Fred. Olsen has announced the Scottish Isles Bank Holiday Break, a five-night cruise from Liverpool timed for the 2027 August bank holiday. The voyage departs on August 28 and returns on September 2, exploring remote Scottish destinations including Fingal's Cave, Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mòr), the Small Isles, Kirkwall, and Lerwick.
Highlights of the Scottish Isles itinerary
The first leg cruises by Fingal's Cave, an iconic basalt rock structure rising from the ocean. According to legend, the giant Finn McCool built the cave as a refuge from his archenemy Benandonner, and the road connects to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, both formed from the same ancient lava flow.
Next, travellers pass Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mòr), named for its mushroom-like shape. The uninhabited island features rugged cliffs, rich grasslands, and wildflowers in summer, and is a Special Area of Conservation where nesting puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills can be seen.
Ports of call: Kirkwall and Lerwick
Cruising by the Small Isles—Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna—offers views of basalt cliffs and sandy beaches. Docking at Kirkwall, passengers can enjoy hiking trails, a tour of St. Magnus Cathedral, and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae or the Ring of Brodgar. Local cuisine such as Orkney cheese and beef is available.
The final port is Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, known for its harbour and maritime history. Nearby Sumburgh Head hosts bird colonies, and in summer orcas hunting seals or white-sided dolphins may be spotted close to shore.
Ship, pricing, and other 2027 sailings
The ship is the Borealis, sister to the larger Bolette, offering open deck spaces and multiple restaurants. Prices start from £1,249 per person for an ocean cabin, with terrace and suite options; bookings include full board dining. Fred. Olsen also offers the Remote Isles of Scotland trip from Liverpool in May 2027 for six nights, visiting Duart Castle, Loch Hourn, the Small Isles, Ullapool, Lerwick, Stornoway, Dutchman's Cap, and Fingal's Cave.
Additionally, Ambassador Cruise Line's Classic French Escapes: Bordeaux, Brest, Cherbourg & Honfleur departs from Liverpool on May 12, 2027, for nine nights, with five ports of call including Belfast, Brest, Bordeaux, Cherbourg, and Honfleur.
