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Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise

From the Isle of Skye and its picturesque villages to the dramatic landscapes of remote Shetland and Orkney, delve into vivid histories and stunning scenery aboard this active 8-day voyage. Discover archaeological sites steeped in ancient mythology. Explore medieval castles, Viking ruins, and early Christian sites. Beyond Scotland, encounter significant seabird colonies on Northern Ireland’s Rathlin Island. Experience the thrill of true exploration as you spend days charting courses, by Zodiac and on foot, based on the expertise of your expedition leaders, naturalists, and local guides.

02 June, 2027 to 09 June, 2027
Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 01 $11,986 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 02 $12,586 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 03 $14,471 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
view cabin photo
Category 04 $15,057 AUD pp
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 05 $18,829 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
view cabin photo
Category 06 $21,657 AUD pp
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
view cabin photo
Category 07 $24,900 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
view cabin photo
09 June, 2027 to 16 June, 2027 (reverse)
Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 01 $11,986 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 02 $12,586 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 04 $15,057 AUD pp
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
view cabin photo
Category 03 $15,357 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
view cabin photo
Category 05 $18,829 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
view cabin photo
Category 06 $21,657 AUD pp
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
view cabin photo
Category 07 $24,900 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
view cabin photo

Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise itinerary:

show reverse itinerary
Day 1 Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the city center. Explore the city—known throughout time for its hill fort, now the iconic Edinburgh Castle—at your own pace before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

Day 2-4 Shetland and Orkney

Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through Shetland and Orkney, both with their own heritage and traditions. Shetland is composed of 16 individual islands and offers the chance to delve into its Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as its farming culture on the edge of the ocean. Orkney offers its own highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. You'll explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.   

Day 5-6 Loch Ewe / Isle of Skye

Sail south along the coast to Loch Ewe, inhabited over the centuries by crofting villages and used as a gathering point for maritime trade and military convoys. Today, one of the best known highlights of the Loch is Inverewe Gardens, initially curated by a private land owner and currently looked after by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the gardeners tending the early season beds, while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle that call this area of the world home.

The next day, sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the Isle of Skye, long known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Enjoy an expedition day along its coast exploring inlets and villages that this region is known for—and possibly a wee dram of the local libations.

Day 7 Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony is perched precariously on seaside cliffs. It is also home to thousands of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Take the shuttle up to the cliffs and home to the Rathlin West Light, the “upside down lighthouse,” built between 1912 and 1917. From here, you can peer over the cliffs and observe the seabirds that call these dramatic drops home. After getting your fill of the cliffs and panoramic sea views, hike along the country lane back to the harbor and witness daily island life around you.

Day 8 Dublin, Ireland / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Dublin and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary
Please note: *

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Day 8 Dublin, Ireland / Disembark Ship *

Disembark in Dublin and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Day 7 Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland *

Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony is perched precariously on seaside cliffs. It is also home to thousands of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Take the shuttle up to the cliffs and home to the Rathlin West Light, the “upside down lighthouse,” built between 1912 and 1917. From here, you can peer over the cliffs and observe the seabirds that call these dramatic drops home. After getting your fill of the cliffs and panoramic sea views, hike along the country lane back to the harbor and witness daily island life around you.

Day 5-6 Loch Ewe / Isle of Skye *

Sail south along the coast to Loch Ewe, inhabited over the centuries by crofting villages and used as a gathering point for maritime trade and military convoys. Today, one of the best known highlights of the Loch is Inverewe Gardens, initially curated by a private land owner and currently looked after by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the gardeners tending the early season beds, while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle that call this area of the world home.

The next day, sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the Isle of Skye, long known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Enjoy an expedition day along its coast exploring inlets and villages that this region is known for—and possibly a wee dram of the local libations.

Day 2-4 Shetland and Orkney *

Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through Shetland and Orkney, both with their own heritage and traditions. Shetland is composed of 16 individual islands and offers the chance to delve into its Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as its farming culture on the edge of the ocean. Orkney offers its own highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. You'll explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.   

Day 1 Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship *

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the city center. Explore the city—known throughout time for its hill fort, now the iconic Edinburgh Castle—at your own pace before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

* = Indicative
Map for Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise
National Geographic Explorer, the ship servicing Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides Cruise

National Geographic Explorer

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 108 meters

Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)

Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008

Originally constructed for Norway’s renowned Hurtigruten Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer was a natural fit for the Lindblad Expeditions fleet thanks to her exceptional manoeuvrability, ice-strengthened hull, and purpose-built expedition design. Now fully stabilised and refitted with over five decades of exploration expertise, she is ideally suited for navigating the most remote corners of the globe—from the rugged coasts of Europe to the icy passages of the polar regions. With vast windows throughout and a Scandinavian-inspired interior, the ship invites guests to stay connected with their environment at every turn.

Aboard National Geographic Explorer, every feature is tailored to enhance discovery. From the open Bridge and observation deck to the Chart Room and mudroom for expedition gear, the ship is an authentic platform for adventure. Her recently updated suites offer comfort and understated elegance, while public spaces such as the library, Global Gallery, and multiple dining areas encourage camaraderie and relaxation. Carrying expert guides, state-of-the-art tools, and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, this 148-guest ship brings guests closer to nature with all the style and substance expected of a flagship expedition vessel.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Explorer
• Spend time on Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland's largest puffin colony and the unique "upside down lighthouse"

• Embark on an expedition day on the western coast of the Isle of Skye to explore its rugged shoreline and dramatic landscapes

• Uncover the Viking heritage and stunning scenery of the remote Shetland and Orkney Islands: delve into their unique cultures with local historians, explore ancient brochs, and hike across island trails

• Stroll through the renowned and picturesque Inverewe Gardens in Loch Ewe while keeping an eye out for the "Scottish Big 5": red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal, and golden eagle