Kirkwall has become a regular stopping point for large cruise ships, bringing hundreds of tourists daily to Orkney.
Workers at Orkney Ferries have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union backed strikes by around 80%, with a higher number supporting other forms of industrial action.
The mandate for action will now be considered by RMT's executive.
General Secretary Mick Cash said: "This is an overwhelming vote for action and the employers need to sit up and take note.
"The staff on these routes will not sit back while their standard of living is undermined by the company and their anger and frustration is made clear in this result."
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