Itinerary: Cruise from Southampton – Rosyth – Invergordon – Lerwick (Shetland Islands) – Tórshavn – Heimaey (Westmann Islands) – Reykjavik – Grundarfjordur – Isafjordur – Akureyri – Seydisfjordur – Eskifjordur – Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) – Londonderry – Belfast – Cobh (tours to Cork) – Return to Southampton.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Southampton
- Rosyth: Handy for Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges. A train or tram gets you into the capital for the Castle and the Mile, or stay local along the waterfront. Bridge views do not disappoint.
- Invergordon: Highland jumping-off point. Try a whisky tour, search for dolphins, or ride into Inverness for the riverside. Murals brighten the town between trips.
- Lerwick (Shetland Islands): Stone harbours and wind-ruffled water. Visit the Shetland Museum, walk out to The Knab, or spot seabirds on a coastal path. The light has a clear, northern quality.
- Tórshavn: Turf roofs and a snug old quarter. Explore Tinganes, visit the National Gallery, or take a short drive to Kirkjubøur. The setting feels close to the sea.
- Heimaey (Westmann Islands): Lava fields and puffin cliffs. Walk the Eldfell crater, call in at the Eldheimar museum, or join a boat tour for caves. Small island, big contrasts.
- Reykjavik: Colourful streets and geothermal pools. See Hallgrímskirkja, bathe at a local pool, or take a food walk. Easygoing and walkable.
- Grundarfjordur: Kirkjufell and fjord curves. Hike a short trail, visit the small regional museum, or scan for orcas from shore in season. The scenery is the draw.
- Isafjordur: Narrow streets and high slopes. Paddle a kayak in the calm water, visit the folk museum, or ferry to Vigur island for eider ducks. Quiet and dramatic.
- Akureyri: Eyjafjörður views and tidy gardens. See Godafoss on a short run, stroll the botanical garden, or take a whale-watching trip. The town feels welcoming and neat.
- Seydisfjordur: Painted houses at the end of a steep pass. Walk the Blue Church area, follow art trails, or take a waterfall hike. The approach alone is memorable.
- Eskifjordur: Small fjord town with mining history. Visit the maritime museum, walk the shoreline, or head to nearby Helgustaðanáma crystals. Calm waters suit a slow day.
- Stornoway (Isle of Lewis): Gaelic culture and big skies. Tour Lews Castle, drive to the Callanish Stones, or walk the harbour for fishing boats. Wind carries the weather quickly here.
- Londonderry: Walled city with living history. Circle the walls, step into the museums, or cross the Peace Bridge. Stories are layered but accessible.
- Belfast: Dockside renewal and strong museums. See Titanic Belfast, take a black cab tour, or wander the Botanic Gardens. The centre is easy to navigate.
- Cobh (tours to Cork): Terraced streets above the quay. Visit the Heritage Centre, hop the train into Cork, or head for Blarney. Maritime threads run through the town.
Return to Southampton