Cruise · 5 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles
A five-night cruise with Fred. Olsen aboard Balmoral visiting the Scottish Isles, including Lerwick and Stornoway, with time to watch wildlife and sea stacks along the Moray Firth and Duncansby Head.
- Duration
- 5 nights
- Departs
- 1 Aug 2026
- Sails from
- Rosyth
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £999
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Passing Troup HeadWith its seabird colonies
Calls at Lerwick on the Shetland Islands
Visit to Stornoway, Outer Hebrides
Cruising by Duncansby Sea Stacks
Chance to spot seals, otters and seabirds
About the trip
Setting sail from Rosyth, Balmoral crosses the Moray Firth, edging past Troup Head where puffins and gannets often crowd the cliffs. The first port calls at Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, known for its fishing heritage and unexpectedly simple streets.
Next, the ship heads west to Stornoway on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where Gaelic culture lingers and a wander through the town reveals local crafts alongside tempting whisky shops. The cruise passes the Duncansby Sea Stacks near John o’ Groats, sheer pillars rising from the sea more than 30 metres high, a reminder that Scotland’s coasts often have a story in every crag.
Fred. Olsen's Balmoral is a vessel steady enough to turn in the smaller sea channels, allowing plenty of time for spotting seals and otters rather than the usual passenger shuffle. It’s a quietly paced trip that focuses on Scotland’s northern isles without rushing – a contrast to the hurried mainland city break.
- 1 Lerwick
- 2 Stornoway
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Rosyth, Scotland
Day 2
by Troup Head, Moray Firth, United Kingdom
Scenic cruising
Day 3
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Day 4
Stornoway, Scotland
Day 5
by Duncansby Sea Stacks, Scotland
Scenic cruising
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Rosyth
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Superior Ocean View
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles?
- Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles is a 5 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles depart from?
- Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles departs from Rosyth.
- Who operates Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles?
- Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles cost?
- Prices for Coastal & Cultural Scottish Isles start from £999, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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