Scottish Isles Cruises

The capacity for the Expedition ship is 128 passengers. In addition, there will be at least 14 expedition experts on board — specialising in everything from ornithology to marine biology — as well as various supporting staff too.

There are 70 different cabins on board the Expedition cruise, with all rooms housing en-suite bathrooms with added toiletries and ocean-facing portholes or windows. Suites will include a double bed and larger sea-view windows, while multishare twin and triple cabins provide travellers with a more sociable and budget-friendly option too.

Yes there is — however, data usage charges will apply.

The electrical current provided on board is 220 volts, which can be accessed using standard European two-pin plugs. Travellers arriving from other regions using different voltages or plugs will want to bring a universal travel adapter.

The new 102 metre (335 ft) long ship features a dining room, large presentation lounge, library, gym, gift shop, laundry facilities, medical centre with a licenced doctor, sun deck, two Jacuzzis, barbecue facilities, and an observation deck. There’s also a round-the-clock coffee, tea, and beverage station, as well as an onboard bar.

The new ship is also built with an Ice Class 1A for reinforced safety and maneuverability through the ice, as well as a refurbished propulsion system. We estimate that the overall carbon footprint per person per day will drop by up to 30% with the addition of the new ship.

G Adventures prides itself on operating a small-passenger program so that we can offer the benefits of small group exploration. Whether landing ashore or exploring the region by Zodiac, we aim to get all of our guests off the vessel twice a day to allow our guests more opportunities to experience all the beauty and wonders of the Arctic region first hand.

That being said, bear in mind that mother nature may have her own plans! We're operating in a natural environment that is subject to unpredictable factors such as wildlife and extreme weather, but with a team that encompasses decades of Arctic experience, we pride ourselves on being able to adapt and run the best program possible for our guests.

No. The Expedition offers complimentary waterproof boots for all guests. Essential for walking on ice, these pull-on boots are yours for the duration of your voyage. As some sizes might not be available, please check your trip details document before you travel for further information. You can find this on the individual tour page you have chosen.

The new expedition cruise is well heated throughout, so while on board, you won’t need to wrap up warm. However, on excursions, waterproof pants/trousers are mandatory. We also recommend bringing waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, and layered, warm clothing for the trip — as well as binoculars and a decent camera too.

A Scottish Isles expedition cruise is a small-ship adventure designed to explore places larger ships can’t reach. Days are spent landing on remote islands, hiking coastal trails, visiting historic sites, and spotting wildlife — all led by expert expedition staff. Routes and daily plans are flexible, allowing us to adapt to weather, sea conditions, and wildlife sightings.

Activities vary by itinerary and conditions, but typically include:
• Zodiac landings on remote islands
• Guided hikes and coastal walks
• Wildlife spotting from ship and shore
• Visits to historic sites, villages, and various archaeological locations

All activities are included unless otherwise stated, and participation is always optional.

Scottish Isles expeditions are active but accessible. Most excursions involve walking on uneven ground, beaches, or grassy trails, and stepping in and out of Zodiacs. You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of mobility and balance is important to get the most out of the experience.

Weather in Scotland — especially around the islands, the Highlands, Orkney, and Shetland — is famously unpredictable. You might experience sun, wind, mist, and rain all in one day. Summer (June to August): 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Long daylight hours, greener landscapes, and the best conditions for island exploration and wildlife spotting.
• Spring (March to May): Cooler and changeable, with temperatures from 1–16°C (34–61°F).
• Autumn (September to November): Moody skies, dramatic coastlines, and fewer crowds. Expect 2 to 16°C (36 to 61°F).

Layering is key here — and the shifting conditions are all part of the adventure.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the best time for Scottish expedition cruising. This is when seas are most navigable, days are long, and wildlife activity is high.
• May to July: Ideal for hiking, island landings, and cultural exploration. • August: Peak season in Edinburgh and popular ports, especially during festival season. • September: Quieter, atmospheric, and perfect for photographers.

All three of our Scottish Isles expeditions are timed to make the most of these prime conditions.

While sightings are never guaranteed, these expeditions offer excellent opportunities to spot:
• Seabirds like puffins, gannets, and fulmars
• Grey and harbour seals
• Dolphins and porpoises
• Occasionally whales, depending on conditions

Remote coastlines and lesser-visited islands — particularly on routes through Orkney, Shetland, and the Faroe Islands — create prime wildlife habitats.

Expect active days, changing weather, and plenty of time outdoors.

We recommend:
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers (fleece or insulated jacket)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Hat and gloves (even in summer)
• Daypack and reusable water bottle

A detailed packing list is available in the ‘Tour Details’ section of each tour.

The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands starts in Glasgow (embarking from nearby Troom) and ends in Leith (Edinburgh).
Expedition Through the Scottish Isles: Where Land Meets Legend starts in Glasgow and ends in Troon, both on Scotland’s west coast.
In the Wake of the Vikings: Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands starts in Glasgow (Leith) and ends in Tromsø, Norway, deep inside the Arctic Circle.

Each route is carefully designed to maximise time exploring remote islands, dramatic coastlines, and historic landscapes, with minimal backtracking and maximum adventure.

It’s possible. These voyages travel open waters in the North Atlantic, where conditions can change quickly. We recommend bringing seasickness medication and speaking with your doctor before travelling if you’re unsure what works best for you.

Spending varies by traveller. Consider budgeting for:
• Drinks on board
• Optional souvenirs
• Tipping local guides and expedition staff

While credit cards are preferred, we do accept USD, GBP, EUR, AUD and CAD. All prices onboard are in USD.

All of our expedition ships have a fully equipped medical centre with a licensed doctor onboard, ensuring peace of mind while travelling in remote regions.

Our Scottish expedition cruises typically run between 7 and 15 nights, depending on the route and regions explored.

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory for all G Adventures trips.
Your policy must cover:
• All included activities
• Emergency medical care
• Evacuation
• Trip cancellation and personal belongings

More details can be found on our Health & Safety page.