Depart from Dover

Set sail on your island-hopping adventure.

Your expedition cruise starts in Dover. If you have time before boarding MS Maud, take a walk along the famous White Cliffs at St. Margaret’s Bay for incredible views of the coastline and the sparkling English Channel below.

Once you’ve picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you’ll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who will be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then you can enjoy your first dinner aboard the ship. Your adventure has begun!

Relax at sea

Get to know your basecamp at sea

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea. Admire views from MS Maud’s Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insight into the island destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs.

Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from our onboard photographer on how to capture wildlife and landscapes. You’ll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge a great place to read or watch the world glide by.

You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team, experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the places ahead with you.

The ‘Land’s End’ of Wales

Explore scenic coastlines and the UK’s smallest city.

Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original town and harbor in Lower Fishguard and enjoy spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ above.

A short drive away is the UK’s smallest city, St. David’s. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th-century cathedral. You can explore this conservation area as part of an included excursion.

The dramatic headland nearby is the westernmost point in Wales. Enjoy spectacular views along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Elegant Belfast

Discover Northern Ireland’s capital.

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens.

Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St. Anne’s Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you’ll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade.

Belfast also allows access to the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the rugged northern coastline. Explore the towering cliffs and distinctive hexagonal columns of this natural wonder.

Captain’s Choice – Castlebay

Island gems in the Outer Hebrides

One of the most exciting things about expedition cruising is knowing that anything can happen on any given day. That’s why we’ve carved out one day to take full advantage of exploring the region.

Today, the Captain and the Expedition Team will decide whether we explore Barra or Vatersay, the two southernmost inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, linked to each other by a causeway.

Search for birds and sea life in our small boats (RIBs) or attempt to land in the innumerable coves and beaches that dot the islands close to Castlebay.

Highlights of Orkney

Learn about Kirkwall’s Norse heritage.

Today, we sail to the Orkney Islands’ largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant and compact Viking-influenced capital on foot.

Visit the regal St. Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall’s Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their distinctive single malts. If you feel like something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.

Stalwart Stornoway

Experience Gaelic culture in the Hebrides.

Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the capital of the Isle of Lewis and Harris. As you explore the area around the harbor, keep an eye out for seals, eagles, and otters. Enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle, featuring spacious grounds full of trails and fantastic views.

Further afield, take in the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Dun Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland. Maybe pick up a souvenir made of Harris Tweed, which is woven here.

Islay’s whisky and nature

Fire up your spirit of discovery on ‘Whisky Island.’

Islay is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts, but that’s far from the only reason to visit.

Islay is a wildlife paradise, with over 200 species of birds. These include oystercatchers, gannets, and golden eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks.

Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island’s nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a ‘wee dram’ from a famous and historic whisky producer, including Laphroaig or Ardbeg.

Enigmatic Isle of Man

Explore Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man.

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man. Learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see its rugged coastline.

There’s so much to see and do in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St. Thomas’ Church.

Waterford’s Viking Triangle

Uncover Viking history in Ireland’s oldest city.

Welcome back to Ireland, the Emerald Isle. Set foot in Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings in the 10th century by a fjord on the River Suir. Waterford is a well-preserved and walkable small city, famed for its beautiful crystal glass production. Intricate and bold street art splashes color on walls and houses in this city of culture, so don’t forget your camera.

Walk the Viking Triangle, named for the three-sided shape made by the thousand-year-old walls that once surrounded the city.

The Isles of Scilly

Enjoy crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and natural beauty

Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall are the Isles of Scilly. This enchanting archipelago is home to small, exquisite islands. Weather permitting, we’ll spend time here. Explore Tresco’s white-sand beaches and the renowned 19th-century Abbey Gardens, or see St. Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly.

You could also join a trip around the archipelago, visiting shipwreck sites and spotting seals loafing on the rocks. Then sail around the bird sanctuary of Annet to spot puffins and a range of other breeding seabirds.

The delights of Devon

Prepare for historical attractions and idyllic beaches.

The picturesque banks of the River Dart mark our arrival into beautiful Dartmouth. Steeped in maritime history and culture, this charming town is home to the Royal Britannia Naval College and Dartmouth Castle.

Tread the coastal paths and trails that extend along this stretch of coastline, exploring secluded coves and remote beaches. Food lovers may wish to try Dartmouth’s seafood, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the local fudge or the famous Devonshire cream tea.

Return to Dover

End your British Isles adventure where you began

The White Cliffs of Dover signal the end of this exploration of the British Isles. As we sail into Dover with the iconic cliffs coming into view, we’ll dock at the harbor and say a fond farewell to MS Maud and all those who made your expedition cruise so memorable.