Day 4 Lerwick

Caribbean Princess 16 Day Transatlantic Cruise Review
Day 4 Lerwick, Shetland Islands Arrival: 7:00AM Departure: 5:00PM
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Arrival: After a short passage from Norway across the North Sea, we arrived at Lerwick, Shetland Islands, in the early, misty morning. The ship anchored off shore and the tenders were made ready to ferry passengers to shore. We had set our clocks back the night before, so it wasn’t too difficult to get up and be ready for our early morning excursion.

An early, misty arrival in Lerwick

Had to tender to shore

The Shetlands are the most northerly part of Scotland

History: The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the British Isles. There are over 100 islands that make up the Shetlands, but only 12 are inhabited. Mainland is the largest island and its capital is Lerwick located along its eastern shore. The island is very narrow and no point on the island is more than three miles from salt water. Fishing has always been the way of life for the islanders although in recent years North Sea oil has become a secondary income. Artifacts have been found from the Bronze and Iron Ages and Viking longhouses from the 9th century. Several “broch”, a fortified tower-farmhouse peculiar to Scotland, may date back as early as 400B.C. The Shetlands became a part of Scotland in the 15th century. Mary Queen of Scots sent her half-brother Robert Stewart there as governor and he built Scalloway Castle in 1600. The town of Lerwick was founded by Dutch herring fishermen in the 17th century and later became the capital.

Excursions: We met in the Princess Theater to be escorted to the tenders. The morning mist had lifted and it was a beautiful, sunny day. We toured the western side of Mainland by a scenic drive through the countryside to Scalloway Castle ruins which we were able to tour. Although the Scalloway Museum was just next door to the castle and entrance to the museum was included in our excursion, I wished I had allowed myself more time to really look at all of the wonderful displays and exhibits in the museum. What a treasure trove of history! We continued our drive through the country side with peat and heather-covered moors and the Tingwall Valley with views of farmland, small lochs and streams. Along the way we were able to spot some Shetland ponies that were grazing in a field very near the road.

Scalloway Castle - built in 1600 by the much hated and very cruel Patrick Stewart. After he was executed for treason, the castle was abandoned and allowed to fall apart.

Scalloway Castle

What the castle used to look like

What it looks like today

Interior of castle

Fireplace

One of many windows in castle

Very steep stairs in castle

Original stone floor of castle very difficult to walk on

Museum was located very near castle

Toured western Mainland, the largest Shetland Island

Old Church and Cemetary

Field of Peat

Picturesque countryside

Heather covered moor

Picturesque countryside

Shetland ponies

Small loch

Scenic view

Self-touring: Back in Lerwick, we started on our own walking tour. First stop was a place to eat. We found a small bakery which had sandwiches and quiche on its menu along with some very enticing baked goodies. After lunch, we continued on our walk up a hill to Fort Charlotte. The fort was built in 1665 by order of Charles II. The fort overlooks the harbor and the surrounding town. Continuing our walk from the fort toward town, we passed Town Hall which was built in 1862 and features a series of stained glass windows that depict Shetland history. We also passed by the town’s library and a lovely old church. In the town centre were many specialty shops, something for everyone. We enjoyed exploring the narrow, winding streets before we headed for the tender and a return to the ship.

Lerwick was founded by Dutch fishermen in the 17th century and is the capital of Mainland

Back in Lerwick we started our walking tour.

We found a great place for lunch.

Walked up the hill to Ft.Charlotte

Canon defended the harbor

Ft. Charlotte was built in 1665 by order of Charles II

View of harbor from Ft. Charlotte

View from Ft. Charlotte with Town Hall in background

Town Hall

Library

Church

Shopping Areas

Walking through Lerwick

Lighthouse seen as we were sailing from Shetland Islands

Dinner: As usual we were ready for an early dinner and, as usual, it was delicious. Tonight I ordered scallops which were tender and cooked to perfection. An extra special chocolate dessert was on the menu, too.

Appetizer

Cold Soup

Entree Selection

Scallops

Dessert

Evening Entertainment: We usually try to make the first show in the Princess Theater, but tonight we were a little later getting to the theater and it was already packed. So we watched a German couple perform in the Piazza. I’m so glad we didn’t miss these two very talented acrobats who wowed us with their agility and strength. We were then able to catch the late show with the mentalist in the theater. Another very interesting and fun day

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