The Jewels of Scotland Cruise

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.