Scotland Cruises

Explore the Enchantment of Scotland with CruiseAway

Scotland is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and welcoming locals, making it an ideal destination for cruise enthusiasts. From the majestic Highlands to the charming lochs, cruising through Scotland allows you to experience the picturesque scenery and unique culture firsthand. As you glide through the waters, you’ll have the chance to visit iconic landmarks, explore historic castles, and taste world-famous whisky. Fun fact: Scotland is home to over 30,000 lochs, including the renowned Loch Ness, which is famously said to be home to the elusive Loch Ness monster! With its captivating history and stunning beauty, a cruise to Scotland promises an unforgettable journey.

Must-Visit Harbours in Scotland

When you cruise to Scotland, you’ll discover an array of remarkable harbours that bring out the best of its natural charm. Here are five harbours not to miss:

• Greenock: Located on the River Clyde, Greenock is the gateway to Glasgow. When you dock here, try visiting the **Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park** for stunning views and great hiking trails or head into Glasgow to see the magnificent **Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**. Insider tip: Take a scenic train ride from Greenock to Glasgow; it’s both affordable and picturesque!
• Belfast, Northern Ireland: As part of the UK but closely associated with Scotland, Belfast is a city of resilience and transformation. See the famous **Titanic Belfast** museum, which tells the story of the Titanic’s tragic voyage or enjoy a stroll through the bustling **St. George’s Market** for local crafts and tasty treats. Pro tip: Consider a Black Cab Tour to learn about the city’s history and political background in a way that’s both insightful and engaging.
• Invergordon: Nestled in the stunning Highlands, this port grants access to some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. Enjoy a visit to **Loch Ness** where you can explore the historic **Urquhart Castle** or take a scenic drive down the North Coast 500 road for breathtaking views. Make sure to sample some local seafood at nearby eateries, which feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. Insider tip: Seek out the local shops for unique Highland products like tartan and handmade crafts!
• Lerwick, Shetland Islands: Lerwick showcases a mix of Scottish and Norse heritage that creates a unique atmosphere. Visit **Fort Charlotte** for panoramic views of the harbour, or explore the **Shetland Museum and Archives** to learn about local culture and history. Pro tip: The annual **Shetland Wool Week** celebrates local wool artisans and is a wonderful time to visit for handmade goods!
• South Queensferry: This charming little town, located just outside of Edinburgh, is famous for the **Forth Bridges**, including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. While here, take a boat trip to get a closer look at the bridges and enjoy fantastic views. You may also want to hop on a train to Edinburgh to explore the historic **Edinburgh Castle** and sample some traditional haggis. Insider tip: Check for local festivals that often feature traditional music, dance, and food!

Best Times to Cruise Scotland

The best time to cruise to Scotland is during the **spring** and **early summer** months, from **April to June**, when temperatures are generally mild—ranging from **10°C to 18°C**. This period showcases Scotland’s beauty as flowers bloom and landscapes flourish. The summer months of **July and August** can go up to **20°C**, but they also attract the largest crowds, making it less serene for exploration. The **autumn** months, particularly September to October, usher in stunning fall foliage, making it an equally beautiful time to experience Scotland with cooler temperatures around **10°C to 15°C**.

Cost of Cruising in Scotland

When budgeting for a cruise to Scotland, expect a range of prices based on the duration of your cruise. A one-week standard cruise typically costs between **$1,800 to $3,300**, and when you scale up to a two-week cruise, costs can rise to **$3,500 to $6,500**. For those looking for a luxury experience, anticipate prices starting around **$5,000** for a one-week adventure. The most affordable times to cruise are during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), whereas peak prices occur during the summer months. For food, expect to spend around **$25 to $50** per meal at local restaurants, especially if you opt for fresh seafood or regional specialities.

Major Cruise Lines Offering Scottish Adventures

• Holland America Line: With a fleet size of **11 ships**, **four** of which offer itineraries to Scotland, the **Nieuw Statendam** and **Rotterdam** are notable names. Frequently departing from **Rotterdam** or **Dover**, Holland America Line is known for its fantastic onboard experiences and enriching shore excursions that provide cultural insight and local explorations.
• Princess Cruises: Another top choice, Princess Cruises has a fleet of **17 ships** with **six** dedicated to Scotland. The **Crown Princess** and **Regal Princess** take cruisers around the beautiful Scottish coast from ports like **Southampton** and **Dover**. Known for its quality service and diverse range of onboard activities, Princess Cruises ensures an enjoyable journey for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Featuring **20 ships** in total, with **three** that plan itineraries for Scotland, **Norwegian Star** and **Norwegian Dawn** are popular vessels that depart from **Southampton** or **Reykjavik**. Norwegian is celebrated for its “freestyle cruising” concept, allowing guests the freedom to choose when and where to dine during their trip.
• MSC Cruises: With **23 ships**, **two** offer routes to Scotland including the **MSC Preziosa** and **MSC Virtuosa**. Departing typically from **Hamburg** or **Southampton**, MSC is perfect for families, featuring many activities and entertainment options designed for all ages.
• Cunard: A luxury option known for elegance, Cunard has **four ships**, with **two** exploring Scottish waters, particularly the **Queen Anne** and **Queen Mary 2**. They often set sail from **Southampton** or **New York**, offering a classic cruising experience marked by superb service and decadent dining options.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: This cruise line has **11 ships**, with **four** sailing to Scotland, including **Viking Saturn** and **Viking Sky**. Departing often from **Greenwich** or **Bergen**, Viking Ocean Cruises is renowned for its customized excursions and educational onboard programming, providing deeper cultural insights for every destination.
• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of **eight ships**, **four** make their way to Scotland, including the **Sirena** and **Vista**. These cruises often depart from **Southampton** or **Reykjavik**. Oceania is notable for its fine dining experiences, featuring gourmet menus crafted by renowned chefs, treating guests to delightful culinary journeys onboard.
• Silversea: Operating a fleet of **13 ships**, **four** of them have itineraries in Scotland, notably **Silver Wind** and **Silver Dawn**. Typically setting sail from **Copenhagen** or **Dublin**, Silversea focuses on all-inclusive luxury, with premium accommodations, fine dining, and personalized service tailored to each guest’s needs.
• Seabourn: With a fleet of **six ships**, **two** venture into Scottish waters, including the **Seabourn Sojourn** and **Seabourn Venture**. Departures often occur from **London** or **Greenock**, with their intimate onboard experience offering a boutique feel that enriches every destination visited.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury line consists of **six ships**, **five** of which explore Scotland. The **Seven Seas Grandeur** and **Seven Seas Mariner** are popular, commonly departing from **Reykjavik** or **Southampton**. Regent is known for its all-inclusive luxury offerings, promising extraordinary service and a premium cruising experience.

Explore Alternative Regions

If Scotland has piqued your interest but you’re curious about other destinations, here are five alternative regions to consider:

• Northern Europe: This area offers a blend of historical sites, stunning fjords, and vibrant cities, making it a unique combination of exploration and natural beauty.
• British Isles: Consisting of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, the British Isles promise rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delightful local flavours!
• Norway: Known for its spectacular fjords and northern lights, Norway provides an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and adventure-seekers.
• Iceland: Famous for its dramatic landscapes, geysers, and hot springs, Iceland is perfect for those looking to explore the wild beauty of Northern Europe.
• Western Europe: A treasure trove of culture, art, and history, the cities here provide a vibrant contrast to the rugged landscapes of Scotland and its surroundings.

With breathtaking scenery, a rich cultural tapestry, and incredible experiences awaiting you, a cruise to **Scotland** is simply irresistible. So why not make your next holiday with **CruiseAway** and explore this stunning destination today?