We know that the London-centric nature of the UK's travel infrastructure can be a source of frustration to many outside the South East, whether it's the limited choice of destinations offered by regional airports, or the fact that most ex UK cruises sail from ports on the south coast.
We're always on the lookout for interesting cruise itineraries from Scotland, as we know our clients generally prefer to avoid the hassle of connecting flights to London and long journeys south via rail or road. Here are some of the best cruises sailing from Scotland in 2024 and 2025.
1. Windstar Cruises
In July 2025 Windstar's Star Legend embarks on a fantastic 9-night voyage from Edinburgh to Dublin via the magnificent Orkney and Hebridean Scottish isles.
Highlights include the fascinating Orkney Islands; the rugged and varied Isle of Mull and its wildlife, home to species including white-tailed eagles, otters and whales; the Antrim Coast and its spectacular UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway; and the unspoilt, peaceful Isle of Man.
2. Silversea
Silversea's luxury 200-guest expedition ship Silver Endeavour, refurbished this year, is an occasional visitor to Scottish shores, and we particularly like the look of her adventurous 3 May 2025 sailing from Edinburgh to Portsmouth.
This 10-night voyage first calls at Fair Isle - the UK's most remote inhabited island and a birdwatching hotspot, serving as both an important breeding ground for seabirds - before navigating Scotland's rugged outlying islands, with highlights including the remote Skye and Treshnish Isles and spotting seabirds on beautiful St Kilda and Shiant Isles, with time in the charming Isles of Scilly and cobblestone streets of Guernsey's St Peter Port before sailing back to Portsmouth.
3. Hebridean Island Cruises
We could hardly talk about cruising from Scotland without mentioning one of our favourite little ships, the inimitable Hebridean Princess. This tiny vessel is based in Scotland all year round, carrying just 50 travellers in cosy and comfortable surroundings.
Hebridean offer a number of short taster cruises, including this 4-night round-trip from Oban departing on 30 August 2024, which is a great opportunity to get a feel for what life is like on board without committing to one of the longer (and pricier) sailings.
4. Ponant
Take a trip around Britain's Celtic fringe and Norway's stunning fjord landscapes on board Ponant's stylish 184-guest yacht Le Lapérouse, sailing from Glasgow on 21 June 2025 on a short 7-night voyage.
This varied itinerary includes the beautiful highland scenery of Glencoe, the windswept Orkney Islands and the lovely fjord-framed villages of Norway's Olden, Flam and Bergen.
5. Oceania Cruises
This Edinburgh departure on board Oceania's lovely 684-guest Sirena sets sail on 25 August 2025, visiting the Orkney and Shetland Isles en route to Scandinavia.
Explore some of the highlights of northern Norway, including Longyearbyen - the largest settlement in Svalbard - and the colouful wooden buildings of Trondheim, alongside wonderful Bruges and the lesser-visited Norwegian ports of Måløy and Harstad, the latter surrounded by a lovely andscape of forests, mountains and fjords.
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sail from Edinburgh on 18 August 2025 on a 9-day journey to Oslo on board Regent's lovely 496-guest Seven Seas Navigator.
You'll discover the pretty towns along Scotland's remote northern coast and the turf-topped houses of the Faroe Islands, then continue on to Norway's lovely Stavanger, gateway to the spectacular Lysefjord, and Arendal, with its lively harbourside, before setting sail for stylish Oslo where you will disembark.
