North Atlantic Odyssey – From Scotland into the Arctic

Embarking in Glasgow

Explore the city of Charles Rennie Mackintosh

A former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins. 

MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller vessels and built for close up exploration, will be waiting for you. 

Locate your cabin and explore the ship before meeting your Expedition Team, your guides on your adventure ahead. Enjoy your first dinner aboard as we sail towards the Irish Sea and Belfast.

Elegant Belfast

Discover Northern Ireland's capital

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud ship-building history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy the 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.

Enigmatic Isle of Man

Explore this independent island kingdom

As we approach the Isle of Man, you’ll be struck by the imposing ruins of Peel Castle above the pretty seaside town that bears its name.  

You'll have plenty to see in Peel, the 14th century former Manx capital. Motoring buffs will enjoy its vintage car museums – a nod to the island's modern racing heritage. Or visit the House of Manannan to discover more about the island’s Celtic, Viking and maritime past. 

The Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and home to a huge variety of birdlife, including Hen Harriers, Red-billed Choughs, peregrines, Black Guillemots, Manx Shearwaters, puffins, Arctic Terns and many more.

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. Here you'll discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan.  

Today, Islay is a wildlife paradise, home to over 200 species of birds – including 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 one of these famous and historic whisky producers, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg

West coast exploration

Experience charming Oban, Tobermory or Loch Sunart

Today, we'll make the most of local opportunities along the west coast of Scotland, where there are many beautiful places to explore. 

We might visit Oban's busy fishing port, Dunollie Castle and Oban Distillery. Or sail to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull – a charming fishing village of brightly coloured Georgian houses. 

Depending on conditions, we'll take out our small expedition boats to explore Loch Sunart – a Marine Protected Area known for otters, dolphins and porpoises. Your expert Expedition Team will make sure that today is a memorable day.

The spirit of Iona

See Iona's sacred abbey and Fingal's Cave on Staffa

Your adventure continues to Iona, off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. You can visit the restored 6th century abbey, one of Scotland's oldest and most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites. Or enjoy a hike with the Expedition Team up Dùn I for breathtaking views of St Columba's Bay - and take a sip from the 'Well of Eternal Youth'. 

Next, we sail to the Treshnish Isles – home to Atlantic Puffins, razorbills and Atlantic grey seals. At nearby Fingal's Cave, on Staffa, you'll marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns, superb natural acoustics, and mesmerising coloured waters.

Isles of Skye and Canna

Get set for beaches, bird colonies and wild scenery

Sail to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, where dramatic scenery surrounds you. “The wildest scene in the Highlands” – that's how the Victorian poet Lord Tennyson described Loch Coruisk and the surrounding craggy peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. We'll put on our hiking boots to explore the loch with the Expedition Team. 

Our next stop is the Isle of Canna. Here, you'll find historic settlements and beautiful beaches. The spectacular sea stacks of Dùn Mòr and Dún Beag are home to a colony of breeding puffins, while fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and shags nest on the cliffs

Wild St Kilda

Discover the untamed beauty of St Kilda

A visit to this UNESCO double World Heritage Site is an unforgettable experience. If conditions allow, we'll spend the day here. 

One of Europe's most important seabird colonies, St Kilda's volcanic outcrops are home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and over 60,000 pairs of Northern Gannets.  

In 1930, St Kilda’s last residents asked to be evacuated due to the island's wild and exposed conditions. Explore the abandoned village and see the distinctive cleits – circular stone buildings used to store peat, eggs and smoked puffins – before returning to the comfort of your ship.

Stalwart Stornoway

Experience the Gaelic culture of the Hebrides

Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis and Harris capital. As you explore the area around the harbour, keep an eye out for seals, red deer, eagles and otters. You'll enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle with its 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. Enjoy coastal walks along the stunning Dalmore, Dalbeg or Garry beaches, and pick up a memento made from the famed Harris Tweed that's woven here.

Highlights of Orkney

Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage

Today we cruise to the Orkney Islands' largest town. You'll explore Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkneys that's still compact enough to cover 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 sublime single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals.

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. 

A magnet for birders and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors. 

We’ll attempt to land so you can join a clifftop hike to a spectacularly sited lighthouse with the Expedition Team. 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.

Lerwick's past and present

Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles

Today we'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, and explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town that’s set in stunning scenery. Built on the herring trade, more fish is landed in Lerwick than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined. 

The town has deep Norse roots. You’ll hear it in the dialect and from the Viking stories beautifully depicted in the impressive stained-glass windows of Lerwick Town Hall 

By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall. By the old waterfront you’ll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area's rich history.  

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Shetland Crofthouse Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.

Arrival in Bergen, Norway

Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and mountain peaks

The first leg of your journey through the Scottish Isles reaches its finale in Bergen, one of Norway's most beautiful cities. You’ll disembark MS Spitsbergen in the morning, giving you plenty of time to explore this charming city. 

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the city's famous fish market. 

Take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for a refreshing hike and amazing views of the city, the mountains and sea beyond before you embark MS Spitsbergen for the second stage of your journey deep into the Arctic.

Lovely Lerwick

Revisit Scotland's northernmost town

Today you’ll have another opportunity to see lovely Lerwick.  

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. 

Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.

10th century Tórshavn

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands

Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor’s Harbour – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.  

Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  

About half a mile out of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for Eider Ducks and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Peaceful, tiny Elduvík

Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese nature

Today we’ll stop to explore the tiny village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. Set in the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Elduvík is split in two by the river Stórá 

While small, Elduvík comes complete with a school, church, dock and pier. From the pier, enjoy the view across the sparkling waters to the nearby island of Kalsoy – it’s astonishingly peaceful here. 

As you walk through the village's charming streets, listen for the songs of seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves coming to shore from the fjord. You'll notice that the roofs of many houses are built in the traditional Icelandic style: covered in grass instead of slate, offering much-needed insulation and protection against the weather.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland

As we sail to Bakkagerði, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures with your new friends. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life. Or why not relax in a hot tub and watch for seabirds at the same time. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your cruise in northern Iceland. Learn about the island's stunning landscapes, cultures and beliefs – such as the Icelandic elves. If you want to try something new, why not join one of our knitting workshops!

Hike in Bakkagerði

Look for elves in natural beauty

Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement.  According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.  

A popular hiking  area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Whale watching in Húsavík

Iceland's best whale watching spot

Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales.  

Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. If you’re  lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.  

The Exploration Museum here has a section dedicated to space. NASA thought Húsavík's geology resembled lunar rocks and sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions here to train.  

You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.

Akureyri and Goðafoss

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.  

Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.  

 A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.

Relax and learn at sea

Time to relax and discover what adventures lie ahead

As we cross the Arctic Circle and head towards Jan Mayen, you’ll enjoy a day at sea. There's plenty to do on board. Scan for marine wildlife from the deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna or soak in a hot tub, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a great place to read or watch the world glide by. 

Visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead on your island-hopping expedition cruise. Enjoy a fascinating lecture from the Expedition Team or help collect important data and contribute to Citizen Science projects.  

Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers on how to capture wildlife and landscapes from our onboard photographer.

Volcanic Jan Mayen

Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife

Jan Mayen has few residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places. 

Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and last erupted in 1985. 

You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

Enjoy a day at sea

A peaceful interlude in your adventure

Spend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world. 

Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.

Scenic Spitsbergen

A land of spectacular beauty

Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory, a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. You’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords, immense U-shaped valleys and glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea.   Delight in the rare chance to seek the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear, in its natural environment. They trek the ice along the coast, hunting for seals.  

We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking expedition boats ashore for hiking and other activities. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in near-perfect silence.

Disembark in Longyearbyen

Fly from the top of the world to Oslo

Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, from where you’ll catch your flight to Oslo.  

You'll return home knowing more about Scottish wildlife and culture, as well as Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change,  – and with memories of an incredible experience.