We have designed this itinerary to take you on a discovery of some of the most hard-to-reach areas of Scotland to encounter remarkable wildlife and dramatic landforms.
Many scenic cruising highlights await, including the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave, the bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr, the remote archipelago of the Small Isles, and centuries-old sea stacks. Elsewhere, sailing the likes of Pentland Firth and by Sumburgh Head gives you the chance to spot bird and marine life from the comfort of Balmoral.
Kirkwall is your gateway to the nature reserve of Marwick Head, while the Isle of Skye boasts dramatic landscapes such as the iconic Old Man of Storr rock formation.
On cruises with a little bridge there is a BMB host on board but no team. Bridge is for days at sea only.
Departure - late afternoon
Arrival - late night
Departure - late night
Pentland Firth is a striking strait separating the Orkneys from mainland Scotland, and is renowned for the strength of its tides, which are amongst the fastest found anywhere in the world. The strait is popular with seals and porpoises, as they can be seen here all year round. Dolphins, orcas and minke whales are also occasionally spotted here too. There is also the opportunity to spot the uninhabited islands of Stroma and Swona.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
The Orkneys archipelago, around 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, were once the centre of innovation in the British Isles, where farmers in the Stones Ages brought various cattle, pigs and sheep, thus establishing farmsteads on the islands. Today, Skara Brae is a preserved settlement, along with excavated burial and ceremonial sites. Kirkwall stands as the capital of the islands, and is the perfect starting point for exploring Orkney’s fascinating historical sites.
Arrival - late evening
Departure - late evening
Located just off south west coast of Hoy Island, the 230 ft-high Needle is the Orkney archipelago's second-highest rock stack. Along with the legendary Old Man of Hoy, the Needle is one of Orkney's most popular climbing hotspots and is a haven for various seabird species, including gulls, guillemots, kittiwakes, waders and white-tailed eagles.
Arrival - late evening
Departure - late evening
Britain’s tallest and most famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy rises 450 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Hoy Island, in Scotland’s rugged Orkney archipelago. Originally an arch with two ‘legs’ resembling those of an old man, hence its nickname, the erosive power of the weather has reduced the stack to a single pillar which, owing to a crack slicing through the middle of it, geologists believe will one day collapse into the sea.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Largest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree is set within a natural harbour surrounded with brightly-coloured houses and rocky cliffs. Serving as gateway to the rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, the Tusdale ruins and Dunvegan Castle – seat of the Clan MacLeod since the 13th century. Close by is Loch Coruisk, home to puffins, golden eagles, oystercatchers and occasional sea eagles.
Arrival - late evening
Departure - late evening
Close to the beautiful Isle of Skye, your Fred. Olsen ship takes you on glide past the picturesque, postcard-perfect village of the Kyle of Lochalsh and diverts into Loch Carron, to provide you with an unforgettable Scottish scenic cruising experience.
Kyle of Lochalsh is known as the ‘land of castles, hills and lochs’, and you’ll get to see it in all its scenic splendour as you sail slowly by – enjoy views of the impressive Skye Bridge and Kyle’s pretty whitewashed houses too. Within Loch Carron, wild, rugged scenes await; the sight of the rolling hills and verdant valleys, charming little villages, combined with the loch’s uncanny tranquility, is sure to leave you spellbound.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late morning
Part of the Inner Hebrides, lying just south of the Isle of Skye, the Small Isles are four beautiful islands - Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck - famed for their dramatic scenery, variety of wildlife and natural wonders. Mighty volcanic peaks surround Kinlock Castle on the largest island, Rum - where Sea Eagles are often spotted. The basalt cliffs of Canna; charming villages of Eigg; and Muck's fertile lowlands and appealing beaches make this archipelago the perfect scenic cruising destination.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - early afternoon
Located opposite the island of Skye, and branching inward from the Sound of Sleat, the narrow, fjord-like Loch Hourn is flanked by some of Scotland's most dramatic scenic landscapes. Lined with steep, imposing mountains which slide down into the shore line, and dotted with bays and beaches which break the waters edge, Loch Hourn is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a creature who, according to local legend, lives in the loch, and is known as the Loch Hourn Monster.
Arrival - late afternoon
Departure - late afternoon
Bac Mòr is one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles near Mull and is located a few miles west of Staffa and Iona. Affectionately referred to as The Dutchman’s Cap due to its unusual shape, Bac Mòr has a height of 283 feet, and its flat surroundings resemble glassy lava fields. The Treshnish Isles were formed 60 million years ago when volcanic eruptions on the nearby island of Mull caused lava to flow into the sea.
Arrival - late afternoon
Departure - late afternoon
Created around 60 million years ago, and said to be the corresponding piece of road built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. Looming 69 metres out of the ocean, it appears to look like a piece of contemporary art, but is completely shaped by nature. Often, the cliffs and ledges are covered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
Arrival - late afternoon
Departure - late afternoon
The island of Iona, located in the Inner Hebrides may be physically small, at just 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, but as the ‘The Cradle of Christianity in Scotland’ it has a big place in British history, religion and spirituality. The highlight is Iona Abbey, one of Europe’s oldest Christian centres and said to be the final resting place of 48 medieval kings, including the eleventh-century king Macbeth of Shakespearean fame.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of ‘Gallow’s Hill’ – reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastlines. Close by are the soaring cliffs of Sumburgh Head, which are perfect for spotting various examples of marine life, such as minke whales, orcas and dolphins; and as an RSPB nature reserve - guillemots, shags and fulmars. In the town, the An Tuireann Arts Centre celebrates the Gaelic heritage of this fascinating seaport.
Arrival - early evening
Departure - late evening
Located at the southern tip of Shetland’s main island, Sumburgh Head is a towering, 100-metre-high rock spur capped by the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse – one of Scotland’s oldest, best-known and most photographed lighthouses. The head, and its unspoilt, rugged surroundings, are a designated RSPB Nature Reserve, providing the perfect natural habitat for various seabird species including Puffins, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. White-sided dolphins, Harbour Porpoises and Whales may also be seen here too.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late morning
Spey Bay is a small settlement in Moray Firth, situated on the eastern side of the mouth of the River Spey. This beautiful coastal reserve is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including seabirds, bottlenose dolphins, seals, minke whale and basking sharks. Burghead is a small, peaceful town built on a peninsula projecting into the Moray Firth, made up of traditional grey stone houses and a thriving harbour.
Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - early afternoon
With its dramatic cliffs, topped by lush green landscapes that stretch inland as far as the eye can see, Troup Head is part of Moray Firth’s unspoilt, wild and rugged coastline. The cliffs, rock faces and marshes of Troup Head – a designated RSPB Scotland Nature Reserve – are a haven for tens of thousands of seabirds, such as for kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Troup Head is also the habitat of Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony.
Arrival - early morning
What's included?
Chargeable extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included. Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Great value offers
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Please contact our Reservations team for further details.
Please note, rooms 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.
*Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted view.
*Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.
