Cruise Overview
Sail from Edinburgh to the Icelandic capital via the remote and wild isles of the North Atlantic. As the gentler summer weather warms these much-storied seas, you’ll explore exciting capital cities, Neolithic sites, thriving island towns and tiny villages where the influence of the Vikings can still be felt.
Ancient sites and modern life
Sail from Edinburgh to the Icelandic capital via the remote and wild isles of the North Atlantic. As the gentler summer weather warms these storied seas, you’ll explore exciting capital cities, Neolithic sites, thriving island towns, and tiny villages where the Viking influence can still be felt.
Wildlife and expansive skies
Seabirds and marine life thrive under the huge skies of the North Atlantic. Whether you’re on our small boats (RIBs), on MS Maud’s decks or on foot, you’ll see towering cliffs teeming with seabirds and watch for whales and dolphins splashing in the seas around us.
PLEASE NOTE: In keeping with our adventurous spirit, we visit small, remote ports on our expeditions. Due to sea conditions and the secluded nature of the locations we visit, it’s not always possible to dock in port. Sometimes we have to use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore.
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We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Scotland’s crown jewel
Day 1
Scotland’s crown jewel
Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh.
Your cruise begins in beautiful Edinburgh, the UK’s second most visited city after London. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the Scottish capital offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. Take time to explore this historic capital city before joining MS Maud and beginning your adventure northward.
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 delicious dinner aboard the ship. Your adventure has begun!
Highlights of Orkney
Day 2
Highlights of Orkney
Discover the islands’ rich heritage, wildlife, and whisky.
The Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall, is a vibrant place influenced by every era, from the Vikings to World War II.
In the center of this Norse town, visit the regal St. Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries’ sublime single malts.
At the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can delve into the past at the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.
Sea birds such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, and eagles thrive around the Orkneys. Look out for dolphins, whales, and orcas, too.
Far-flung Fair Isle
Day 3
Far-flung Fair Isle
A scenic stop for bird lovers
Your cruise continues to the Shetland Islands as we venture to remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear.
The island is home to 27 bird species and is a dream for birders and wildlife photographers. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields, and moors.
We’ll attempt to land for the Expedition Team to lead you on a clifftop hike to a lighthouse sitting in a spectacular location. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers.
If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.
The capital of the Shetland Islands
Day 4
The capital of the Shetland Islands
Experience life in the capital of Scotland’s northernmost inhabited isles.
We’ll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.
Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woolen sweaters, and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area’s rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.
The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you’ll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.
Keep your binoculars handy as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick’s beaches, and local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.
The wild side of the Shetland Islands
Day 5
The wild side of the Shetland Islands
Discover seabirds and Vikings in the northern Shetland Islands
The northern Shetland Islands represent the geographical extremity of the British Isles. In these remote areas, we’ll explore depending on the weather conditions and where we find the best opportunities.
We may visit charming Haroldswick on Unst, where the Vikings reputedly first made landfall in the British Isles. Here, we’ll find a reconstruction of a Viking longhouse and ship, and there’s also a burial mound that is thought to be the grave of King Harald Fairhair, the village’s namesake.
We may also set out in our small boats (RIBs) to explore hidden coves below towering cliffs. At the UK’s northernmost point, the cliffs of Hermaness National Nature Reserve shelter thousands of breeding seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, shags, and gannets, so be sure to bring your binoculars.
10th-century Tórshavn
Day 6
10th-century Tórshavn
Visit Streymoy in the Faroe Islands
Tórshavn lays on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.
Wander along winding cobblestone alleyways and past colorful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, you’ll learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands.
Just over a mile north of the town, Svartifoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for the eider drake and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.
Remote Runavik
Day 7
Remote Runavik
Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island
From Tórshavn, we’ll cruise across to the island of Eysturoy and tiny Runavík on the eastern side of Skálafjørður fjord. This flourishing town has been a haven for ships for many centuries. The Vikings used to dock here, too.
Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjørður. At nine miles long, it’s the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands or stretch your legs on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the relatively easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. You could also hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks.
A relaxing day at sea
Day 8
A relaxing day at sea
Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise toward Iceland
As we sail to Heimaey, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub while you do it.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your journey in Iceland. Learn about the island’s stunning landscapes, culture, and beliefs, such as the Icelandic Huldufólk (‘hidden people’).
Heimaey's explosive past
Day 9
Heimaey's explosive past
Whales, puffins, and a dramatic volcanic eruption
The penultimate island on our isle-hopping expedition cruise is Heimaey, off the south coast of Iceland. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
Heimaey has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates, and it still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island.
Visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and also hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around 8 million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Eldfell – or ‘Fire Mountain’. It’s well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.
Rekyjavik and beyond
Day 10
Rekyjavik and beyond
Enjoy Reykjavik at your leisure
As your island-hopping expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last destination to explore, the center of Iceland’s art, culture, and packed with history: Reykjavik.
Stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries and head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral or the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum. There’s plenty to see and do in this friendly, compact city.
You can also join our Post-Program to explore Iceland’s beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs, and majestic mountains.
What's included
expedition cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including beverages* in Restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- À la carte Restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full use of our Science Center, extensive library, and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and indoor gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team