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Invergordon Cruise Port

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Welcome to Invergordon Cruise Port

Do Cruise Ships Go to Invergordon?

In 2024 there were 118 cruise ships booked in to visit starting on the 3rd of April and ending in mid-October. The largest ship this year was MSC Prescioza with 4,000 guests and 1300 crew.

Invergordon cruise ship port is located within the Cromarty Firth, a large sheltered area of the North Sea. The cruise port is the main port for attractions such as Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Cawdor Castle, and Inverness.

Invergordon Cruise Ship Port

Invergordon cruise ship port is located within the Cromarty Firth, a large sheltered area of the North Sea. This cruise port is the main gateway for attractions such as:

  • Loch Ness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Dunrobin Castle
  • Cawdor Castle
  • Inverness

Docking Information

Most ships dock at the service base, which is an industrial dock. This setup allows ships to come right alongside the pier.

Some larger ships, such as the Queen Mary 2, require deeper water underneath. These ships dock at West Harbour, which mainly serves wind turbines. Guests cannot walk from the ship into the town; they must take a shuttle bus.

In 2025, the Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to visit Invergordon twice.

Cruise Lines

Many cruise lines visit Invergordon, including:

  • Mein Schiff
  • Princess Cruises
  • SAGA
  • Carnival
  • Costa
  • Ambassador

For a full list of cruise lines, check out this article.

Important Note

It is important to note that Invergordon is not the same as Inverness. Some cruise lines refer to Invergordon Port as Invergordon (Inverness), which can confuse guests. Invergordon is the nearest port accessible for larger ships, but Inverness is 30 miles away.

Invergordon Cruise Port

Invergordon Cruise Port is not solely used as a cruise ship port.

It is also a busy industrial area supporting oil and gas energy and now increasingly working with renewable energy.

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Invergordon Cruise Terminal

Invergordon Location and Attractions

What To Do in Invergordon Cruise Port?

There is plenty to do in Invergordon for a morning or afternoon, along with some pleasant walks. There are also plenty of shore excursion options.

Invergordon is a small town in the Highlands of Scotland. It sits next to the Cromarty Firth and has a population of about 4,000 people. Many cruise ships that dock in Invergordon have a larger number of passengers than the town itself!

A Rich History

Invergordon has an interesting history. It became an official naval base in 1912. You can still see many remnants of buildings from this time, especially Admiralty Pier.

Local Attractions

Invergordon has a small high street that is just a 5-minute walk from the cruise ship berth. The town also features a pleasant shoreline with a footpath that connects to its neighboring town of Alness, which is about 3 miles away.

Mural Trail and Museum

Around Invergordon, you can explore a mural trail that showcases local stories, activities, and history. There is also a small but fascinating museum that is free to visit.

Location

Invergordon is located:

  • 25 miles North of Inverness
  • 98 miles South of John O’Groats
  • On the East Coast of Scotland

It is part of Ross-Shire, which is in the Highlands of Scotland. The Highlands make up one-third of Scotland’s landmass.

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Invergordon Port

Attractions at Invergordon Cruise Port


Natural Attractions in the Area

Does Invergordon Have a Beach?

The beach is located beside the Cromarty Firth Port Authority Service Base. If you walk towards Alness from Invergordon you will see the beach on the left-hand side. It is also a good place to do some bird watching.

Discover the Wildlife of Cromarty Firth

The wildlife of the Cromarty Firth is a great natural attraction.

Marine Life

  • Dolphins live at the entrance to the Cromarty Firth. Some cruise ships offer dolphin spotting trips to see them.
  • Seals are found at the opposite end of the firth. They are often spotted hauled out on rocks or sandbars, enjoying the sunshine.

Birdlife

There is plenty of birdlife, including a large number of seabirds:

  • Terns are common around the cruise port. These feisty birds are great parents and will vigorously defend their nests when they have chicks.
  • Oystercatchers are often seen along the shoreline. These black and white birds make a shrill call.
  • Herons can also be seen along the shoreline, standing still until they spear a small fish with their long beak.
  • There are also wading birds and large numbers of geese.

In the summer months, an Osprey lives in Cromarty Firth. Look out for it if you are heading to Inverness – it lives near the Cromarty Causeway, the long bridge you cross to get to the other side of the Cromarty Firth.

Walking Trails

There are some nice walks in the area:

Saltburn Woods

  • Saltburn Woods is a popular walk with cruise ship guests. This small community woodland is also loved by locals and dog walkers.

Invergordon to Alness Route

  • There is a walking route that runs between Invergordon and Alness. This route is popular with locals, cyclists, and joggers. It offers some nice views across the Cromarty Firth.

Invergordon Cruise Ship

Shopping Near The Cruise Port

There are several shops on Invergordon High Street. Here are some options you can explore:

  • A Post Office
  • Two charity shops: One supports local community projects, and the other features a local artist selling a wide range of artworks.
  • Two household stores: They sell everything from home items to wool.
  • Two gift shops: One sells items made by locally craftspeople
  • A newsagent
  • A pharmacy: Offers a wide range of toiletries and healthcare products, including medications.
  • A small supermarket: Sells food, drink, toiletries, local beers, and Scottish whisky.
  • A sweet shop
  • A frozen food supermarket

Read More

Invergordon Cruise

Dining Options in Invergordon

During the daytime, there are several options for eating and drinking available:

Rasho’s Cafe

  • Location: High Street
  • Owners: Fay and Rasho, a local couple
  • Menu Includes:
    • Breakfasts and breakfast rolls
    • Soup and toasted sandwiches
    • Meals such as macaroni cheese, pizza, and kebabs
    • Coffee, tea, and soft drinks
  • Additional Perk: Free WIFI

(I like the breakfasts which are served all day)

Clootie McToots

  • Location: High Street
  • Menu Includes:
    • Hot rolls
    • Drinks
    • Hot Sandwiches
    • Cakes

Grab N Go

  • Location: Newsagents on the High Street
  • Menu Includes:
    • Hot rolls
    • Drinks
    • Sandwiches
    • Ice cream

Harry Gow

  • Type: Local Highland baker
  • Specialty: Everything made from scratch
  • Menu Includes:
    • Freshly made rolls
    • Soups
    • Cakes
    • Hot and cold drinks to takeaway

The Co-operative Supermarket

  • Menu Includes:
    • Sandwich and salad selection
    • Hot food counter with sausage rolls, hot pies, and cakes
    • Costa Coffee machine

Evening Dining

Most restaurants in Invergordon open in the evening when most cruise ships have departed.

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What to Do in Invergordon Cruise Port

Invergordon Things To Do

Invergordon Golf Club

Invergordon Golf Club

Fancy playing a spot of golf? Invergordon has a lovely golf club within easy walking distance of the cruise port. Check out their website for all you need to know and to book your visit.

Invergordon Museum

Invergordon Museum is open for every cruise ship visit. This small but interesting museum is located in a lovely community building. Teas and coffees are generally available too.

Don?t miss:

  • Interesting books on local history
  • The mural on the sea-facing wall of the museum

Invergordon Parish Church

Invergordon Parish Church welcomes cruise ship visitors and crew. It is just a 2-minute walk from Invergordon High Street.

Saltburn Community Woodland Walk

If you want to take a walk, head to Saltburn Community Woodland Walk. Here, you can see the wooden pier and explore popular local woods.

Enjoy short circular walks that feature:

  • Nice benches for enjoying the views
  • Opportunities to meet locals and their dogs

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Invergordon Cruise Ships

Invergordon Town Facilities

  • 350 pupil Academy school for 12-16 year olds
  • Golf course
  • Fire station
  • Primary School for
  • Small county hospital with 28 beds
  • Doctors surgery
  • Dentist surgery
  • 2 vet clinics
  • 2 industrial areas with various business
  • Whyte & Mackay Distillery
  • Leisure centre with swimming pool, gym, sauna, and steam room
  • Social club
  • Museum with free entry and an interesting collection of exhibits
  • Filling station
  • Railway station
  • Bus services to the North and South (South includes Inverness)
  • Various hotels and accommodations including guest houses
  • Various cafes, takeaways, and restaurants including fish and chips
  • Post Office
  • Various shops including gift shops, charity shops, household stores, convenience stores
  • Library

Read More: Hotels in Invergordon

Invergordon

Invergordon Cruise Port Facilities

Within the cruise port itself are toilets, an information point run by local volunteers, and a small shop.

Simply turn right when you get to the bottom of the gangplank and follow the signs for “Shore Visitors”

invergordon cruise port shore visitors

This is the shop. It’s small but there is an awful lot packed in – everything from Nessie items to whisky, jewellery, and clothing.

invergordon cruise port shop

This is the information point. During the morning some volunteers provide help to visitors. There is also a handy electronic timetable showing the local bus and train times.

invergordon cruise port shop

Invergordon Scotland

Getting from Invergordon Cruise Port to Invergordon High Street

Here’s the walk from the cruise ship to the meeting point for privately organised tours, local bus service, taxis and to the town centre

It is very easy to walk to Invergordon High Street from the service base. When you leave the ship turn right at the bottom of the gangplank and follow the sign for Shore Visitors.

You will see a green walkway. Follow this out and pass through the security gate. Once through the security gate, you will see a road directly in front of you. Cross this using the pedestrian crossing. Then take the street straight ahead of you, called King Street. Follow this heading away from the ship and in a few minutes you will be in Invergordon High Street.

invergordon cruise port ships excursions

Invergordon Cruise Port

Taking a Ship-Organised Tour

If you are taking a ship-organised tour then you need to turn left when you exit the gangplank and walk to the coach park. Follow the signs for ship excursions.

invergordon cruise port coach park walk

Then walk to the coach park. You won’t be allowed into the coach park until your coach is boarding. This is to keep you safe and minimise the number of people in an area where vehicles are moving around.

There is no cover or seating in this area or the coach park.

Invergordon Scotland Cruise Port

Taking a Privately Organised Tour from Invergordon Cruise Port

If you have booked a tour that is not operated by the ship you need to follow the Shore Visitors route from the ship. Turn right at the bottom of the gangplank and follow the green path around to the security gate.

If you have booked a taxi tour your vehicle may be in the small car park on the right-hand side as you reach the road.

If you have booked a private tour or car you generally need to cross the road at the pedestrian lights and your guide will be waiting for you.

Check your tour booking for specific instructions.

Read More: Planning Your Own Port Tour – Things to Consider

Invergordon Cruise Port

Invergordon Cruise Ship Excursions

  • Loch Ness is the most popular excursion for cruise ships that visit Invergordon. It is generally offered as a half-day tour. Some tours include a 1-hour boat trip – it depends on the cruise ship company.
  • Cawdor Castle, with its connections to Macbeth, is another popular visit. This small castle is still used as a home, outside of the tourist season. The gardens are lovely and full of interesting sculptures too.
  • Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final battle between the Jacobites and the British Government, is just outside Inverness. This is a popular visit, including fans of the TV series Outlander.
  • Dunrobin Castle is North of Inverness. This huge castle with 365 rooms sits beside the sea. It’s a romantic castle with lovely gardens and the best falconry display in the Highlands. It’s generally a half-day tour.
  • Inverness is also a popular destination with many cruise ship companies offering shuttle bus-type transfers direct to Inverness so guests can explore on their own.

Read More: Top Tips When Taking a Shore Excursion from Invergordon

Read More: Invergordon Shore Excursions – All You Need to Know

Read More: How to Get From Invergordon to Inverness

Types of Ships that Dock at Invergordon Cruise Port

All types and sizes of cruise ships dock at Invergordon Cruise Port. In 2023 the cruise ship season starts on the 1st of April with the ship Ambience. The last ship call is currently on the 16th of October.

You can view the entire Invergordon cruise ship schedule for 2023 on the Port of Cromarty Firth website here.

Invergordon Cruise Port Weather

Here is the current weather and the weather for the next few days in Invergordon.

Read More: Discover the Best Time to Visit Invergordon

Invergordon History

What is Invergordon Known For?

Invergordon is a cruise ship port and an oil, gas, and renewable energy port. It has a mural trail with 17 murals. It is also home to the Stoltman Brothers. They were Britain’s, Europe’s, and the World’s strongest men in 2021.


Early Development and History of the Port

Invergordon has been a trading harbour since the mid-1700s. After becoming a naval base in 1912 Invergordon was very well used as a naval base in both world wars. All the largest naval ships were here and many facilities were built in Invergordon to entertain those working on the ships. There were several cinemas, a theatre, and various sporting complexes.

Invergordon had a large aluminum smelter built in the 1970s. It promised a wealth of jobs for the locals. However, within 10 years the smelter had closed due to the high running costs. It was a traumatic experience for the town. A large grain distillery was also built – at the time the largest in Europe. The distillery still operates today. If you wander through Invergordon you may be able to get a whiff of it!

Recent Developments and Renovations

More recently Invergordon has become a busy cruise ship destination offering a wide range of shore excursions. The port can accept the largest cruise ships thanks to a deep section of water beside the shore and a deep channel running through the Cromarty Firth.

Cruise ships visiting the Cromarty Firth will likely pass several oil rigs. These are not drilling for oil but are either stored or waiting to go back out to the North Sea oil fields. There are also several businesses that support the energy industry in the Cromarty Firth, including Technip which specialise in laying underground pipelines.

In 2023 it was announced that Invergordon had been chosen as a green port. This means there will be extra investment and opportunities relating to renewable energy projects for the area.

There had been plans for a cruise ship terminal to be built. Given the green port focus, this now seems less likely.

Read More: Are There Any Local Benefits to Cruise Ships?

invergordon cruise port regal princess
Cruise ship berthed at the Service Base seen from renewable energy pier

Invergordon Cruise Port Videos



The local pipe band playing for a cruise ship about to leave Invergordon Cruise Port

This video is a drone flight over the town. It gives a great view and also for the cruise liner that was in that day too!

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