall Bay, North piers, and tender calls
Some ships are listed against Kirkwall Bay, Kirkwall North, or related town-side berths. Bay listings often imply anchorage with tendering to shore; smaller vessels may use closer facilities when draft and traffic allow. Do not assume every call is Hatston with a coach-bay transfer — check your ship’s daily programme and the harbour list for that date.
Getting into Kirkwall
From a Hatston shuttle drop in town you are usually within walking distance of St Magnus Cathedral, the harbour front, shops, and cafés. Taxis and local buses serve the wider Mainland; west-coast Neolithic sites (Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar area) are a meaningful drive — not a short stroll from the pier.
Weather and Orkney realism
Atlantic weather can slow tenders, shuffle berthing plans, or close exposed sites. Build flexibility into any west Mainland itinerary and always keep a conservative return buffer to Hatston or the tender pontoon.