Best Scotland cruises 2025 & 2026

A Scotland cruise around its rugged coastlines offers a unique way to explore its stunning landscapes, remote islands, and rich history. Small ship cruises give you the chance to explore the islands of Shetland, Orkney, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. From the dramatic cliffs of the Highlands to the wildlife-packed Hebrides, a Scottish cruise holiday promises unforgettable scenery, ancient sites, and close encounters with nature. Whether you’re sailing through scenic lochs or discovering hidden island gems, there’s no better way to experience Scotland’s untamed beauty than from the water. Here’s our pick of the best Scotland cruises for 2025 and 2026.

Scotland cruises: Small ship 

Small ship cruises around Scotland are great if you want a more intimate cruising experience.

Island cruises: Wild Scotland island Cruise – Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland

Explore Scotland’s wild islands, home to vast seabird colonies including puffins and Arctic terns. A paradise for birdwatchers, you can spot species like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, and shags. Get up close to wildlife from your ship or on Zodiac trips, where seals, dolphins, and whales could be seen. On land, explore ancient sites, towering monoliths, and charming villages in Skye and across the Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney and other remote isles such as Iona, Eigg and Fair Isle. If you’re  interested in wildlife and history, this small ship cruise around Scotland’s islands is perfect for you.

Accommodation

• 10 nights premium boat
• 1 nights premium hotel

Highlights

• Visit the World Heritage Site of St. Kilda
• Zodiac cruises through lochs, spotting seals, dolphins, and basking sharks
• Explore Shetland’s history with an Iron Age broch visit

The M/V Greg Mortimer is a state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel designed for immersive exploration. It features a 180-degree indoor observation lounge, a 360-degree outdoor deck, and hydraulic viewing platforms for exceptional views of wildlife and landscapes.

Accommodating up to 130 passengers, the ship offers a range of comfortable cabins, from outward-facing triples to balcony staterooms and suites. Onboard amenities include a gym, sauna, spa, jacuzzis, wellness centre, and library.

With only 130 people on board and running just once a year, this cruise from Edinburgh is likely to have limited availability for its next scheduled sailing in 2025.

Find out more about this cruise from Explore!

Mini Cruise around Scotland

Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Nights – Isle of Lewis and Skye

This five-night mini cruise around Scotland’s Hebridean islands is a great way to get a taste of the Hebrides or try out a cruise if you’ve never been on one before. Departing from Liverpool, your first port of call is Portree on the Isle of Skye where you’ll have a day to explore this incredible island. You’ll then set sail from the Inner Hebrides to arrive in Stornoway, Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Both days offer excursions so you can explore the captivating landscapes and learn more about the local Gaelic culture. The following day, you’ll be cruising past the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck. Continuing on your journey, you’ll get a chance to see the iconic Dutchman’s Cap which is one of the Treshnish Isles, before sailing past Fingal’s Cave, a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. The next day you arrive in Liverpool.

Accommodation

• 5 nights on Fred. Olsen’s flagship vessel, Bolette

Orkney Cruise

Scenic Isles of Scotland – Orkney, Lewis, Loch Hourn &, Skye

This cruise departs from Newcastle for Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. Take a trip to visit the ancient settlement of Skara Brae before you cruise along the Pentland Firth renowned for some of the fastest tides in the world where you might see seals and porpoises, and if you’re lucky dolphins, orcas and minke whales. Arriving at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, you can learn more about the Gaelic culture before setting sail for the Isle of Skye where the ship diverts so you can take in the dramatic landscape of Loch Hourn framed by steep mountains. Your journey continues crusing past the Small Isles, the Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave before arriving in Portree, the Isle of Skye’s main village. After the chance for some sightseeing on the island, you set sail again passing Troup Head, an RSPB reserve before arriving back in Newcastle.

Accommodation

• 7 nights on the Borealis sister ship to Bolette

Find out more about this cruise to Orkney and the Hebrides on the Fred. Olsen website.

Find out more about all Fred. Olsen’s Scotland cruises

You might also be interested in the best Scottish Highlands coach holidays or have you thought about an escorted trip around Scotland by train? There’s a fantastic selection of holidays by train where you can explore a huge part of the Scottish Highlands and Islands plus some time in the cities. Book and find out more about Rail Discoveries