Embark in Glasgow

Set sail from Scotland’s stylish city of culture.

Your expedition cruise in the Irish Sea begins in Glasgow. If you have any time prior to embarkation, it’s worth getting to know this chic, modern city. Set against a backdrop of splendid Victorian architecture, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a stylish and exciting city, full of museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink, and shop.

Then, your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you. Our friendly Expedition Team will be on hand to greet you. After attending a safety briefing and settling in, sit down for a welcome dinner to launch the cruise.

Pre-Program

Want to further explore Glasgow and Edinburgh? We recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Pre-Program, which includes an overnight stay in Edinburgh. You’ll see the main sights of Glasgow and beautiful Edinburgh Castle.

Portrush’s big draw

Step out onto small Portrush and see a giant natural wonder.

Portrush is a resort town that’s been popular since Victorian times. It features several fantastic walking itineraries and this section of coast features long sandy beaches. Birders should trek up to Ramore Head, just north of the town.

A big draw is the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, which contains around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising mysteriously from the coast. All the while, the Dunluce Castle ruins sit dramatically at the top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, provide a stunning backdrop to this region’s savage beauty.

Elegant Belfast

Roam Northern Ireland’s capital and discover its proud heritage.

Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital is a city of industry and elegance. Wander the Titanic Quarter and walk the Maritime Mile, a waterfront trail showcasing Belfast’s proud seafaring history.

Elegant Victorian architecture abounds here. Admire the detailed mosaics of St. Anne’s Cathedral and the majestic façade of the Grand Opera House. Climb Cave Hill, near Belfast Castle, for great city views.

There are tasty treats and handicrafts for sale at St George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum will delight history buffs.

Enigmatic Isle of Man

Explore Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man.

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We’ll head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man; learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage; trace its transformation into a Victorian tourist magnet; and discover its stunning, rugged coastline.

There’s so much to see and do in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St. Thomas’ Church, and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, which was originally a Viking stronghold and is now said to be haunted.

The ‘Land’s End’ of Wales

Soak up the quaint villages and prehistoric forts of Fishguard.

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

From Lower Town, explore the ancient woodlands of the Gwaun Valley, which stretch toward the Preseli Hills. On the outskirts of Fishguard, you can walk up the hill to Castle Point, where you’ll find the ruins of Fishguard Fort.

A short drive away is the UK’s smallest city, St. David’s. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th-century cathedral. With a charming high street lined with antique shops, eateries and boutiques, St. David’s is a great place to wander.

Emerald Isle capital

Experience the many charms of Ireland’s capital.

Founded by Vikings, and later becoming the Kingdom of Dublin, Ireland’s capital has a remarkable history. As one of Europe’s most youthful cities, Dublin is a lively cultural center of live music and pubs, and a modern tech hub.

Today, you’ll explore this fascinating city and visit places such as Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. Here, you’ll can see the medieval manuscript the Book of Kells. Dublin Castle is also worth a visit—and don’t forget to sample a pint of Guinness!

Explore Glasgow

Delve deeper into the thriving city on the River Clyde.

Returning to Glasgow, you’ll have the chance to see some the things you may have missed the first time through.

Walk up to the East End and visit Glasgow Cathedral, a shining example of Gothic architecture. Behind it stretches a 19th-century necropolis of Victorian tombstones just waiting for the curious visitor to explore.

Head west from the city center to admire the eclectic art and natural history collections of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in a grand sandstone building set in the lush grounds of Kelvingrove Park, it’s a must-see.

Scotland in miniature

See wildlife and dramatic landscapes on beautiful Arran.

Warmed by the North Atlantic Current, the sheltered Isle of Arran is a haven for wildlife. As you travel around the island, keep an eye out for Scotland’s ‘big five’ wildlife draws: Golden Eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otter, and seals.

Feel like stretching your legs? Take the popular Goatfell hiking trail and visit Brodick Castle to get a sense of the aristocratic life of yesteryear. Discover Neolithic treasures across Machrie Moor and sample distinctive malt whisky in the local distillery.

Colorful Tobermory

Lap up Tobermory’s eye-catching waterfront.

Tobermory is the main town on the Isle of Mull. As you get close to the waterfront, you'll be greeted by a row of distinctive brightly-colored Georgian houses. Explore this small town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and handicraft stores. It even has its own whisky distillery.

If conditions allow, we’ll go to Loch Sunart, a beautiful seawater loch that few others visit. As a Scottish government Marine Protected Area (MPA), the clear waters here shelter a rich ecosystem and are a stronghold for otters. This is also a great place for spotting dolphins and porpoises.

Britain’s outdoor adventure hub

Visit Scotland’s adventure hub, surrounded by beauty.

After sailing into Loch Linnhe, we’ll arrive at Fort William. The town is known as the ‘outdoor capital of the U.K.’ and is a magnet for hikers, bikers, climbers, and skiers. As you’ll see, it’s nestled among some spectacular Highland scenery.

The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national drink, and a scenic short walk awaits you at Glen Nevis. You can also visit Glen Coe, a valley formed from volcanic activity, sculpted by glaciers, and designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and a National Scenic Area of Scotland.

Idyllic Oban

Set foot on Scotland’s west coast in this tiny town

The ‘Gateway to the Isles’, Oban reached its heyday when the railway arrived, adding to its life as a busy fishing port. Victorian buildings cluster round the port, while ferries come and go, heading out to the distant Hebrides.

A 20-minute walk from town passes beaches and through woodland to reach Dunollie Castle, ancient seat of the Clan Chiefs. Fancy a wee dram? Tiny Oban Distillery is one of the smallest—and one of the oldest!—in Scotland.

Islay’s nature and whiskey

Fire up your spirit of discovery on ‘whisky island’

Islay (pronounced “eye-la”) isn’t called the ‘whisky island’ by coincidence. There are nine working distilleries here, and their peaty single malts are sold around the world. One of the larger islands, there are 130 miles of coastline here, along with numerous quiet, sandy beaches.

Islay is also a wildlife paradise with over 200 species of birds. These include Golden Eagles, oystercatchers, gannets, and Hen Harriers. What’s more, the mystical past is present in ancient monoliths, Celtic crosses, and a stone circle.

Return to Glasgow

Finish off where you started … But why not stay a bit longer?

Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started: in Glasgow. Even though you’ve spent the past 10 days enjoying wonderful experiences, why not stay and catch some of the things you may missed before you set sail.

Pass by Glasgow Harbour, down by the Clyde, and you’ll run into the striking Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid. Berthed alongside this impressive transport museum, you will find the tall ship Glenlee. Architecture and design enthusiasts should also seek out the works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh scattered across the city.

Whether you choose to linger, or are heading straight home, we hope to see you again soon.

Post-Program:

If you want to explore Glasgow and Edinburgh, we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Post-Program. An overnight in Edinburgh will allow you to see the main sights of Glasgow, as well as the majestic Edinburgh Castle.