Kirkwall Cruises

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Scotland
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Scotland

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for 'Church Bay', relating to the town's 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway. 

Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney's turbulent past.[ReadMoreMob] The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.

Don't miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it's fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

Cruises to Kirkwall

Scotland with the Isles of Orkney and Mull

Scotland with the Isles of Orkney and Mull

Departs: Liverpool • Sat 23 May 2020
5 nights • Black Watch • W2014

  • Discover the wild, unspoilt landscapes and remarkable historic sites of spellbinding Scottish islands and lochs, and enjoy a taste of the Fred. Olsen experience, all on one short, yet invigorating cruise.
  • Start your five-night escape with a relaxing sail to the Orkneys, where you can admire stunning countryside scenes surrounding Kirkwall and tour to UNESCO-listed, Neolithic Skara Brae.
  • A visit to the Isle of Mull offers chances to explore Tobermory’s iconic, colourful harbour and see the 13th century Duart Castle, while Greenock is your gateway to legendary Loch Lomand and Trossachs National Park.

From £849pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Uncovering the Natural Wonders of Iceland

Uncovering the Natural Wonders of Iceland

Departs: Dover • Sat 20 Jun 2020
13 nights • Boudicca • D2015

  • From whales to geysers, waterways to geothermal pools, the thrilling diversity of Iceland awaits your discovery as you explore three sides of this astonishing country on an incredible 13-night voyage.
  • On the west coast, stop overnight in Reykjavik – gateway to the wonders of the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon; and visit Ísafjörður, for a chance to observe charming puffins on a tour to Vigur Island.
  • Along the north coast, divert deep into Eyjafjörður all the way to Akureyri, starting point for exhilarating whale watching adventures; and then savour the stunning scenery of Seyðisfjörður in the east.

From £1,899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Exploring the Lochs of Scotland

Exploring the Lochs of Scotland

Departs: Liverpool • Sat 11 Jul 2020
7 nights • Black Watch • W2019

  • Head north of the border from Liverpool to the breathtaking lochs and islands of Scotland, on a week-long adventure featuring explorations of beautiful waterways and visits to a string of diverse destinations.
  • Immerse yourself in the mysteries of Loch Ness, on tour from Invergordon; uncover the ancient sites of the Orkneys; and seek-out natural wonders, such as Britain’s highest waterfalls from Ullapool.
  • A call at Portree, gateway to some of Scotland’s oldest castles, is sandwiched between hours of unforgettable scenic cruising along lochs Broom, Torridon and Shieldaig, and by Fingal’s Cave and Duart Castle.

From £1,149pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Scottish Isles with a Taste of Norway

Scottish Isles with a Taste of Norway

Departs: Rosyth (Edinburgh) • Tue 14 Jul 2020
9 nights • Balmoral • L2016

  • During five days of unforgettable island exploration, unearth the treasures of Scotland’s breathtaking remote archipelagos, from native wildlife and dramatic countryside to ancient sites and colourful waterfronts.
  • Encounter ponies and huge seabird colonies in the Shetlands; and take the chance to discover the Orkney’s famous historic highlights, such as the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the stones of Stenness and Brodgar.
  • In the Inner Hebrides, you can savour the natural wonders and centuries-old castles of the Isle of Skye; and see Tobermory’s iconic harbour on the Isle of Mull, all before Stavanger offers a taste of Norway.

From £1,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Isles of the UK

Isles of the UK

Departs: Dover • Wed 15 Jul 2020
9 nights • Boudicca • D2018

  • Experience the breathtaking scenery, ancient history and engrossing diversity of beautiful islands and two insightful cities, on this rewarding circumnavigation of the British Isles aboard
  • Visits to the rugged Scottish isles of Skye, the Orkneys and the Shetlands will present chances to uncover Neolithic villages; historic castles; fascinating wildlife and spellbinding natural landscapes.
  • Meanwhile, Invergordon awaits - gateway to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, while there’s also chances to discover some of the highlights of Cornwall, such as the iconic Eden Project, and beautiful Guernsey.

From £1,499pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Scottish Isles & the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scottish Isles & the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Departs: Liverpool • Wed 05 Aug 2020
8 nights • Black Watch • W2022

  • With a mix of remote island exploration, unforgettable scenic cruising and chances to attend two iconic, internationally renowned events, this enriching journey presents Scotland at its diverse best.
  • Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Edinburgh from Rosyth, to enjoy the Scottish capital’s International Festival and experience the fantastic performances of the iconic Royal Military Tattoo live and in person.
  • There’s opportunities to uncover historic sites, seabird havens and natural wonders in the Orkneys, Shetlands and on the Isle of Skye too; and see stunning sea stacks, beautiful bays and charming castles from aboard Black Watch.

From £1,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Scotland with the Isles of Orkney and Mull

Scotland with the Isles of Orkney and Mull

Departs: Liverpool • Thu 27 Aug 2020
5 nights • Black Watch • W2024

  • Discover the wild, unspoilt landscapes and remarkable historic sites of spellbinding Scottish islands and lochs, and enjoy a taste of the Fred. Olsen experience, all on one short, yet invigorating cruise.
  • Start your five-night escape with a relaxing sail to the Orkneys, where you can admire stunning countryside scenes surrounding Kirkwall and tour to UNESCO-listed, Neolithic Skara Brae.
  • A visit to the Isle of Mull offers chances to explore Tobermory’s iconic, colourful harbour and see the 13th century Duart Castle, while Greenock is your gateway to legendary Loch Lomand and Trossachs National Park.

From £839pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades