4 of the best small ship cruises to Scotland

Published 25th of July 2025 | By Edwina Lonsdale

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If Scotland were on the other side of the world, you wouldn't hesitate to put it on your 'must visit' list, like David Attenborough on his series Wild Isles, where he visited coastlines and landscapes around the UK, including Scotland. Read on to discover the four best small ship cruises to Scotland.

Beautiful scenery, lots of history, great food (and whisky), dramatic landscapes, busy cities, culture, wildlife, castles and more. Because it's on our doorstep, we tend to set it aside as something we can do at any time, but it is the perfect choice to explore by cruise. Some cruises may visit a couple of ports but here we are focussing on the voyages that give you an in-depth exploration of this wonderful and varied region. Read on for some of our favourite small ship cruise lines plying the waters around Scotland...

4 of the best small ship cruises to Scotland

1. Hebridean Princess Scotland Cruises

As the name suggests, Hebridean Island Cruises has Scotland in its DNA. The 48-guest Hebridean Princess will take you to beautiful and remote destinations including the Scottish mainland and the rarely visited islands, enabling you to explore far and wide without the worries of packing and unpacking, or missing the fantastic sights because you need to keep your eyes on the road.

Offering a luxury cruise experience around Scotland, Hebridean Princess has a boutique and intimate feel, with local specialties served on board, attentive and knowledgable crew and guides, and a convivial atmosphere shared with your fellow guests. A focus on cycling or walking is the highlight of certain itineraries, but whichever itinerary you choose, you can be super active, or totally lazy, simply sitting back and enjoying the changing views.

Hebridean Princess at Sandray in the Hebrides, Scotland — Hebridean Princess at Sandray in Scotland's Hebrides

2. Cruise Around Scotland on Lord of the Highlands

The second ship from Hebridean Island Cruises, small enough to transit the intricate waters and impossibly tight locks of the Caledonian Canal, whilst still able to go to sea, albeit in the sheltered waters around Scotland's hauntingly beautiful fretted west coast, carries a maximum of 38 guests. Lord of the Highlands has the same unmistakeably Scottish feel as Hebridean Princess, with the same relaxed house party atmosphere, and the 6- and 7-night itineraries all make a transit of the Canal, combined with exploration further afield. This little ship is a great base to discover the wonders of Scotland, and there are also themed voyages from wildlife to 'flavours of the Highlands'.

View all Hebridean Island Cruises' voyages

Lord of the Highlands sailing in the Caledonian Canal, Scotland — Lord of the Highlands sailing Scotland's Caledonian Canal

3. Ponant Explorations in the Scottish Isles

French cruise line Ponant offers a whole host of Scottish small ship cruises, predominantly on their Explorer Yachts, 184-guest vessels which mix a modern super yacht feel and nautical tradition with French flair. Offering both classic voyages and expedition voyages, Ponant is a great choice for those who are looking for adventure ashore and luxurious comfort on board. Ponant also offer select voyages in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys which are designed for destination immersion with onboard experts and curated excursions.

View all Ponant's cruises visiting Scotland

Prestige Stateroom on board Ponant's Le Laperouse — Prestige Stateroom on board Ponant's Le Lapérouse

4. European Waterways in Scotland

We have been moving from 'very small' to 'tiny' as we list the best vessels for your Scottish exploration, so it is only right that we finish off with two lovely barges operated by European Waterways, the 12-guest Spirit of Scotland and the 8-guest Scottish Highlander. The perfect vessels to charter for a magical trip with family and friends, these cosy but stylish barges are a great base for walking and cycling, exploring towns and castles, pretty villages and remote countryside, and enjoying fantastic meals based on local produce. After a wee dram or two you might even spot the Loch Ness monster...

The Saloon on board European Waterways' Scottish Highlander — The Saloon on board Scottish Highlander

Meet the Author

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

More about Edwina

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