I've heard from DW that there was some disappointment expressed in FB that the Faroe Islands were replaced with Orkney. Others were just uninspired by Orkney's Neolithic offerings. For different reasons I have sought out alternative arrangements in Orkney as well. Just last summer we toured the archeological aspects of the island and it was the highlight of our trip. This time we plan on indulging our bird watching hobby and have just recently found a day guide for this endeavor. However, we had contacted several tour companies for alternatives to stones and ruins. Here are the details of tours, I believe to still be available, and different from the typical cruise excursion. Contact them if interested.
http://www.orkneyaspects.co.uk
Thank You so much for your patience regarding the new tour we are putting together for 2015 which will focus on "Natural Orkney Aspects".
I am delighted to confirm that (at last !) we have had confirmation from the coach company that there is a suitable third vehicle available for July 8th 2015 and so we can now start marketing the tour.
The new tour will focus strongly on the natural environment of Orkney and provide our guests with the opportunity to view wildlife and bird life along our dramatic coastline making it a photographers dream!
We will also visit:-
The atmospheric Corrigal farm museum to see what life was like on a working farm over 100 years ago here in Orkney.
Barony Mill - the last working water mill in the islands which dates from 1872 and is still in operation today.
The Broch of Gurness - an intriguing Iron Age round tower and village (approx. 2000 years old), which is situated on a headland overlooking one of the most scenic views in Orkney.
Once again we will include a light lunch for our guests and there will be some time also to stroll around the small town of Kirkwall for maybe some shopping or a visit to the Orkney Museum.
There will be a maximum of 15 guests on the tour with a lower age limit of 12 years old (due to safety at the cliffs and inside the mill). The tour will be guided by Anne and she is really looking forward to sharing "Natural Orkney Aspects" with our guests
The cost for this tour will be £132 per person and this now includes the PayPal handling fee
We had Anne last year and she was phenomenal. Only reason we are not repeating is we wanted a bird only tour this time.
Another:
http://www.greatorkneytours.co.uk/index.html
Thank you for contacting me about your visit next summer, I can give you a tour on the day the Disney Magic arrives. As you have been and seen some of the island I can make an enquiry about visiting Ness Battery and possibly Sheila Fleet Jewellery workshop and then include other areas you may not have seen but we have time to discuss what there is to see and do. I organise a lunch break during tour when you can sample local food and drink.
The tour is private so only yourselves to please, I meet you at your ship and return you to the ship at the end of the tour in plenty time for the on board time. My vehicle has lovely large windows to view the scenery as we drive around. The cost of the tour is £350.00 per day which does not include entry fees to sites, food or drink. Bottled water is supplied in the vehicle.
One more:
http://www.wildaboutorkney.com/index.html
South Isles Splendour tour on Wednesday 8 July 2015. Tours are subject to availability at time of booking and availability is limited as we tour with maximum 8 guests.
Tour Highlights:
· The Gloup collapsed sea cave - wildlife viewing & photo stop
· Natural harbour of Scapa Flow - photo stop
· Churchill Barriers and Blockships - photo stop
· Inspiring Italian Chapel - guided tour
· Orkney Wine Company's traditional vintages - tasting & shopping
· Windwick Bay sea stack and seals - wildlife viewing & photo stop
· Picturesque village of St Margarets Hope - free time
· Outstanding vistas from Olad Brae - photo stop
· Home cooked Orkney lunch
Tour departs Quayside Hatston Pier at 10.45 and returns approx. 15.45 OR Palace Road, Kirkwall next to St Magnus Cathedral at 11.00 (Shuttle Buses run from Quayside to Kirkwall Town centre) and returns approx 15.30.
Tour price is £59.00 per person and includes transport in executive touring vehicle with panoramic windows, accredited professional Orkney driver-guide who provides onboard commentary and guides you through the sites, and VAT. There will be a stop for lunch at a restaurant or café. Please note that lunch is not included.
Hope this helps someone.
My 10th cruise will be in April 2015 so I don't get to benefit from being Platinum for the check in date for this cruise. Oh well, there are worse things in the world, right? DH and DS are Gold, however I think I'm up 4 on them and boy, they don't let me forget it! 
aboard!
