Hebrides & Highlands: 9-Night Scenic Ireland & Scotland Voyage

This nine-night Scenic voyage suits travelers who love history, wild coastlines and islands that are hard to reach any other way. It departs Dublin on May 27, 2027, calls in Belfast, then threads Scotland’s western isles, ventures out to remote St. Kilda, rounds the north via Orkney and ends at Leith, the port for Edinburgh, on June 5. Late spring brings long evenings and nesting seabirds.

Belfast’s Titanic Quarter tells the story of the ship that was built here. Iona, where St. Columba founded his abbey in the sixth century, is a quiet and much-loved island, and nearby Staffa is famous for Fingal’s Cave and its basalt columns; puffins are often seen there in early summer. Oban, the so-called gateway to the isles, is a small harbor town known for seafood and whisky.

St. Kilda, far out in the Atlantic, is a UNESCO site for both nature and culture, with towering sea cliffs and an abandoned village; landings depend on the weather. Portree is the colorful harbor town of the Isle of Skye, and Stornoway on Lewis is the gateway to the Callanish Standing Stones. Kirkwall on Orkney offers St. Magnus Cathedral and access to Neolithic sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. Aberdeen, the Granite City, is the last stop before Edinburgh.

Scenic’s Discovery Yachts are small ultra-luxury ships with butler service in every suite and largely all-inclusive fares. Helicopter sightseeing may be available as a paid option on suitable days. The yacht’s size is what makes calls like Iona, Staffa and St. Kilda practical.

Dublin and Edinburgh are both cities worth extra days, and we can set those up for you. Let us know your preferences and we’ll check fares, availability and any promotions on this voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you land on St. Kilda on a cruise?
Landings on St. Kilda depend on sea and weather conditions, and they are never guaranteed. If a landing isn’t possible, the ship may offer scenic cruising around the islands instead.

What is the weather like in Scotland in late May and early June?
Expect cool, changeable weather, often in the 50s Fahrenheit, with a mix of sun, wind and showers. Daylight is long, with sunset after 10 p.m. in the far north.

Do I need a visa for a cruise from Dublin to Edinburgh?
U.S. citizens generally need a valid passport, and the UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization for many visitors. Requirements depend on your citizenship, and we’ll confirm them for you.