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 Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

From £399pp

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 £1,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

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 £699pp

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 £799pp

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 £1,229pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Scottish Isles & Edinburgh

Scottish Isles & Edinburgh

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 £1,049pp

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 Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

From £649pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Icelandic Wonders & Wildlife

Icelandic Wonders & Wildlife

Departs: Dover • Thu 03 Jun 2021
12 nights • Boudicca • D2114

  • With natural wonders and wildlife awaiting your discovery amongst Iceland’s incredible landscapes and waterways, this cruise will leave you spellbound throughout.
  • An overnight stay in Reykjavik allows ample time to witness the beauty of the Golden Circle’s hot springs and waterfalls on tour, visit the famous Blue Lagoon and much more.
  • You’ll also have chances to experience fjord kayaking and embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure; and see the spectacular sights of Seyðisfjörður, Eyjafjörður and Hrisey Island from Boudicca.

From £1,799pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Scenic Islands of the British Isles

Scenic Islands of the British Isles

Departs: Dover • Sun 11 Jul 2021
13 nights • Boudicca • D2118

  • Discover and explore some of the British Isles most beautiful and remote islands, with smaller-sized Boudicca as your guide.
  • You’ll get to wonder at the best of British nature, from the landscapes of the Sound of Mull and intriguing Fingal’s Cave to the iconic ponies of the Shetland Islands.
  • Immerse yourself in rich history of the Orkney’s, Isle of Bute and Isle of Lewis; explore Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital; and visit the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Isles of Scilly.

From £1,899pp

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Offers available on selected fares and grades
Spectacular Fjordland Adventure

Spectacular Fjordland Adventure

Departs: Liverpool • Sun 11 Jul 2021
8 nights • Black Watch • W2115

  • Sail deep into the heart of Norway on Black Watch, to experience small ship cruising and fjordland exploration at its most inspiring, rewarding and memorable.
  • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and uncanny tranquillity of Nærøyfjord, inaccessible to larger ships; sail the magnificent Nordfjord and see majestic Hornelen up-close.
  • Ride the iconic Flåmsbana railway and marvel at the Kjosfossen Waterfall; discover the astonishing Briksdal Glacier from Olden; explore historic Bergen and much more during unforgettable time ashore.

From £1,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Lochs & Legends of Scotland

Lochs & Legends of Scotland

Departs: Liverpool • Thu 29 Jul 2021
8 nights • Black Watch • W2117

  • Create memories that last a lifetime as you sail Scottish Lochs on a smaller ship – the best way to experience the beauty and tranquility of this astonishing part of the world.
  • See mighty Ben Nevis in Loch Linnhe and Beinn Ghobhlach towering over Little Loch Broom; Loch Fyne; Fingal Cave’s basalt columns and more.
  • Ashore, your call at Fort William could coincide with the annual Lochaber Highland Games, while legendary historic sites, from castles to Neolithic treasures, await you too.

From £1,249pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades