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.
Read More
- Is Invergordon a Tender Port – No it isn’t – here is everything you need to know about arriving
- Invergordon Cruise Terminal – things to help you plan your visit
- Port of Invergordon – Where Do Cruise Ships Dock?
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
What to Do in Invergordon Cruise Port
Invergordon Things To Do
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
Read More
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”

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

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 Scotland
Getting from Invergordon Cruise Port to Invergordon High Street
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
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.

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 Videos
The local pipe band playing for a cruise ship about to leave Invergordon Cruise Port
All My Invergordon Cruise Port Articles
- Getting to Invergordon from the Cruise Port in 2025If you are coming to Invergordon Cruise Port in 2025 you need to know about some changes to where cruise ships will be berthed. Read on for all the information about the shuttle buses including; Getting to Invergordon From The Cruise Port in 2025 For 2025 all but 3 cruise ships visiting Invergordon will be… Read More »Getting to Invergordon from the Cruise Port in 2025
- Invergordon Local Suppliers – For a Great VisitAre you planning on visiting Invergordon? Looking for some local suppliers to help you with your visit? I?m sharing a list of local contacts. These are all people that I know and businesses that I use myself. Here are the contacts you need: Read on to get more details! Invergordon Local Suppliers Local Tours with… Read More »Invergordon Local Suppliers – For a Great Visit
- What is the Currency Used in Invergordon Scotland? It’s the £If you are wondering ‘what is the currency used in Invergordon Scotland’ – then The currency used in Invergordon Scotland is British pounds sterling. You also have the option to pay in Euros or Dollars at some stores. Most shops and businesses take contactless payment, allowing you to use your card. What is the Currency… Read More »What is the Currency Used in Invergordon Scotland? It’s the £
- Self Guided Walking Tour Invergordon – Check It Out NowLooking for a self-guided walking tour Invergordon? I am a tour guide working with cruise ships in Invergordon. I always recommend taking some time to visit the town of Invergordon because there is plenty to see. My downloadable walking tour includes historical information, optional stops, details of what you can buy in the various shops,… Read More »Self Guided Walking Tour Invergordon – Check It Out Now
- Why Do Cruise Ships Stop At Invergordon? Find Out HereRead on to find out more about Invergordon Cruise Port and what makes it attractive to cruise ships. There’s a bit more to it than you might think at first. ? Short on time? Here’s a quick summary Invergordon Port Depth 13.5 metres Tender Boats Needed? No Number of Ships at One Time 3 Maximum… Read More »Why Do Cruise Ships Stop At Invergordon? Find Out Here
- Best of Scottish Highlands Excursion ReviewThinking of taking a ‘Best of Scottish Highlands’ shore excursion when you visit Invergordon Cruise Port? Read on for all the practical information you need to know so you can decide if this is the perfect tour for you. Best of Scottish Highlands Excursion Best of Scottish Highlands Excursion Route to Cawdor Castle Click here… Read More »Best of Scottish Highlands Excursion Review
- Shore Excursions from Invergordon – All You Need to KnowWill you be arriving in Invergordon as a passenger on a cruise ship? Do you want to know about shore excursions from Invegordon? Here’s an overview of all the most popular shore excursions available in Invergordon with practical information to help you find the right trip for you. Read on to find out all you… Read More »Shore Excursions from Invergordon – All You Need to Know
- Inverness On Your Own Shore Excursion ReviewThinking of taking an ‘Inverness on Your Own’ shore excursion when you visit Invergordon Cruise Port? Here is all the practical information you need to decide if it’s the perfect excursion for you. Inverness On Your Own Shore Excursion Review Here is the location of the drop-off point; Inverness On Your Own Shore Excursion Route… Read More »Inverness On Your Own Shore Excursion Review
- Invergordon Banking & Currency for VisitorsWant to know about Invergordon banking and currency? Read on for the details to help you plan your visit. Invergordon Banking Invergordon Banking and Currency Invergordon Banking and Currency ATMs (Cashpoints in Invergordon) There are two cashpoints (ATMs) in Invergordon. Cashpoint at Mike Ross Arts If you are visiting on a cruise ship follow the… Read More »Invergordon Banking & Currency for Visitors
- What You Can Find in Invergordon Shops When You VisitWant to know more about Invergordon shops? Here is my local guide with everything you need to know when you visit. This is based on shops that are on the main High Street in Invergordon. (If you are interested in places to eat check out my guide to Invergordon Restaurants & Takeaways) Invergordon Shops There… Read More »What You Can Find in Invergordon Shops When You Visit
- Invergordon Distillery Tour – What’s The Best Option?Coming to visit and want to do an Invergordon Distillery tour? Well, despite having one of the largest distilleries in Europe in Invergordon there are no distilleries in Invergordon that you can visit. (You can visit a lovely and massive whisky mural though!) However, there are some great ones nearby so read on for the… Read More »Invergordon Distillery Tour – What’s The Best Option?
- Is Invergordon the Same as Inverness? No It Isn’tInvergordon is not the same as Inverness. Read on to see why the question ‘Is Invergordon the same as Inverness’ causes so much confusion! Is Invergordon the Same as Inverness? The confusion comes about because Invergordon is often described as Inverness on cruise itineraries. Invergordon is the closest cruise port to Invergordon. It is in… Read More »Is Invergordon the Same as Inverness? No It Isn’t
- Where to Stay in Invergordon – Find The Details HereAre you looking for hotels in Invergordon? Here’s my review of the hotels in Invergordon based on my local knowledge. Find the one that suits you best quickly and easily. Where to Stay in Invergordon The first thing to say is that Invergordon is a small place so there aren’t lots of hotels – infact… Read More »Where to Stay in Invergordon – Find The Details Here
- Things To Do In Invergordon – All You Need to KnowAre you planning on visiting Invergordon cruise port? Check out this guide to things to do in Invergordon which I’ve put together to help you plan your visit. Things To Do In Invergordon Invergordon Museum Invergordon Museum is a locally run volunteer-led museum that is open from March to October each year. It’s open every… Read More »Things To Do In Invergordon – All You Need to Know
- Discover the Best Time to Visit InvergordonCheck out my guide to the best time to visit Invergordon in terms of weather. I visit Invergordon regularly and work there during the cruise ship season. Check out my guide to what each season is like so you can choose the best time for you to visit. Best Time to Visit Invergordon Invergordon Cruise… Read More »Discover the Best Time to Visit Invergordon
- Planning An Invergordon Port Tour? You Need to Know ThisThis post was inspired after meeting more guests stuck at Urquhart Castle who were unable to get on the local public transport back to the ship. They had hoped to be allowed to return on one of the ship’s excursion buses but weren’t allowed. They were panicked that they might not make it back in… Read More »Planning An Invergordon Port Tour? You Need to Know This
- Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to KnowThinking of taking a Cawdor Castle shore excursion during your Invergordon port call? Here is all the practical information you need to decide if it’s the perfect excursion for you. Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Cawdor Castle operates timed entry slots for groups. There may be more than 2 coaches from the ship taking this shore… Read More »Cawdor Castle Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to Know
- Loch Ness Cruise Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to KnowAre you thinking of taking a Loch Ness cruise shore excursion from Invergordon? A Loch Ness cruise shore excursion involves a cruise on Loch Ness. The most popular cruise is a 50 minute cruise which goes from Dochgarroch or the Clansman Hotel. Well here is everything you need to know to decide if this trip… Read More »Loch Ness Cruise Shore Excursion Review – All You Need to Know
- Shore Excursion from Invergordon? Here’s What You NeedAre you coming to Invergordon cruise port? Thinking of taking a shore excursion from Invergordon? Here are my top tips to have an even better day in the Highlands. Shore Excursion from Invergordon Shore Excursion from Invergordon Don’t Go Out Too Early The ship will advise you of the boarding time for your tour. There… Read More »Shore Excursion from Invergordon? Here’s What You Need
- Urquhart Castle Shore Excursion from Invergordon Cruise PortInterested in taking an Urquhart Castle shore excursion from Invergordon cruise port? Want to know if it is suitable for you? Check out this guide for the practical information you need to decide if this is the right tour for you. This guide is based on visiting Urquhart Castle on a ship’s excursion. Links You… Read More »Urquhart Castle Shore Excursion from Invergordon Cruise Port
- Details of Which Cruise Lines Visit Invergordon Cruise PortWondering which cruise lines visit Invergordon port? Invergordon receives visits from many different cruise lines. Below are highlighted some of the larger ships and cruise companies that visit. We have had other lines such as Disney visit in the past. Many of the ships that visit call into Invergordon several times during the year. The… Read More »Details of Which Cruise Lines Visit Invergordon Cruise Port
- Invergordon Cruise Ships – Are There Any Local Benefits?This article was inspired after hearing, yet again, that there are no benefits from Invergordon cruise ships. At a recent public meeting, there was mention of all the cruise ship guests ‘getting on buses’ and disappearing out of town. Having worked with cruise ships, as a dispatcher and a tour guide, I have a little… Read More »Invergordon Cruise Ships – Are There Any Local Benefits?
- Invergordon Restaurants & Takeaways And What They OfferAre you coming to visit Invergordon? Looking for something to eat while you are here? Well here is a list of places within the town for you to try, with suggestions from me and a few locals of what to try if you need some inspiration. Invergordon Restaurants Invergordon Restaurants and Takeaways Daytime Options Invergordon… Read More »Invergordon Restaurants & Takeaways And What They Offer
- Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at Port of Invergordon?Want to know where your cruise ship will dock and what facilities are there? Well, check out this post for all the details. 2024 Cruise Ships Coming into Port of Invergordon The majority of the cruise ships coming to visit the port of Invergordon in 2024 going to be moored at the service base. You… Read More »Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at Port of Invergordon?
- Does Invergordon Port Use Tender Boats for Passengers?Coming to Invergordon port? Wondering if it uses tender boats? Invergordon Port Invergordon Port is located within the Cromarty Firth. This area of the North Sea is very sheltered and protected thanks to a relatively narrow entrance channel. The entrance channel is approximately half a mile wide. It runs between two sandstone headlands, known as… Read More »Does Invergordon Port Use Tender Boats for Passengers?
- Invergordon Cruise Terminal – Helpful Things to KnowAre you coming to Invergordon cruise terminal? Here is everything you need to know including what to look out for on the way in and out, facilities at the terminal, and what’s nearby in the town too. Invergordon Cruise Terminal Entering the Cromarty Firth Your cruise ship will approach the Invergordon cruise terminal from the… Read More »Invergordon Cruise Terminal – Helpful Things to Know
- Invergordon to Inverness Travel by Bus, Train or TaxiAre you coming to Invergordon Cruise Port? Want to know how to get from Invergordon Cruise Port to Inverness? Here are all the details you need to travel from Invergordon to Inverness by bus, train or taxi including timetables, costs and contact numbers. Invergordon to Inverness Bus from Invergordon to Inverness Invergordon to Inverness Bus… Read More »Invergordon to Inverness Travel by Bus, Train or Taxi
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