Set a course through sapphire Celtic waters and experience the highlights of the remotest corners of Europe. Beginning in the vibrant Irish capital of Dublin, this thrilling voyage visits some of the hardest-to-reach corners of Scotland, including the Neolithic monuments and Viking heritage of windswept Orkney, and the dual UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda. From the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway to the glens and distilleries of Mull and the enigmatic Loch Ness, experience Scotland and Ireland upon the sea, like the Gaels of old.
- St Kilda: Britain’s remotest archipelago and dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, defined by abandoned stone settlements, vast seabird colonies, and extreme Atlantic exposure.
- Geological and archaeological continuity: Giant’s Causeway, Orkney’s Neolithic Heart, and the Antrim Coast compress thousands of years of natural and human history into a single voyage.
- Cultural Atlantic fringe: from Dublin and Portrush to Mull, Orkney, and Aberdeen, the route traces the shared Irish–Scottish–Norse maritime world at the edge of Europe.
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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.
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Antrim.
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Rathlin Island, home to some of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies.
Easily one of Britain’s most picturesque towns, Tobermory is the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Mull and positively oozes Scottishness, from the Tobermory Distillery on the harbourfront to the golden eagles which frequent the crags above town. Colourful buildings line the harbour, a mix of cosy cafes, welcoming pubs and boutique galleries selling gorgeous local artworks. Situated between the Sound of Mull and the island’s rugged interior, Tobermory is the ideal jumping-off point to explore this island gem.
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.
The capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery – Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However the islands’ history stretches back much further to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history; these are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.
Sitting in the calm Firth of Cromarty, Invergordon is a port town serving the North Sea oil industry and the nearby city of Inverness. The are is synonymous with the famous nearby Loch Ness, and of course its legendary monster. Make sure to bring your binoculars for a day of exploring these mythical lands!
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew, step onto the granite stones of Scotland’s most important port city, the ideal place to head back home with treasured Scottish memories, or as a jumping off point to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.
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.
