Best Scotland cruises and areas to visit

Cruises around Edinburgh travel along the northern Scottish coastline, first stopping off at the Orkney Islands, where guests can explore the lively town of Kirkwall and hike in the countryside surrounding the town. Orkney is particularly famous for its seafood, with many traditional restaurants serving local dishes with fish ‘just off the boat’.  The town of Kirkwall is also bustling with traditional small pubs, the perfect places to meet local people and soak in the atmosphere. During the day, the mysterious standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar are one of the most intriguing features of the region and, in different lights, provide a fantastic photography subject. Also keen for a photo are the island’s striking and loveable puffins. These delightful birds can be seen perched on cliffs or hiding underground in burrows. 

Further north from Orkney are the Shetland Islands, a top stop-off on a cruise of Scotland. The main islands are home to lively towns, rich culture, and excellent dining opportunities. Lerwick is the largest town on Shetland and hosts the annual festival of Up Helly Aa, during which the islanders process through the streets and burn a replica Viking ship. The strong Scandinavian influence can be seen particularly at historical traditional events such as this, at Up Helly Aa and in the islands' archaeology. The Jarlshof archaeological site is open to the public; the site was occupied from 2,500 until the 17th Century, giving us a glimpse at Shetland's changing dynamics and culture through the ages. 

There are also plenty of chances to encounter beautiful wildlife on and around Shetland, with puffins, skuas, and guillemots found all around the archipelago. On land, you can see the charming sea otters around the shore, and in the water, orcas, dolphins, and sperm whales can be spotted from the boat. The smaller, more remote islands of Foua and Fair Isle provide a rare opportunity to encounter the isolated communities that live there. Their unique small farming way of life called ‘crofting’ is a fascinating glimpse into one of the last strongholds of the traditional Scottish way of living from the land.

Cruises further north of the Shetland Islands venture up to the Norwegian Fjords of Lofoten, where the impressive landscape and big marine mammal encounters are plentiful. Whales, dolphins, seals, and even turtles can be seen passing through this stretch of coast. The views are spectacular, and on a small ship cruise, you can see the tiny isolated communities that cling to even the most remote outcrops.

Traveling to Svalbard on a small ship cruise from Edinburgh is also possible. This rugged and beautiful island is found north of the Arctic Circle and is home to all the thrills the Arctic holds. Glaciers, tundra, and the chance to see the iconic polar bear are all waiting for guests on a small ship cruise. It is also intriguing to meet the local people here, mostly Norwegian, but you will also see an interesting mix of Russian and Thai people.  On Svalbard and in the Shetland islands, it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This beautiful light show is bound to impress even the most well-traveled guests. 

Best time to cruise in Scotland

Visiting Scotland is a good idea any time of the year, the country offers hiking, historic tours and whale watching all year round. The best time to visit Scotland for the weather is from late spring to late summer. Outside of these times, the weather can be more variable, although, for many people on a small ship cruise from Edinburgh, the wild weather on these rugged islands is part of the excitement. There are plenty of reasons to visit Scotland in January for the excellent New Year’s parties and the Up Helly Aa celebration on Shetland’s main island, in Lerwick. It is worth noting that the islands are extremely busy at this time, with hotels booked years in advance. Taking a small ship cruise from Edinburgh allows you to travel here and enjoy the festivities before retiring to the comfort of your boat. Those who would like to see the Northern Lights should visit Scotland in October or in the middle of March when you are most likely to see the ‘Merrie dancers’ as the local people call them.

How to get to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has its own international airport that connects flights to Dubai, London, Madrid, and other European airports. It is also possible to fly into Glasgow or Prestwick airports on the west coast of Scotland and take a 45-minute transfer to Edinburgh from here by train, bus, or car. There is also an international airport in Aberdeen from which you can travel to Edinburgh easily, although it is a slightly longer journey of around three hours. Newcastle Airport offers several national and international flights and is only an hour’s journey south of Edinburgh.  Those flying intercontinental will usually have to take a connecting flight through London or another major European hub to reach Edinburgh.

Scotland Cruise Tips

• Money can seem like a strange issue to visitors in Scotland. The English and Scottish pound, the local currency, should be accepted in both countries. However, in reality, this is often not the case. It is worth asking for notes from the country you visit at the exchange.
• Take a variety of clothing, as Scotland can experience four seasons in one day. Waterproofs and warm clothes are a must on a small ship cruise around Edinburgh.
• Good news! Scotland has no mosquitoes, although it is worth picking up ‘midge cream’ to keep these tiny bugs away. 
• Watch out for the local lingo, especially in Orkney and Shetland, where several words are not English but are commonly used. Do not worry, though, as everyone speaks English, so if you ask, they will often repeat what they said in English.