Embark on a journey like no other, island-hopping across the best-kept secret isles of the North Atlantic. From the picturesque town of Troon (just a stone’s throw from the beating heart of Glasgow), sail first to the Inner Hebrides and discover ancient Celtic Christian heritage at the sacred Isle of Iona, before venturing on to Stornoway, Scotland’s Gaelic heartland. Next, venture off the map to lonely St Kilda, Britain’s most remote archipelago and only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, before spending two days in the ruggedly beautiful and rarely-visited Faroe Islands. Following the trail of Norse explorers, we navigate around Iceland’s south coast before arriving in Reykjavík, Scandinavia’s most hip capital city – the perfect place from which to explore the Land of Ice and Fire.
- Sacred and remote North Atlantic islands: Iona, St Kilda, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland’s Westman archipelago, blending early Christian, Norse, and volcanic history.
- Extraordinary wildlife landscapes: Puffin colonies on Lunga, vast seabird cliffs of St Kilda and the Faroes, and rich birdlife along Iceland’s fjords and black sand beaches.
- Cultural continuity and isolation: Gaelic heartlands in the Hebrides, living Norse heritage in the Faroes, and resilient Icelandic communities shaped by fire, sea, and survival.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Ocean Victory awaits our guests in the quaint harbour town of Troon, overlooking the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde. After the mandatory safety briefings and drill, settle into your stateroom and toast your departure with an expertly crafted cocktail as Ocean Victory sets a course for the Inner Hebrides.
Early on the third day of our expedition, Ocean Victory will drop anchor off the sacred Isle of Iona. It was here in 563AD that St Columba established Iona Abbey – bringing Christianity to Scotland. Still a site of pilgrimage, Iona Abbey may not be the largest, but is certainly one of Scotland’s most holy and historic places. In the Afternoon, Ocean Victory will reposition to the Isle of Lunga, a natural paradise brimming with nesting puffins and other seabirds.
The capital of the Western Isles, Stornoway is the largest town on the Isle of Lewis. The Western Isles are the heartland of the Scottish Gàidhealtachd – and Stornoway is one of the few towns in Scotland where visitors can hear the Gaelic language spoken on a daily basis. However the history of Lewis stretches back far beyond the Gaels – highlights of the islands include the spellbinding Callanish Stones -an ancient Neolithic stone circle and probable ritual site.
Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.
Vágur is the largest town of Suðuroy, the southernmost of the Faroe Islands. Treeless, windswept and rarely visited, the Faroe Islands were first discovered by Norse settlers around the year 750AD (although archaeological evidence hints at earlier settlement, perhaps from Scotland). Isolated from the rest of the Norse world, the Faroe Islands have retained a unique language and culture directly descended from the Ancient Norse. Although Vágur is a modern town with several well known art galleries and workshops, the jaw-dropping clifftop vistas have remained the same since the age of Viking exploration.
The capital and largest city of the islands, ‘Havn’ as it is called by locals is the cultural and financial hub of the islands. The narrow winding streets of the city beg to be explored, and host highlights such as the National Gallery, the Tórshavn Cathedral. No visit is complete without a stroll around Tinganes, the artfully preserved old town, where turf-roofed buildings lead to the old parliament house which overlooks the harbour, reminiscent of famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen.
As we cross the Norwegian Sea, join your Expedition Team either on deck to watch for the plethora of seabirds which reside in this region or in the Lecture Lounge to delve deeper into the history, culture and nature of your voyage. Alternately, book some pampering in our onboard spa and relax in Ocean Victory’s hot tubs as we approach the coast of Iceland.
Situated on Iceland’s scenic southeast coast, Djúpivogur is framed by fjords, mountains, and rich bird habitats. It is the closest port in the country to the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia, and mainland Europe, and is a popular port of call for vessels exploring the North Atlantic. Centered around the harbor, the town dates back to the 16th century and is known for its unique public art, including the Eggin í Gleðivík (Eggs of Merry Bay) sculpture. Hikers and birdwatchers are spoiled for choice, with mile upon mile of nature waiting to be explored. One of Iceland’s most beautiful black sand beaches is just a short stroll from town and features a huge variety of bird species.
Next, we visit Heimaey, the largest of the volcanic Westman Islands. Visitors can explore the dramatic lava fields of Eldfell volcano and the world-renowned bird colonies of the island. The residents of Heimaey were severely tested in 1973, when Eldfell volcano began to spew lava, threatening the town and its vital harbour. Heroic locals fought back, cooling the lava with seawater jets to save their community.
On the final day of our voyage, we arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Famous for its modern Nordic culture, excellent food scene, and relaxed atmosphere, Reykjavik is the ideal starting point for adventures deeper into the Land of Ice and Fire, or a convenient place to begin the journey home, brimming with memories of your North Atlantic adventure.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Ocean Victory
| Vessel Type | Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2020 |
| Cabins | 93 |
This stylish cruise ship, built specifically for small ship expeditions to the Polar Regions, features cutting edge technology mixed with great comfort.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Now, for the technical details:
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.
The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Restaurant & bar
Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice.
After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.
A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly compliment your visit to our restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Atlantic by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime!
Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
