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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.