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Explore the Hebrides, Caledonian Canal & Orkney

- in comfort and style, sunrises and sunsets, to capture your heart, wildlife encounters, - in their natural environment, the scottish cruise company, - with hospitality at its heart, breathtaking scenery, - best seen from the sea, something for everyone, - on a scottish cruise, the best of scotland's larder, - prepared on board, a majestic line cruise: the perfect way to explore the west coast of scotland and the hebrides.

The Majestic Line has been hosting Scottish cruising holidays on the waters off the West Coast for over 15 years. Most of our cruises depart from Oban, gateway to the Highlands and the Islands of the Outer and Inner Hebrides – sailing in these waters is the best way to explore the islands and the beautiful coastline of Scotland. Our five small cruise ships are beautiful floating hotels and have been designed to access remote and sheltered anchorages that larger boats find inaccessible. Sailing from April to October we make the most of the longer summer days with opportunities for walking ashore and wildlife spotting or just relaxing onboard. You can find out more about where we go on our Cruising Area.

The Scottish Small Ship Cruising Holiday

Our five small cruise ships offer you a truly unique experience, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Our converted fishing trawlers, Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan , provide accommodation for up to 11 guests, whilst our purpose built vessels, Glen Etive and Glen Shiel , can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. Each of those boats has a crew of four onboard; Skipper, Chef, Engineer and Steward.

For 2023, we are delighted to introduce Glen Rosa. With a crew of Skipper and Chef, she can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 ensuite cabins.

Our crews provide the very best in Scottish Hospitality and do their best to ensure your cruise runs smoothly. Meals are freshly prepared on board utilizing the wonderful Scottish Larder with our Chefs focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce – seafood is of course a highlight for many on our cruises with mussels from Loch Spelve, langoustine and occasionally a lobster caught in the creels that we keep on board.

The Majestic Line offers a choice of 17 different cruise itineraries from 3 nights , 6 nights or 10 nights . We cruise waters surrounding some of Scotland's iconic islands such as Islay, Jura, Mull, Skye, St Kilda, Staffa and Iona, the small isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg. You can go ashore to enjoy the fantastic scenery, take a walk, visit one of the malt whisky distilleries or gin distilleries, watch the local wildlife. We also operate a river cruise through the Caledonian Canal and Neptune’s Staircase to Loch Ness and sail to Inverness. Discover our Cruises .

The seas off the West Coast of Scotland provide an incredible habitat for all sorts of marine wildlife and our guests regularly see dolphins, porpoises, seals, basking sharks, minke whales, orca, not to mention the amazing sea birds from puffins and petrels to gannets and guillemots. Find out more about the species we regularly see at Wildlife of the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides .

If you are looking to discover the West Coast of Scotland and the Hebrides in a relaxing and enjoyable way with good company and excellent food then a Majestic Line cruise is the perfect Scottish holiday for you. Discover your Scottish cruising holiday here .

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Well done to the fabulous crew especially Jamie on his debut! Will is an amazing chef and his food was some of the best I've ever had. Thank you for going the extra mile and looking after us. 

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4 of the best small ship cruises to Scotland

Published 6th March 2023 in Cruise Advice By Edwina Lonsdale /cruise-news/cruise-advice/best-small-ship-cruises-scotland

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If Scotland were on the other side of the world, you wouldn't hesitate to put it on your 'must visit' list, like David Attenborough has on his new BBC series Wild Isles, where he will visit coastlines and landscapes around the UK, including Scotland. Read on to discover the four best small ship cruises to Scotland.

Beautiful scenery, lots of history, great food (and whisky), dramatic landscapes, busy cities, culture, wildlife, castles and more. Because it's on our doorstep, we tend to set it aside as something we can do at any time. Here are some of our favourite small ship cruise lines plying the waters around Scotland...

1. Hebridean Princess

This little gem of a vessel will take you to beautiful and remote destinations including the Scottish mainland and the rarely visited islands, enabling you to explore far and wide without the worries of packing and unpacking, or missing the fantastic sights because you need to keep your eyes on the road. A focus on cycling or walking is the highlight of certain itineraries, but whichever itinerary you choose, you can be super active, or totally lazy. Choose from an extraordinary variety of 7-night cruises in 2023 and 2024.

2. Lord of the Highlands

Small enough to transit the intricate waters and impossibly tight locks of the Caledonian Canal, whilst still able to go to sea, albeit in the sheltered waters around Scotland's hauntingly beautiful fretted west coast, this little ship carries a maximum of 40 guests. Lord of the Highlands has the same unmistakeably Scottish Feel as Hebridean Princess, with the same relaxed house party atmosphere, and the 6- and 7-night itineraries all make a transit of the Canal, combined with exploration further afield.

French cruise line Ponant offers a whole host of Scottish small ship cruises, including a 7-day, in-depth exploration of Scotland's most beautiful archipelagos - the Orkney, Hebrides and Shetland Islands - where there's a chance to spot orcas like David Attenborough did on his BBC Series Wild Isles. As well as whisky distillery visits and exploring the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, back on board, Ponant's 184-guest explorer ship Le Champlain mixes a modern super yacht feel and nautical tradition with French flair, alongside onboard lecturers by local experts.

4. European Waterways

We have been moving from 'very small' to 'tiny' as we list the best vessels for your Scottish exploration, so it is only right that we finish off with two lovely barges operated by European Waterways, the 12-guest Spirit of Scotland and the 8-guest Scottish Highlander. The perfect vessels to charter for a magical trip with family and friends , these cosy but stylish barges are a great base for walking and cycling, exploring towns and castles, pretty villages and remote countryside, and enjoying fantastic meals based on local produce. After a wee dram or two you might even spot the Loch Ness monster...

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

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Small ship cruises to Scotland

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Isle of Skye & The Inner Hebrides

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A feast for the eyes and a journey for the soul – you can’t help but enjoy our breath taking journey cruising the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides. Full of majestic and mystical sights bathed in historical folklore with its ancient structures gifted by man and nature.

Unimaginable views are in abundance on this cruise. The Isle of Skye is home to a multitude of ancient castles, fairy wishing pools as well as the Old Man of Storr, featured in the iconic scene from the movie Prometheus. All of which is simply enhanced by the multitude of rare birds and wildlife. The Inner Hebrides and the islands most commonly known as the Small Isles provide an amazing array of wildlife and secret little bays awash with the spirit of Scotland.

Passing places, anchorages and ports

Our gateway to the highlands and islands ……. Historically a fishing and trading village until the Victorian steamers started arriving in larger numbers to this pretty village, Oban grew into a town as it became a main stopping off point for the Western Isles.

Set in a natural bay, it is largely protected from wilder weather and has some beautiful seaside shops to visit. At the top of the hill behind the bay sits McCaig’s Tower or the Folly as it is better known. Built in 1902, McCaig built the colosseum style structure as a lasting testament to his family and also to provide work for the local tradesmen. Despite it being a steep walk to the top, the views are spectacular. Oban also boasts a cathedral, castle and golf course and has a rich culture in traditional Scottish music and this is evident with its many festivals. The fresh seafood found here is a must, it is literally from sea to plate!

A picture perfect setting of coloured buildings down to the pier surrounded by wooded hills around the bay up to the lighthouse with its playful otters among the rocks. At the bottom of the bay is thought to remain the wreck of a Spanish galleon which fled the English fleet when she anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. Following a dispute over payment the ship caught fire which caused the gunpowder to explode. She was supposed to have been carrying millions of gold coins when she went to the bottom but no-one has ever managed to find any significant treasure. Tobermory also has its very own chocolate factory.

Just north of the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula lies Sanna , famed for its beaches, rocks and dunes that make this one of the prettiest coasts in Scotland. Remote and beautiful, Sanna contains some of the most unusual landscapes in Scotland, a circular heather strewn plain surrounded by a ring of steep and well defined rock hills, the crater of a long extinct volcano. The surrounding views of the water offer both a bright light turquoise or deep dark hues of blue depending on whether the bed is sand or rock. A wild spot with rugged mountains the backdrop to this most memorable and dramatic seascape, Sanna offers generous views with the possibility of catching the odd stolen glimpse of some of Scotland’s most elusive wildlife. Loch Sunart shores play host to sea eagles, otters and pine martens going about their natural business

A working fishing port on the North West coast of Scotland, it is visited often by the famous Jacobite steam train from the Harry Potter movies. Full of character, it remains a tranquil place to visit and at just 200 years old it is rather a new town for Scotland. Benefiting from its new marina and the local art shops serving local artisans, Mallaig has one of the best wee fish and chip shops and has seen many drive from the central belt for the day and a fish supper – including us!

Loch Nevis is a sea loch with shallow shingle beaches, imposing mountains at either side and unparalleled views of Ben Nevis. The shores are dotted with stone farmhouses from various dates throughout the ages. In the evening you can see the sun setting over the Isle of Skye which is quite something to behold. A likely opportunity to visit Britains’s remotest pub, The Old Forge at Inverie on the Knyodart penninsula

Eilean Donan Castle

At the point where three great lochs meet and surrounded by majestic and graceful landscapes sits the famed Eilean Donan Castle. Easily recognised from many classic photos of Scotland it is probably the most pictured and iconic of all the Scottish Castles and one of the most visited attractions in the Highlands. Originally the site of a monastic cell in 634AD, the first castle was later established by Alexander II in the 13th century in an effort to help protect the area from Viking incursions. Since then at least four different versions of the Castle have stood and you can explore all the castle and journey through its history. Used as a location in the movie “Highlander”, it is said that once you have visited you will always yearn to return.

Kyles of Lochalsh

The gateway to the Isle of Skye, Lochalsh village has some beautiful whitewashed cottages that you can see from the water and fantastic views of the world famous Skye Bridge and the Cuillin Range. The surrounding landscape is a haven for deer – both red and roe, as well as golden eagles and otters.

Skye Bridge

The world famous Skye Bridge was built in 1995 and linked Skye to the mainland. It is actually two bridges, which use the island of Eilean Ban as a stepping stone. The site of political turmoil when it was completed as a levy was charged to cross, many a dispute and stand-off was had and soon the bridge was free to cross.

On the shores of Loch Carron, Plockton was the location for the TV series Hamish Macbeth, starring Robert Carlyle and was also used in “The Wicker Man”. Sitting in a sheltered bay, its temperate climate is home to coral beaches and stunning scenery at every turn. Considered one of the most sought after places to live or holiday in Scotland, it is always a pleasure to visit here.

Isle of Rasaay

From the Norse language meaning Isle of the Red Deer, the island is home to Dun Caan – a unique flat topped peak of 1456ft and also Inverarish village – where many German prisoners of war were held during World War I. They were used to work the iron ore mines and create shells and it was reported to contravene The Hague conventions. Covered up by the government in 1920, much of the paperwork was destroyed. What is fascinating is that the locals used to regularly sneak food for the prisoners, supporting them however they could. The island was home to life more than 9000 years ago and was more densely populated during medieval times with remains of a 13 th century chapel dedicated to St Moluag and the ruined castle at Brochel.

Take time to look out for Golden eagles who are known to nest on the island.

The main town on Skye was once known as Kings Port after its visit by King James V in 1540. Later, the town was visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 as he bade goodbye to his love, Flora MacDonald. The island became more developed in the 1820s when Scottish architect Thomas Telford built roads to other developing towns. He was also responsible for the construction of the pier in Portree. The harbour is still the main focus for the town and is surrounded by a mix of brightly painted houses and stonewashed cottages. As a family, we love it here as it has a collection of good shops, great places to eat and some fantastic pubs!

On the east coast of Skye, Kylerhea is perhaps best known for its otter sanctuary. Timid and shy, these secretive creatures are less easy to spot than the seals who often bask on the shore. Stonechats, willow warblers and wood warblers sing from perches just off the path. Bold robins and chaffinches will hop around the path just inches away from your toes.

Isle Ornsay

One of the most attractive villages on Skye sits on the edge of a spectacular natural harbour. The stone piers were constructed in the 1820s allowing the village to become a commercial fishing port for herring as well as a stopping off point for steamers travelling out from Glasgow. Due to the steamers arriving and the village becoming a popular tourist resort, Isleornsay became the first place on Skye to boast a public toilet.

Overlooking the Isle of Ornsay, which is accessible by foot at low tide, the mainland mountains serve as the backdrop to the village and the views around the lighthouse on Ornsay are spectacular.

Knock Castle

Just before we reach Armadale Castle, we will pass Knock Bay and the rocky headland on which sits Knock Castle. With sheer drops on each side of it, the best views are to be had by boat.

Dating back to the 1400s the castle was a stalwart fortress that had its own protected harbour making it difficult to attack. Originally the site of an Iron Age fort, the castle changed ownership between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds before being captured by the forces of James I. Abandoned in the 1600s, the castle is said to be still home to its resident ghosts, the Green Lady and also a spirit who is said to watch over the local cattle and protect them from harm.

The Small Isles

Just south of the Isle of Skye lies an archipelago of four small islands – Eigg, Canna, Rum and Muck. Made up of a column of lava, Eigg has a bloodthirsty history of clan rivalry that ended in the death of the islands entire population. Rum is a national nature reserve and is one of Britain’s last wildernesses and is home to the Manx Shearwater that glides straight winged along the surface of the surrounding coast. On the smallest island Muck, a dagger and a number of burial cairns have been found which date back to the Bronze Age, whilst thanks to the Gulf Stream, its waters support a number of rare crabs, small purple sea urchins, and the only British Coral, the “Cup Coral”. Canna, the last of the Small Isles is the archetype of Hebridean islands and displays evidence of the once great volcanic forces which have been at work in the earth’s crust. Wildlife is abundant here both on land and sea allowing you to see nature at its best.

Inverie, Mallaig

Kyle of lochalsh, small isles.

Tour Reviews

This trip was amazing! the staff where very attentive to all of our needs and the food was truly something to write about. One of the most enjoyable cruises we have ever been on and look forward to seeing you all this year.

An overall 5* experience with the food helping to keep the rating. We received a truly pampered and supported service with a great service from the crew and Captain who was well travelled and pleasant, full of stories, but the riddles were a bit too difficult! Mark was most knowledgeable regarding wildlife as was all of the staff. The boat was excellent and always clean and tidy with good accommodation, plenty of room to move around and benefited with the extra storage space.

5* treatment that I’m happy to recommend everything was most impressive and I would rate excellent. The captain and crew where very friendly and approachable.

A fantastic and relaxing break from studying! Our Captain was very informative and happy to supply us with information and was always very welcoming on the bridge. Deck crew where not only very professional at handling the ship but were very polite and courteous to the guests. The chef’s meals were divine which we stuffed ourselves with. The steward kept up the service to a very high standard and I would definitely be recommending.

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Enjoy a privately guided tour at the glenturret, the highlands' oldest working distillery.

A tour and tasting at the Highlands' oldest single malt distillery reveals, in the words of The Glenturret, "Since its origins among the smugglers and illicit stills of the 18th century, The Glenturret has had some fascinating stories to tell. Whisky booms and prohibition might have ruffled its feathers, but The Glenturret scotch malt whisky, still made by hand in the traditional way, weathered all these challenges and has matured into an enduring brand that remains as the only traditionally hand mashed whisky in Scotland."

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Macbeth's castle and more at inverness in the highlands.

Capital of the Highlands, Inverness is set within Scotland's Great Glen at the mouth of the River Ness. In the "happiest city in Scotland" (according to a recent survey), explore the Clava Cairns of Bulnuaran, circa 2500 BC, and Cawdor Castle, portrayed in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (actually built long after the real Thane was dust). Or visit Culloden Moor – where Bonnie Prince Charlie's uprising was defeated in 1746 – and Fort George. Also cruise the Caledonian Canal to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and explore brooding Loch Ness in a canoe or tour a local distillery.

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Home » Welcome to Hebridean Island Cruises

Luxury Scottish Cruises

Enjoy a luxury Scottish cruise as Hebridean Princess steams majestically into a distant loch, dramatically ringed by mountains, and dine at anchor in the spectacular sunset of a far-flung bay.

Hebridean Princess combines the atmosphere of a fine country house with her renowned level of service and attention to detail that guests have come to expect over the years. This, along with knowledgeable on board guides, makes for a memorable experience. Our boutique, luxury cruise ship carries just 48 guests with a hand-picked crew of 38.

Our all inclusive, no-fly cruises offer the very best way to experience Scotland from the water.

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Purpose built to transit the historic locks of the Caledonian Canal following a multi-million pound rebuild, Lord of the Highlands is the latest addition to Hebridean Island Cruises’ fleet of boutique cruise ships.

Inspired by the success of her larger sister, Hebridean Princess, Lord of the Highlands continues the Hebridean tradition of providing the best cruise holidays afloat. The convivial company of just 36 fellow guests ensures that a relaxed house party atmosphere is typical on every cruise.

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The Scottish Isles

Island hopping in the hebrides.

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British isles cruise - the scottish isles: island hopping in the hebrides 2025/2026.

Discover some of Scotland's most remote, romantic and rugged Hebridean islands on this island-hopping odyssey from Glasgow (Greenock).

Visit picture-perfect villages and historic towns, and marvel at spectacular scenery and breathtaking beaches.

Seek out Atlantic seabirds and marine life as we island hop around Islay, Mull, the Treshnish Isles, Colonsay and the Outer Hebrides.

Romantic and rugged landscapes

Starting in Glasgow (Greenock), your Hebridean adventure takes you to remote and wildlife-rich Scottish islands, discovering fascinating local culture and history, and experiencing activities that bring you close to nature. We'll be landing on beaches, going on guided hikes, sea kayaking and much more as we explore these rugged islands.

Wild nature and deep history

You'll be transfixed by the raw natural beauty of the Treshnish Isles and Iona,while the islands of Vatersay and Mingulay in the Outer Hebrides give new meaning to ‘wild abandon’. Visit castles, historic homes and standing stones and experience Scotland's cultural notes with whisky, tartan and tweed.

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Embark in Glasgow (Greenock)

Start in Scotland's stylish city of culture

A former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins.

You’ll embark in Glasgow (Greenock) where MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller vessels purpose-built for close-up exploration, will be waiting for you. Get to know the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your guides for the adventure ahead. Enjoy your first onboard dinner as we set sail.

Beautiful Isle of Arran

Enjoy wildlife spotting on Arran

Welcome to the Isle of Arran, known for its heather-cloaked landscapes. Why not try a hike with views of the craggy peaks of Goat Fell and see if you can spot Scotland’s ‘Big Five’: the Golden Eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter and harbour seal, all of which can be found on Arran.

Explore the woodland and gardens of Brodick Castle, and marvel at the Neolithic treasures and huge upright slabs at the Machrie Moor Stone Circle. Your stop wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery and a taste of their distinctive malt.

Islay's whisky and nature

Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'Whisky Island'

Islay, the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, with rugged uplands and coastline . The island is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit.

Islay is a wildlife haven, 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.

Sustainable Isle of Gigha

Discover a slice of paradise in the Hebrides

Today our Scottish isles cruise takes us to tiny Gigha (pronounced ‘Gee-a’), a little sandy slice of paradise in the Hebrides. The island is community-owned, bought by its 163 residents in 2002, and has a sustainable local economy. Why not try some of its seafood, such as Gigha halibut and oysters.

At only seven miles long, the only way to get around Gigha is on foot or by hiring a bike. Visit the woodland gardens of Achamore House and admire the colourful rhododendrons. Then explore white sandy coves and the turquoise waters along the coast, such as the Bàgh Rubha Ruaidh and Bàgh na Dòirlinne beaches.

The spirit of Iona

See Iona's sacred abbey and Fingal's Cave on Staffa

Your adventure continues to Iona, off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. You can visit the restored 6th century abbey, one of Scotland's oldest and most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites. Or enjoy a hike with the Expedition Team up Dùn I for breathtaking views of St Columba's Bay – and take a sip from the 'Well of Eternal Youth'.

We’ll also sail to the Treshnish Isles – home to Atlantic Puffins, razorbills and grey seals. At nearby Fingal's Cave, marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns, superb natural acoustics and mesmerising, coloured waters.

Expedition day

Explore the tranquil southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides

Today, we’ll explore the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides.

We’ll attempt a nature landing on the white sand beaches of Vatersay, located at the beginning of the renowned Hebridean Way. The mighty wind and waves of the Atlantic have carved sheltered harbours here, allowing settlements to arise as far back as the Neolithic period. Explore the rich history and admire the tranquil beauty of this tiny island, before heading south to remote Mingulay.

Abandoned by its resident population a century ago, Mingulay is home to some of the largest bird colonies in the Hebrides. Puffins, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes and more make their nests across the island, including on the towering Carnan Cliffs, a protected breeding area. If conditions allow, we’ll take our small expedition boats around the island on the lookout for some of these magnificent birds.

Stalwart Stornoway

Experience ’Scotland’s Stonehenge’ and find your tweed

We travel next to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, home of the famous Harris Tweed cloth. We'll visit Gothic-style Lews Castle, with its trails and fantastic views. Don’t miss 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, and Dùn Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland.

We'll also cruise the wild and beautiful Shiant Isles, a tiny archipelago set in the Minch Strait. One of the most important breeding colonies for seabirds in Europe, keep an eye out for European Shags, Common Eiders, Northern Fulmars and Great Skuas in the surrounding waters or on volcanic ledges.

Isles of beauty

Get close to dramatic scenery and wonderful wildlife on Skye and Eigg

We’ll sail to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, where dramatic scenery surrounds us. “The wildest scene in the Highlands” – that's how the Victorian poet Lord Tennyson described Loch Coruisk and the surrounding craggy peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. We'll put on our hiking boots to explore the loch with the Expedition Team.

Our next stop is the remote Isle of Eigg, home to incredible wildlife. You might spot Golden and White-Tailed Eagles, Red Throated Divers, stonechats, seals, dolphins and porpoises. Stroll along the white sands of Laig Bay to the quartz beach where the sand sings, or hike to the top of An Sgùrr.

Mull’s Colourful Fishing Port

Get ready for the dreamy beauty of the Sound of Mull

Brightly coloured Georgian houses line the waterfront in the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Learn about the local heritage at the Mull Museum, try a dram of local whisky, stroll around the loch in Aros Park or pay a visit to the Baliscate Standing Stones.

The Isle of Mull is a magnet for birders. It has the highest breeding density of Golden Eagles in Europe, and White-tailed Eagles can often be seen soaring above the coast. We may also explore Loch Sunart, a Marine Protected Area known for otters, dolphins and porpoises.

Colonsay birds and blooms

Immerse yourself in unspoilt island beauty

Take a coastal walk on the Isle of Colonsay and enjoy breathtaking views from Kiloran Bay and Plaide Mhòr. Or if you’re lucky enough to be in a kayak, you may catch sight of whales, porpoises and dolphins.

Flora thrives on Colonsay, with over 400 species of plants present. You’ll see some of them in the woodland gardens of Colonsay House. It's a paradise for birdwatchers, with choughs, Red Northern Divers, eagles, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and shags among the birds you can spot. Be sure to listen out for the rattle of the elusive corncrake.

Back to Glasgow

Your island-hopping odyssey comes to an end in Scotland’s biggest city

Your adventure to the wild Scottish Isles ends back in Glasgow (Greenock).

Lying on the shores of the Firth of Clyde with views across to the high hills of Argyll, Glasgow’s impressive fishing and shipping heritage is manifest in the Victorian architecture of the west end of town. It’s well worth exploring this area some more if you have time before you head home.

What's included

expedition cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated

onboard activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research 
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos 
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

landing activities

• Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all the equipment needed for the activities
• Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you
• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What's not included

International flights

Travel insurance

Luggage handling

Optional shore excursions with our local partners

Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

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Cruise the isles (Skye, Mull, Arran, St Kilda, Islay, Jura, Canna, Rum, Barra to name but a famous few) and spectacular coastlines of the Hebrides onboard a classic vessel, the ex-tall ship, St Hilda, a traditional, beamy, 54ft wooden (larch on oak) ketch, fitted with a quiet, six cylinder 112 HP Kelvin engine. St Hilda is a vessel with an incredible Scottish lineage. Built in 1973 to the highest standard (Lloyds 100A1) at St Monans, Fife, by the internationally famous Millers boatyard (a family run business with 200 years of wooden boat building) and designed by G.L Watson, the world famous Glasgow based naval architect, who created the world's first yacht design office in 1873 and designed early America's Cup challengers (such as  Thistle, Shamrock II, Valkyrie I and II) as well as the famous racing yacht  Britannia.

St Hilda was built specifically for sail training with a crew of 20. By 2007 St Hilda was converted for cruising with only eight people - six guests and a skipper and chef - and that is why today she is so spacious inside.  St Hilda is one of the smallest of the “Tall Ships” and has competed in several Tall Ship Races. Although St Hilda has sailed across the North Sea on a number of occasions, she is more of a motor sailor than an "ocean greyhound"! We will usually get her under sail during a cruise (weather permitting, of course) however, because of our busy itineraries and like many yachts, we will usually not be able to reach our various night anchorages under sail alone.

Accommodation

The well-lit, roomy deck saloon is where everyone dines and socialises and where everyone enjoys a convivial atmosphere that is encouraged by shipboard life aboard this sturdy, ocean-going wooden ketch. 

Cabins are warm and comfortable with six berths for our guests: a spacious double en-suite (with shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes) , a twin en-suite (with toilet, washbasin and opening porthole) and a twin cabin (with washbasin). The twin cabins are both close t o the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. 

The outdoor decks are large and safe, perfect for spotting wildlife and relaxing. You also have some deck space to embark your own equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards. You will also be able to use our own inflatable sea kayak.

Accommodation Layout - Lower Deck

Please note this drawing is not to scale and is a diagrammatic representation of the vessel's layout. 

Your professional skipper is passionate about boats, sailing, and the natural environment of the islands and sea lochs of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. He is more than happy to share his knowledge of the area to those on board while ensuring his shipmates have as much fun as possible. You also have your own on board chef who provides wonderful meals, locally-sourced and freshly prepared from the galley.

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3 Interesting Small Scottish Ships from St Hilda Sea Adventures

Jan 11, 2023 | 0

3 Small Scottish Ships

Looking for a vacation with some personality?

St Hilda Sea Adventures is a family-run business that has offered wonderful off-beat Scottish island cruises for more than 15 years.

Carrying just 6 to 11 passengers, each of their three vessels has a story to tell, providing a fascinating backdrop to the spectacular ancient landscape of the Scottish Isles.

Hirta is the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

The 5- to 10-night cruises along Scotland’s western waters include visits to beautiful places such as the St Kilda archipelago, the Small Isles, the Isle of Mull, Skye, Jura, Islay, Staffa, Iona and the wonderful Shiants.

Alfresco dining in port. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

Marvel at the spectacular landscape of the Scottish Isles and the wildlife along the way, from seals to humpback whales, dolphins, guillemots, sea eagles, puffins and more.

Puffins are among the wildlife you’re likely to see on a small-ship Scottish cruise. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

Special Offer: Enjoy 10% off of all St Hilda Sea Adventures cruises in 2023, when you mention code QuirkyStHilda23.

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Meet St Hilda Sea Adventures’ 3 Small Scottish Ships

St Hilda  is a traditional, wooden ex-tall ship carrying 6 passengers that had been a sail training vessel that raced across the North Sea on a number of occasions with merchant navy cadet officers being trained under highly experienced Master Mariners.

The 8-pax St. Hilda. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

The Gemini Explorer,  carrying up to 8 passengers, is an ex-cruising lifeboat that formerly spent days at sea in the Western Approaches (the area of the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Great Britain and Ireland).

The 8-pax Gemini Explorer. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

Carrying a max of 11 passengers, the Seahorse II   is an ex-Norwegian ferry that once plied the rough North Sea and the fjords of Norway.

The 11-pax Seahorse in Tobermory. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

All three ships have been converted to cruise the western islands of Scotland in comfort and style.

And where possible, the traditional “look” and interiors have been retained to reflect the roles they once played.

The dining table of the Seahorse. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

Many of the cabins are finished in their original hardwood and the berths have been kept as they originally were to keep passengers safe and comfortable when sleeping at night. The bathrooms and heating systems have also of course been updated.

A new double twin en-suite cabin on the Seahorse II. * Photo: St. Hilda Sea Adventures

Rates for St Hilda Sea Adventures’ 3 Small Scottish Ships

Fares range from £190 to £350 per person a night, including meals prepared by a skilled chef, wine and lager at dinner, and daily port calls. (Note, each vessel has the choice of both en-suite accommodation and cabins with shared bathrooms.)

Full charters of St Hilda’s 3 small Scottish ships are also available — for 5-night cruises, charters start at £7,500 for the 6-pax St. Hilda; £12,600 for the 8-pax Gemini Explorer ;  and £18,250 for the 11-pax Seahorse II .

A family enjoying their private charter of the 6-pax St. Hilda. * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

Special Offer: Enjoy 10% off of all St Hilda Sea Adventures cruises in 2023, when you mention code QuirkyStHilda23. Cruises operate from April through October, and depart from a marina near Oban.

Click here for the 2023 cruising schedule and rates of the 3 Small Scottish Ships of St Hilda Sea Adventures.

St Hilda Sea Adventures Rates Include:

• All meals (plus fruit, coffee break, afternoon tea, pre-dinner aperitif and wine with dinner).
• House wine and continental lager with dinner. (Guests can also bring their favourite tipple on board and each ship has a fine, if limited, selection of single malts for purchase in the honesty bar.)
• Services of the crew ( Seahorse II and Gemini Explorer have a crew of three, the Captain, Chef and Deckhand; the smaller St Hilda has a crew of two, the Captain and Chef)
• Guidance on shore excursions. (Every day the Captain will discuss the plan for the next day with guests and he’s very happy to assist guests with organizing their time ashore, perhaps with the booking of a distillery’s tour for example. Each vessel also has a folder of things to do and places of interest to visit at every stop, plus there are useful books with walks and maps to help guests plan. The crew know the area well and will be able to recommend walks of various difficulty and length at every stop.)
• Theme cruises (on scheduled theme cruises there may be a wildlife guide, photography tutor, art instruction or complimentary whiskey tours)

A Highland Coo! * Photo: St Hilda Sea Adventures

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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The Scottish Isles – Island Hopping in the Hebrides

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£3252.6

* Current p/p indicative rate.

• 11-day expedition cruise around Scotland and the Hebrides, seeing spectacular scenery, picture-perfect villages and historic towns.
• Discover some of Scotland's most remote, romantic and rugged Hebridean islands aboard our expedition ship MS Spitsbergen.
• Spot Atlantic seabirds and marine life as we island hop around Mull, UNESCO-listed St Kilda, the Treshnish Isles and Colonsay.

Romantic and rugged landscapes Cruise from Glasgow to remote and wildlife-rich Scottish islands, experiencing local culture, history and activities. We'll be landing on beaches, going on guided hikes, sea kayaking and much more as we explore this fascinating region.

Whisky, wildlife and UNESCO Sites You'll be transfixed by the raw natural beauty of the Treshnish Isles, Iona and Skye. UNESCO-listed St Kilda gives new meaning to wild abandon. Visit castles, historic homes and standing stones. And experience Scotland's cultural notes with whisky, tartan and tweed.

PLEASE NOTE: In keeping with our adventurous spirit, we visit small remote ports on our expeditions. Due to sea conditions and secluded locations we visit, it's not always possible to dock in port. Sometimes we have to use our small expedition Rib boats to get ashore.

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Spitsbergen

Vessel Type: ExpeditionPassenger Capacity: 335Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016

Ship Facilities

• Compass Service Centre
• Brygga bistro
• Torget main dining
• Guest launderette
• Panoramic deck 8
• Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

11 days from £3252.6

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Small Ship Cruises in Scotland

Explore famous Glens and Lochs and see the raw beauty of the Hebridean Islands.

Scottish cruises are the ultimate escape into wild northern lands brimming with light, life, and majesty. Cruises around Scotland have so many different destinations to choose from that you could literally return year after year and always be surprised.What makes Scotland stand out over other popular cruise countries is its castles and its archaeological and paleontological relics of long-gone human societies and longer-gone prehistoric plants and animals, even back to the dinosaurs! Another stand-out, unique feature of Scottish cruising is the system of man- and nature-made lochs which can transport your ship through the heart of the highlands.

In terms of scenery and wildlife, cruising Scotland is as mind-blowing as any other top-tier cruise destination on Earth, with mountains, beaches, whales, and thousands of birds.

Best Scottish cruises and areas to visit

Inner hebrides.

Just off Scotland’s west coast, these plentiful islands enjoy the shelter of the Outer Hebrides farther west, which endow them with calm waters perfect for exploring the shorelines’ nooks and crannies. Wildlife, castles, fossils, and an explosion of varied landscapes await.

Isle of Mull - Hebridean cruises often take advantage of the myriad offerings around Mull. This large island in the center of the Inner Hebrides gives you access to a smattering of everything that makes the western isles of Scotland so attractive. Its main town, Tobermory, enlivens your journey with colorful harbor-front buildings, specialty food, and local craft shops. As you slowly circumvent the island and bounce around its smaller neighbors, you can see an old castle, forested slopes, sand and shingle beaches, plenty of cetaceans (Minke whales, dolphins, seals, and otters), and other wildlife like Basking Sharks, nesting puffins, and eagles.

Isle of Skye - This largest of the Inner Hebrides islands is an ancient volcano with bizarre, geologically intricate rock formations to tempt climbers and geologists. The islands of its inner sound (between Skye and mainland Scotland) exhibit picturesque caves and inlets, gorgeous harbors, and breathtaking mountain panoramas of Skye’s imposing Cuillin range. Wildlife abounds here, with otters, deer, white-tailed eagles, and cetaceans. Skye also flaunts its fossilized dinosaur skeletons! You can also comb the beach for fossils if you want to play paleontologist.

Isle of Islay - When Scottish boat cruises visit the Isle of Islay, southernmost in the Hebrides, it’s not just for the famous local whisky. Cruising the Isle of Islay area, which includes the indented coastline of Argyll, yields rewarding natural sights- lush forests on one island, stark mountains on another, and plenty of wildlife in the sea and air. Islay is an important historical seat of power in the Hebridean region, and its storied artifacts and ruins bring centuries of royal drama to life for visitors who wander the area.

Outer Hebrides

This wind-washed chain of islands battered by the Atlantic swell is a premier Scottish cruise destination. The feeling of wildness in landscape and animal life is extreme, along with some unique softer features like the blooming machair (flowering, grassy dunes) that stretch along the shoreline.

Mingulay and Vatersay - Hebridean cruises find a reliable favorite in Mingulay island, which sports a stunning beach, an abandoned village, and a couple of hundred Grey seals who waddle up onto the shore at night. The seals call to each other to ensure the beach is safe; you will likely never forget their haunting song resonating in the gathering darkness. Vatersay Island has some of the best beaches in the western isles of Scotland, with two white, sandy expanses drifting into the distance from a hilltop viewpoint. The blooming machair here is some of the best.

St. Kilda— No small ship cruise in the Outer Hebrides is complete without visiting the archipelago of St. Kilda. These rocky cliffs and sea stacks (promontories that jut from the ocean) host over two hundred species of birds, and the nesting grounds on the archipelago are extremely important. Your Scottish cruise may even try to spend up to two full days in the St. Kilda area, but be prepared that inclement weather can make it impossible to even reach the place.

Shiant Islands - The Shiants have been described as miniature St. Kilda, but they lie closer to the Scottish mainland and are more accessible. As on St. Kilda, thousands of seabirds nest in the Shiant Islands’ rocky cliffs. The Shiants also boast an eye-poppingly beautiful horseshoe bay and multiple archaeological sites.

Lochs of Scotland

Scottish boat cruises have a unique opportunity to travel through land- along the man-made Caledonian Canal which connects Scotland’s north tip to the western Hebrides area, joining the many famous lochs of the area into one navigable system from coast to coast.

Loch Linnhe - Small ship cruises around Scotland find a perfect venue in Loch Linnhe near the southern end of the Caledonian Canal. Here, you’ve got the opportunity to see dolphins, seals, and White-tailed eagles under the eaves of ancient castles and dramatic mountains. As you travel north along the canal, you’ll arrive in the shadow of great Ben Nevis, a huge mountain peak.

Loch Ness - Cruising Loch Ness, of sea monster fame, is more striking for what’s above water than what’s supposedly swimming in the depths. This loch is so enormous that it can feel like the open sea. There are dramatic castles overlooking the loch’s expanse, waterfalls you can walk to, and Golden eagles and ospreys soaring above. The nearby town of Fort Augustus offers informative exhibits at visitors’ centers and a good choice of cozy inns from which you can watch the loch opening and closing.

Loch Lochy and Loch Oich - Cruising Loch Lochy, you may hear the sounds of red deer rutting in the nearby hills. There’s local trout and pike to fish for and a good chance of spotting nimble red squirrels in the trees lining the canal. Birds like Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting ornament the banks around here and Loch Oich, a beautiful stretch of water that marks the canal's highest point. In this area, your ship will climb or descend through the controlled water levels of the loch system, passing one notable stretch called “Neptune’s Staircase.”

Wildlife in the Western Isles of Scotland - Birds, marine mammals, and a few large marine fish are what makes Scotland cruises unforgettable. The area’s birdlife offer puffins, petrels, great skuas, shearwaters, eagles and fulmars. Marine mammal life includes Harbour porpoises, Common and Risso’s dolphin, orca, humpback, Minke whales, Grey and common seals, and otters. To top it off, look for oceanic sunfish and Basking sharks.

Other Areas

Shetland and Orkney Islands - Some cruises around Scotland venture even farther north than Scotland’s northern tip- the lands beyond are the Orkney and Shetland Islands. These island groups are culturally connected to ancient Scandinavian peoples and traditions; they were actually part of Scandinavia until around the 1500s. Archaeological ruins are top-notch in this area. There are neolithic villages, museums, restored lighthouses, and bird observatories. Local wildlife includes puffins, petrels, otters, orcas, and plenty of others.

Best time to cruise in Scotland

The best time to visit Scotland is summer. Hebridean cruises  run from April through September. Scotland in April, May, and June is the season for nesting puffins (on the Isle of Mull, for example). In September, the Basking sharks and many whale species arrive, except for Minke whales, who come from July onwards. But most of the wildlife that enlivens your small ship cruise around Scotland is present all season, including porpoises, dolphins, otters, White-tailed eagles, and Golden eagles, to name just a few.

How to get to Scotland

Glasgow is the most convenient city to fly into from overseas. This is a big airport with many convenient flights from all over the world. If you’re already in Scotland, you can fly from another United Kingdom airport to Glasgow or take a train or bus.

Where do Scottish cruises depart from?

Many Scottish cruises depart from Oban, a city perfectly positioned for access to the Hebrides and Caledonian Canal. To get to Oban, take a scenic train, car, or bus from Glasgow. If your cruise departs from Inverness, there’s a small Inverness airport you can fly to. If necessary, your cruise operator will likely arrange or help you arrange transport from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, the third potential departure point for small ship cruises in Scotland’s Western Isles.

Scottish Cruise Tips

• Plan ahead— The best trips fill up early, so   research your ideal Scottish cruise destination ahead of time and reserve while there’s space. Choose the trip that speaks to your passions, whether they be lochs, castles, marine life, birdlife, mountains, or beaches.
• What to pack: Weather in the northwestern reaches of Scotland can be changeable and stormy, even in summer. Make sure you have raingear and warm layers to brave the elements and watch the wind, light, and clouds whip across the sky.

Book your next cruise to the Scottish Hebridean Islands online today.

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Our 2024 Scottish Cruises schedule has three-night, six-night, ten-night and thirteen-night cruise itineraries to choose from, including a brand new cruise for this season, Islands and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides. Join us aboard Splendour for an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning areas of Argyll, the Isles and the Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland.

Owner and skipper Ted, a marine biologist and wildlife guide, is a fount of knowledge on the wildlife, natural environment, history and culture of the area. All of our Scottish cruises aboard Splendour, the leading lady of Argyll Cruising, are led by experienced skippers and guides.

Cruising within the pristine waters of Argyll allows the best of local speciality produce to be featured on the menu. All meals are freshly prepared and cooked on board, with complimentary wine served during the evening meal.

Splendour and crew are also available for private charter , so now is the time to book your friends and family a Scottish Cruises 2024 holiday, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

All cabins aboard Splendour boast private en suite facilities, central heating when needed and quality linens to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Bookings with Argyll Cruising are made up of over 50% returning guests. Find out why our guests come back for more . . . If you have any queries about our cruises, life on board, or anything else, please do get in touch with Ted or the rest of the team, who are happy to help with all enquiries.

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A group of cruise ship passengers were stranded on an African island. What happened?

An American couple who endured traveling through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up to a cruise ship that left them at a previous port said they may not re-board the boat.

A 21-day dream cruise along the coast of Africa turned into an international ordeal for couple Jill and Jay Campbell and a group of six other passengers after they said they were left behind during a tour stop on an African island off the coast of Nigeria.

What happened to the cruise ship passengers?

Six Americans and two Australians were on a privately-run excursion on the island of Sao Tome on March 30 and were supposed to be back by 3 p.m. local time, according to the couple.

When they didn't make it back in time due to what they said were issues with the tour, their Norwegian Cruise Line ship left without them.

The Campbells, who are from Garden City, South Carolina, told NBC News their tour operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late rejoining the ship, but the vessel left anyway. They added that the island's coast guard tried to get them and several others to the cruise ship, but they said they weren't allowed to board.

The stranded guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the vessel could not safely dock there due to "adverse weather conditions," Norwegian said.

The couple then had to make their way from Sao Tome to Dakar, Senegal, where the cruise ship was docked on April 2.

“It’s one of those, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” Jay Campbell said on TODAY on April 2. “I think we flew through six countries just to get to Gambia yesterday.”

When will the passengers return home?

The couple traveled through seven countries in a 48-hour period to reach Senegal, according to Jill Campbell.

Following that ordeal, they said they aren’t sure if they’re going to board the ship again to rejoin the cruise.

“After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,” Jill Campbell said.

“I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first," she said.

“We believe there was a basic duty of care that they’ve forgotten about so it does concern us.”

What has Norwegian cruises said?

Norwegian Cruise Line told NBC News in a statement that the Campbells’ situation was unfortunate, saying “guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time” and noting the group was on a privately-run tour.

The Campbells were thankful for the people of Sao Tome as they tried to navigate how they were going to catch up to the ship.

"It’s a very difficult process," Jay Campbell said. "You’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers.

"You’re dealing with different currencies, currency exchanges, finding someone that even has dollars, taking dollars, the minimum amount that we had, trying to convert them to local currency, (and) trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to."

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else. 

American Tourists Left Stranded On Remote African Island After Cruise Ship Leaves Without Them

An American couple nearly experienced being cast away after becoming stranded on a small African island after their cruise ship left without them due to a tour guide’s delay, leading to a series of challenges and acts of kindness. They are still awaiting assistance.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City, South Carolina, took a cruise to the African continent aboard a Norwegian liner that started on March 20.

But a week into their voyage, the couple and a handful of other passengers were left stranded 5,960 miles from their South Carolina home, North Carolina TV station WRAL reported.

Jill said what was supposed to be a memorable cruise became truly unforgettable but for the wrong reason.

She said: “We have never had an experience like this before.”

Jill and Campbell were among eight passengers left stranded in São Tomé and Príncipe

Image credits: Inside Edition

On Wednesday (March 27), the Campbells and six other people were on a tour in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation close to the equator. 

The tour took longer than expected. As Jay recalled: “We were like, ‘Our time is getting really short, ‘and they were like, ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour.'”

The Campbells reportedly said the tour operator had contacted the captain to let them know passengers were going to be late.

Image credits: Jill Campbell

When the group arrived at the port, the ship was still anchored, but the Campbells said the captain refused to let them on board, as per WRAL.

Jay explained: “The Harbor Master tried to call the ship , [but] the captain refused the call.

“We sent emails to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the NCL customer service emergency number, and they said, well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, and they’re not responding to our emails.”

The cruise’s captain refused to let the passengers back on board after their tour had taken longer than expected

São Tomé coast guard managed to eventually load all of the passengers on a boat and take them to the anchored ship, but the captain told the coast guard to take the passengers back to the island.

Jay further recalled: “The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.

“They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea. “

The group consisted of seven Americans and two Australians, four of whom were elderly. One passenger had a heart condition, and another was a paraplegic, WRAL reported.

Additionally, there was a married couple from Delaware, and the wife was reportedly pregnant.

While stranded, the group met an 80-year-old woman who got a concussion and lost part of her vision following a different cruise line tour, WRAL reported.

Elderly people with medical conditions were left stranded on the remote island

The Campbells said she was left at the hospital without any money or her belongings, and her emergency contact was never notified by the cruise line. However, the couple was able to help her.

Jay said: “I truly believe sometimes we’re put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman who was left alone. 

“God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here.”

Image credits: ncl

According to WRAL, none of the other passengers had their medications or even credit cards that were accepted on the island.

The Campbells said they were the only ones in the group with a Visa card. As a result, they’ve paid over $5,000 in food, toiletries, and hotels for the group.

Jay was just happy to have his wife by his side, as he revealed: “This woman has been a saint.”

You can watch the incident’s new report below:

“I don’t know where the whole group would be without her strength, guidance, and compassion for others. 

“I’m honored and blessed that I have the smartest woman in the world next to me.”

The Campbells said they would get help from the U.S. Embassy in Angola. On Sunday (April 7), the castaway group will be expected to fly to Gambia. 

However, the stranded passengers can currently only get on the ship if the cruise line approves their request. The Campbells said they have not heard back from Norwegian Cruise Line about the incident.

Bored Panda has contacted NCL for comment.

“This is so unfair,” a reader commented

A group of cruise passengers stranded off the coast of Africa spent 6 days chasing the ship to get back on

• Eight passengers chased their cruise ship around Africa for six days.
• Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the passengers re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday.
• They were stranded in São Tomé and Príncipe and missed a chance to re-embark in Gambia.

A group of passengers left stranded on a small African island after missing a boarding deadline finally managed to rejoin their cruise ship on Tuesday after chasing it for almost a week.

On March 27 a private tour overran, causing eight passengers to miss the Norwegian Dawn's 3 p.m. all-aboard time by over an hour, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed via email to Business Insider.

The passengers found themselves stuck on São Tomé and Príncipe , an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa, in what the cruise line called a "very unfortunate situation."

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Despite the efforts of São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard to ferry the passengers to the ship in tender boats, the group was unable to reboard and had to turn back to land, according to the ABC affiliate WPDE.

The first attempt to get the guests back on the ship occurred on Monday, when they hoped to re-embark at a port in Banjul, Gambia, some 1,800 miles from São Tomé and Príncipe.

However, "adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions" meant that the ship could not dock safely, a spokesperson for the cruise line said.

As a result, the guests had to chase the ship to Dakar, Senegal — a distance of some 100 miles further — for another attempt to re-embark on Tuesday.

Norwegian said it helped the passengers by facilitating their visas, and would pay them back for the trip from Gambia to Senegal.

Jill Campbell, one of the passengers, told NBC News that she and her husband traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up with the ship.

It wasn't clear exactly what route they took.

The couple had considered not rejoining the ship, believing that Norwegian Cruise Line had fallen short in a '"basic duty of care," Campbell told NBC News.

But, six days after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe, the cruise line confirmed the eight passengers, including the Campbells, finally re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday.

Watch: Stowaways survive 14 days at sea clinging to a ship rudder

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