British Isles – Remote Islands, Natural Wonders And A Diverse Coastline

Set sail on your island-hopping adventure 

Your expedition cruise starts in Dover. If you have time before boarding MS Maud, take a walk along the famous White Cliffs at St Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and the sparkling English Channel below.  

Once you've picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you'll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who'll be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then enjoy your first dinner aboard the ship – your adventure has begun. 

Get to know your basecamp at sea 

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea with plenty to do. Admire the views from MS Maud's Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insights into the island destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs.  

Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from our onboard photographer on how to capture wildlife and landscapes. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge a great place to read or watch the world glide by. 

You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team, experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the places ahead with you.  

Explore scenic coastlines and the UK's smallest city 

Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming coastal town of Fishguard. You'll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town' above. 

A short drive away is the UK's smallest city, St Davids. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th century cathedral. You can explore this conservation area as part of an included excursion. 

The dramatic headland nearby is the most westerly point in Wales. Here you can enjoy spectacular views along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path. 

Discover Northern Ireland's capital 

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens. 

Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St Anne's Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you'll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade.  

Belfast also allows access to the iconic Giant's Causeway, and the rugged northern coastline. Explore the towering cliffs and distinctive hexagonal columns of this natural wonder. 

Island gems in the Outer Hebrides 

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen on any given day. That's why we've carved out one day to take full advantage of exploring the region.  

Today, the Captain and the Expedition Team will decide whether we explore Barra or Vatersay, the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, linked to each other by a causeway.  

Go in search of birds and sea life in our expedition boats or attempt to land in the innumerable coves and beaches that dot the islands close to Castlebay. 

Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage 

Today we sail to the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant and compact Viking-influenced capital on foot.  

Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl's Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.  

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their distinctive single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.  

Experience the Gaelic culture of the Hebrides 

Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis and Harris capital. As you explore the area around the harbour, keep an eye out for seals, eagles and otters. Enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle with its spacious grounds full of trails and offering fantastic views. 

Further afield, take in the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Dun Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland. Enjoy coastal walks along the stunning Dalmore, Dalbeg or Garry beaches, and maybe pick up a memento of Harris Tweed, which is woven here. 

Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'Whisky Island' 

Islay is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit. Discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan as you explore the island.  

Islay is also a wildlife paradise, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks. 

Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island's nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a 'wee dram' from one of these famous and historic whisky producers, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg. 

Explore Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man 

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man. Learn about the island's Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see its stunning rugged coastline.   

There's so much to pack into your day in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St Thomas's Church and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold and now said to be haunted. 

Uncover Viking history in Ireland's oldest city 

Welcome back to Ireland - the Emerald Isle. Today you'll set foot in the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings in the 10th century beside a ford in the River Suir. Waterford is a well preserved and very walkable small city, famed for its beautiful crystal glass production. Intricate and bold street art daubs walls and houses in this city of culture, so don't forget your camera. 

Walk around the Viking Triangle, so named for the three-sided shape made by the thousand-year-old walls that once surrounded the city. Or explore the charming Waterford greenway and historic Kilkenny Castle, a relic of medieval Ireland. 

Enjoy crystal waters, sandy beaches and natural beauty 

Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall are the Isles of Scilly. This enchanting archipelago is home to some exquisite small islands. If conditions allow, we'll split our time here. You can explore Tresco's white sandy beaches and its renowned 19th century Abbey Gardens, or visit St Mary's, the largest of the isles. 

Alternatively, join a trip around the archipelago, visiting shipwreck sites and spying seals lying on the rocks. You'll also sail around the bird sanctuary of Annet to spot puffins and various other breeding seabirds. 

Get set for historical attractions and idyllic beaches 

The picturesque banks of the River Dart mark our arrival into beautiful Dartmouth. Steeped in maritime history and culture, this charming town is home to the Royal Britannia Naval College and Dartmouth Castle. 

Tread the coastal paths and trails that extend along this stretch of coastline, exploring secluded coves and remote beaches. Food lovers may wish to try Dartmouth's seafood, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the local fudge or the famous Devonshire cream tea. 

End your British Isles adventure where you began 

The sight of the White Cliffs of Dover signals the end of this exploration of the British Isles. As we sail into Dover with the iconic cliffs coming into view, we'll dock at the harbour and then it's time to say a fond farewell to MS Maud and to all those who have made your expedition cruise so memorable.