Inverness, known as the “Capital of the Highlands,” is a growing cruise destination in northern Scotland. Located at the mouth of the River Ness near the famous Loch Ness, it offers access to Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, castles, and Highland culture. Cruise ships often anchor nearby at Invergordon (a deep-water port about 25 miles away), but Inverness remains the main gateway for passengers exploring the Highlands.

Overview of Inverness Port Cruise
The Port of Inverness is a port on the east coast of Scotland, at Inverness, Highland council area, at the mouth of the River Ness. It is one of Scotland’s most sheltered and deep natural ports. The port is owned and operated by Inverness Harbour Trust, established by Act of Parliament in 1847.
Inverness Port Cruise’s overview is shown in the table below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Region | Scottish Highlands (North Europe) |
| Coordinates | 57°28′47″ N, 4°13′35″ W |
| Port Type | Invergordon Cruise Port (deep-water) serves Inverness |
| Draft Depth | Up to 12 meters (39 feet) |
| Harbor Type | Natural, sheltered Firth of Cromarty |
| Vessel Arrivals | Around 100 cruise ship calls annually |
| Cruise Season | April–October (best weather and daylight) |
| Key Attractions | Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Inverness city center, whisky distilleries |
| Cruise Lines | Viking, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Fred. Olsen, Cunard |
| Facilities | Invergordon Cruise Terminal with shops, shuttle services, tours, taxis |
| Accessibility | 40 minutes from Inverness Airport (INV), rail and road links nearby |
| Currency Used | British Pound Sterling (GBP) |
| Language Spoken | English, Scots Gaelic (minority language) |
What are the Port of Inverness Cruise Terminals?
The Port of Inverness primarily handles smaller cruise ships. Larger cruise liners typically dock at Invergordon, a deep-water port about 24 miles from Inverness on the Cromarty Firth, where passengers can disembark directly onto the pier. The Port of Inverness itself has four main quays: North Longman, Longman, North Citadel, and South Citadel.
The following are the Inverness Cruise Port Terminals:
- Inverness Cruise Terminal AA
- Cruise Terminal A
- Inverness Cruise Terminal B
- Cruise Terminal C
- Terminals D, E, as well as F
- Inverness Cruise Terminal G
- Cruise Terminal J
- Inverness Cruise Terminal V
Which are the Inverness Cruise Lines?
Several cruise lines offer itineraries that include a stop in Invergordon, the port for Inverness. These include major players like Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Additionally, smaller, more specialized lines like Ponant, Hebridean Island Cruises, and Lord of the Glens also offer cruises that visit the area.
The following list contains Inverness Cruise Lines and other related information:
| Cruise Line | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Ocean Cruises | 5700 Canoga Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, USA | +1 888-207-8827 |
| Holland America Line | 450 Third Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA | +1 877-932-4259 |
| Princess Cruises | 24305 Town Center Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, USA | +1 800-774-6237 |
| Celebrity Cruises | 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132, USA | +1 888-751-7804 |
| Fred. Olsen Cruises | Fred. Olsen House, White House Rd, Ipswich IP1 5LL, UK | +44 1473 742424 |
| Cunard Line | Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST, UK | +44 345 355 0300 |
Does the Cruise Port in Inverness have Accessible Facilities?
The Cruise Port in Inverness, specifically Invergordon, which is about 24 miles from Inverness, does have accessible facilities for cruise passengers, with options for accessible transportation and on-board amenities. While the Port of Inverness itself can handle smaller cruise vessels, larger ships tend to dock at Invergordon, which is a deep-water port. Invergordon offers accessible taxi transfers, vetted attractions, and accessible cabins.
In case of the requirement of the following, the agents can help:
- Information in an accessible format
- An ADA-related concern
- Accommodation for a program or service
Additionally, Inverness Cruise Port offers accessible parking for people with disabilities.
- Throughout at Inverness Cruise Port Terminals, TTY/TDD phones are available.
- From here, callers who are deaf/hard of hearing can dial 711 to the Scotland Relay Service.
- Along with these, at Inverness Cruise Port, transit services and ground transportation are available for disabled persons.
Is There Parking Available at Inverness Cruise Ship Port?
Every Port of Inverness Cruise Terminal has different parking options. These are available on the North, as well as South sides, of the port.
Inverness Port Parking at the South Side
- Multi-Level Garage J
- Multi-Level Garage K
Northside Inverness Port Parking
- Multi-Level Garage AA
- Multi-Level Garage B
- Multi-Level Garage D
- Surface Lot D
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Surface Lot E
- Multi-Level Garage A
- Multi-Level Garage C
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Multi-Level Garage G
How to Reach Inverness Cruise Port?
Inverness cruise port is actually Invergordon, a town about 24 miles from Inverness. To reach Inverness from the Invergordon cruise terminal, you have several options: a train, a public bus, or a private bus or tour. The train station is a short walk from the terminal, and the journey to Inverness takes about 50 minutes. Stagecoach buses also run frequently to Inverness, taking around 30-45 minutes, according to some travel blogs. Taxis and independent tour operators are also available at the pier.
Note: For every transit, different rates and schedules are available.
How to Check the Port of Inverness Cruise Schedule?
To check the most up-to-date Port of Inverness Cruise schedule, online and offline ways are available. With an offline way, a passenger can make a call to the specific cruise line for details. Further, to check schedules online, one needs to visit the official website of the particular cruise line. Here, different schedules are available with varying locations and costs. One can make the same reservation based on necessity and budget.
What is the Map of Inverness Cruise Port?
The configuration of the Port of Inverness is depicted visually in the map of Inverness Cruise Port. It displays its buildings and terminals. Travelers can use this map to plan their cruise experience, find amenities, and navigate the port. Additionally, it highlights parking amenities, transit choices, and neighboring attractions. This can make it a vital tool for them to leave Inverness to take a cruise.
View All: Ports
Which Destinations are Served by Cruise Port in Inverness?
Cruise ships arriving at Inverness typically dock at Invergordon, a port town on the Cromarty Firth, about 24 miles from Inverness. From Invergordon, passengers can easily access Inverness by train, bus, or private transportation. Destinations accessible from the Invergordon cruise port include Inverness itself, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and other notable Scottish Highlands locations.
Below are some destinations served by the Cruise Port in Inverness:
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh, Scotland | Scotland’s capital, famous for Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile |
| Orkney Islands (Kirkwall) | Neolithic sites and Viking heritage |
| Shetland Islands | Rugged landscapes, birdlife, and Norse traditions |
| Isle of Skye | Dramatic mountains, fairy pools, and castles |
| Glasgow (Greenock) | Scotland’s cultural hub with museums and music |
| Belfast, Northern Ireland | Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway |
| Faroe Islands (Tórshavn) | Nordic culture and scenic fjords |
| Reykjavik, Iceland | Hot springs, geysers, and Northern Lights |
How to Contact a Cruise Port in Inverness?
There are different ways available to contact a Inverness Port Cruise. Visiting the port is one of the straightforward ways. This way is more suitable for domestic customers. Further, telephone numbers, FAX, emailing, and other ways are available to connect to Cruise Port in Inverness. For disabled persons as well, specific contact numbers are accessible.
| Port Authority | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Port of Cromarty Firth (Invergordon) | Shore Rd, Invergordon IV18 0HD, Scotland, UK |
| Phone | +44 1349 852308 |
| Fax | +44 1349 853549 |
| info@cfpa.co.uk | |
| Website | www.pocf.co.uk |
| Emergency Contact | 999 (Police/Fire/Ambulance – UK emergency services) |
| TTY (for Disabled Persons) | Available via UK Text Relay Service (Dial 18001 +44 1349 852308) |
In Sum,
One of the main entry points for cruise travel is Inverness Cruise Port. Sometimes referred to as PortInverness provides convenient access to the Caribbean as well as cutting-edge terminals. It is among the busiest and most well-liked cruises in the globe because of its ideal locations, contemporary amenities, and effective operations. This can give passengers a smooth and thrilling beginning to their trips.
Frequently Asked Questions on Inverness Cruise Port
Does Inverness Cruise Port provide luggage storage lockers?
Is there a lost and found in Inverness Port Cruise?
To which locations do ships depart from the Cruise Port in Inverness?
What is the annual passenger volume of Inverness Cruise Ship Port?
How does the Inverness Cruise Port check-in procedure work?
Does Inverness Cruise Port have any facilities for kids?
Where is Inverness Cruise Port located?
What are the primary destinations for cruises departing from Inverness Cruise Port?
Which cruise lines operate from Inverness Cruise Port?
How far is Inverness Cruise Port from Inverness International Airport?
Which bridge connects Inverness Cruise Port to downtown Inverness?
Which terminal at Inverness Cruise Port is specifically designed for mega cruise ships?
What facilities are available for travelers at Inverness Cruise Port?
Can you park your vehicle at Inverness Cruise Port?
What is the best way to reach Inverness Cruise Port from downtown Inverness?
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