What makes a cruise ‘the best’?
At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations to different types of travellers. In this case, whether you want family-friendly castle tours and dolphin sightings or a wee dram or two on deck, we’ve picked the best Scottish islands cruise for you.
At a glance
- Many itineraries combine the Scottish islands with the lochs of the Highlands, with some navigating the Caledonian Canal
- Ships range from ultra-luxury vessels with every modern amenity to lovingly restored ketches with a story to tell
- Highlights include whisky tastings, wildlife encounters (think puffins and seals) and historic sites (from standing stones to Viking settlements)
- Many cruise routes take in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, as well as Orkney and Shetland
Best for first-time cruisers: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Not got your sea legs yet? Fred. Olsen is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in. Their round-Britain itineraries offer short but scenic slices of the Scottish coast – ideal for first-timers who want to sample island cruising without a full expedition kit. You might call at Lerwick in Shetland or cruise past the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack en route to Kirkwall. On board, expect a traditional, friendly feel with a Scottish-themed ceilidh or two thrown in for good measure.
Itineraries: Five to 10-night cruises departing from UK ports like Liverpool or Newcastle, with stops in Orkney, Shetland or the Hebrides.
Who’s this cruise for? New cruisers who need a gentle introduction to life aboard.
What can I expect to pay? From around £1,100 per person, including meals, entertainment and daily afternoon tea.
Browse offers: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Best for luxury: Ponant
Picture the Hebrides but with haute cuisine. Cruise line Ponant, the gourmand’s choice, does sleek, French-flagged expeditions with five-star polish, sailing to the wildest corners of Scotland, from Oban to the Orkneys and way out to St Kilda.
Onboard, it’s all elegance and understatement – think Balmain toiletries, Veuve Clicquot and balconies peering out over misty, moody sea cliffs.
There’s also a serious expedition team, meaning you’ll explore puffin colonies and Viking ruins by day, before dining on langoustine bisque by night.
Itineraries: Eight- to 11-night sailings from Glasgow or Dublin, calling at Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.
Who’s this cruise for? Travellers who want wild places – with a respectable wine list.
What can I expect to pay? From around £4,500 per person, including fine dining, excursions, Wi-Fi and an open bar.
Browse offers: Ponant
Best for traditionalists: Hebridean Island Cruises
If your ideal Scottish escape is all about stately charm, wind-blown moors and hand-carved whisky tumblers, Hebridean Island Cruises is where it’s at.
Their vessel, the Hebridean Princess – famously chartered by our late Queen – hosts just 50 passengers in country house estate and comfort. Think mahogany interiors, afternoon teas, and tartan-clad guides leading you ashore to castles, crofts and squawking seabird hangouts.
Routes vary, but the island count is always impressive – it’s not unusual to visit 10 in a week. This is slow travel, in style.
Itineraries: Seven to ten-night sailings around the Inner and Outer Hebrides, including Skye, Iona, Barra and St Kilda.
Who’s this cruise for? Traditionalists and romantics looking to see a lot of Scotland with zero stress (and maximum charm).
What can I expect to pay? Fares start from around £4,600 per person – all meals, drinks, excursions and transfers included.
Browse offers:Hebridean Island Cruises
Best for solo travellers: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Solo traveller? You won’t be lonely for long aboard National Geographic-Lindblad’s thoughtful, low-key expeditions. Their Scotland voyages draw a curious, engaged crowd. And with open-seating dining, zodiac trips and expert-led walks, conversation flows like the smoothest single malt.
You’ll hike across Skye, kayak beneath sea cliffs and visit remote island communities, all while learning from historians and naturalists. The cabins are comfortable, the views spectacular, and the solo traveller experience is genuinely welcoming.
Itineraries: Cruises around Scotland and Ireland, including the Hebrides, Orkney and the Isle of Man.
Who’s this cruise for? Independent-minded travellers keen to explore with others – but not be herded.
What can I expect to pay? From around £6,500 per person, including excursions, guides, tips and onboard lectures from National Geographic experts.
Browse offers:National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Best for couples: Provident Sailing
Want to whisk away that special someone for a Highland fling? Step aboard Provident, a 1924 wooden sailing ‘ketch’ (two-masted sailboat) that once hauled fish around the Hebrides and now hosts only about a dozen lucky passengers at a time. There are no casinos or spa treatments here – just a mast, a wood-burning stove in your cabin, and some outstanding food and wine. Plus, the thrill of dropping anchor in a quiet bay with the one you love.
Itineraries: Six- to 10-night slow-sailing trips through the Inner Hebrides, with routes depending on the weather and mood of the crew.
Who’s this cruise for? Dreamy duos who’d rather drift than dash – and don’t mind a bit of drizzle.
What can I expect to pay? From around £1,600 per person, including meals and gear.
Browse offers:Provident Sailing
Best for families: Caledonian Discovery
Most Scottish cruises skew grown-up in terms of guests. But Caledonian Discovery offers a surprisingly family-friendly way to explore the Highlands and isles – although ideally, your kids will have grown out of their Peppa Pig phase.
Cosy barge-style craft cruise the Caledonian Canal and west coast sea lochs, mixing gentle adventure with comfort. Days are spent walking, cycling or wildlife spotting; evenings mean hearty dinners, board games and storytelling. There’s even room for kayaks and bikes onboard.
Itineraries: Four to seven days sailing through the Great Glen or out to the Sound of Mull, often departing from Inverness or Fort William.
Who’s this cruise for? Outdoorsy families looking to unplug and explore Scotland at nature’s pace.
What can I expect to pay? Around £1,200 per person, including activities, equipment, meals and home-cooked cake.
Browse offers:Caledonian Discovery
Best for whisky lovers: Lord of the Glens
Whisky trail? More like whisky sail. Lord of the Glens, an elegant ship, ferries 48 merry souls through the Caledonian Canal and out to the isles of Mull and Skye, with long pauses at legendary distilleries all along the way.
The vibe is nicely upmarket – woods, brass and old-school Highland hospitality, with onboard tastings, expert talks and shore excursions to places like Oban, Talisker and Tobermory. There’s even a malt whisky bar on board to continue your, ahem, education after dark.
Itineraries: Week-long cruises to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, such as Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, via Skye and Mull.
Who’s this cruise for? Spirited travellers who like their sightseeing with a smoky finish.
What can I expect to pay? From around £2,900 per person, including guided tours.
Browse offers: Lord of Glens
Best for history lovers: Noble Caledonia
From Neolithic tombs to Norse ruins, Scotland’s isles are positively steeped in history. And Noble Caledonia’s thoughtfully curated cruises bring the long centuries to life.
Aboard the Island Sky or Hebridean Sky, you’ll be joined by expert historians as you explore ancient standing stones, Viking settlements and medieval abbeys from Orkney to Iona. The ships are chic but low-key, with open-seating dining and spacious suites. On shore, all the focus is on depth and storytelling, not just ticking off castles.
Itineraries: Ten- to 12-night expeditions around Shetland, Orkney, the Hebrides and St Kilda, often beginning or ending in Oban or Aberdeen.
Who’s this cruise for? Culturally curious travellers keen to connect the dots between landscapes and legends.
What can I expect to pay? From around £4,200 per person, including lectures, landings, excursions and wine with dinner.
Browse offers: Noble Caledonia
Best for wildlife spotting: The Majestic Line
For otters, puffins and porpoises, hop aboard The Majestic Line. These small, characterful ex-fishing boats cruise the wildlife-rich waters around Mull, Jura and the Small Isles. With just 12 guests on board and flexible itineraries, you’ll relish several spontaneous encounters, explained with expert commentary as you sail under seabird-studded cliffs, marvelling at white-tailed eagles and pulling up alongside curious seals.
Evenings are relaxed, sociable and distinctly toothsome – after all, the seafood is as fresh as it gets.
Itineraries: Three-, six- and ten-night wildlife cruises departing from Oban or Dunoon, covering Skye, Mull, Coll, Eigg and beyond.
Who’s this cruise for? Nature lovers who want up-close encounters without the crowds and aren’t afraid of a little sea breeze messing up their hair.
What can I expect to pay? From around £2,500 per person, including meals, guided walks and binoculars on loan.
Browse offers: The Majestic Line
Best for small ship sailing: St Hilda Sea Adventures
Are you a sucker for white sails and salty spray? St Hilda Sea Adventures runs classic tall-ship cruises along Scotland’s west coast on beautifully restored wooden vessels.
These are not your cliché floating resorts. Cabins are cosy, the pace is slow, and guests often help with deck duties. But the payoff is unforgettable. Drop anchor beside bone-white beaches, explore unspoiled coves on foot, and dine alfresco as the sun sinks low over Skye. Pure west coast wonderment.
Itineraries: Three- to 11-night voyages exploring the Small Isles, Mull, Skye, Lewis and the wild sea lochs around Oban.
Who’s this cruise for? Adventurous romantics happy to trade luxury for the thrill of proper sailing.
What can I expect to pay? From around £1,800 per person, including meals.
Browse offers: St Hilda Sea Adventures
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