Tips on Scotland cruising vacations
What to pack
Colette Dubois co-founder of our partner, St. Hilda Sea Adventures:
“It is important not to forget your waterproofs. Some people think that they can manage without. It is not because the weather is bad, but because when you put the anchor up in the dinghy you can get wet. They don’t have to be fancy – cheap waterproofs which cost about £10 for the trousers are fine. We also ask people to bring clean shoes. People think that it is ok to have dirty shoes on deck, but you can’t, because you have all the working things on deck when you go sailing, such as the sails, and so it is important to keep it clean. And bring something comfortable to change into when you go inside the boat. Something to slip into rather than tie laces, particularly for young children. Crocs are fantastic.”
“It is important not to forget your waterproofs. Some people think that they can manage without. It is not because the weather is bad, but because when you put the anchor up in the dinghy you can get wet. They don’t have to be fancy – cheap waterproofs which cost about £10 for the trousers are fine. We also ask people to bring clean shoes. People think that it is ok to have dirty shoes on deck, but you can’t, because you have all the working things on deck when you go sailing, such as the sails, and so it is important to keep it clean. And bring something comfortable to change into when you go inside the boat. Something to slip into rather than tie laces, particularly for young children. Crocs are fantastic.”
Marie McGhee from our Scotland cruising partner, The Majestic Line:
“Take loose clothing! The food on board is delicious and far too tempting – our guests never lose weight while on board. There is a shop in Tobermory that stocks kaftans for guests that can’t do up their zips at the end of the cruise!”
“Take loose clothing! The food on board is delicious and far too tempting – our guests never lose weight while on board. There is a shop in Tobermory that stocks kaftans for guests that can’t do up their zips at the end of the cruise!”
Our Scotland cruising Vacations
Wildlife vacation in the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland
From
£575 to £790
5 days
ex flights
Skye and the Small Isles sailing vacation
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
From
£1520 to £2480
9 days
ex flights
St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides cruise, Scotland
Scottish Cruise to St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides
From
£4950
11 days
ex flights
Hebrides cruise, Mull, Islay, Luing, Shuna and Jura
Sail by the spectacular islands of the Southern Hebrides.
From
£1330 to £1860
7 days
ex flights
Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Cruise the idyllic coast around the Scottish Island of Mull
From
£2400 to £3200
7 days
ex flights
Scottish traditional cruise, 4 days
Short break cruise in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland
From
£1110
4 days
ex flights
Advice for families
Colette Dubois co-founder at St. Hilda Sea Adventures:
“I think Scotland small ship cruises are perfect for families because there is a lot to do on the boat. When we dock, we have a dingy in to go and visit little beaches, go fishing or see the seals. So the children can learn a lot. With children, we say a minimum age of seven, not because the boat is dangerous, but because they are so small, so they cannot use the equipment so easily, such as the toilet or the sinks. It is interesting to see family dynamics on the boat, and it is lovely to see young children on board, who are so fresh, enthusiastic and wanting to learn and anticipate. Teenagers can be less inclined to do things sometimes, although this is not always the case. On a couple of occasions, we had teenagers on board who were about to choose their university degrees, and after discussing things with Michael, the skipper, they changed their minds and did something else! They wrote to us later on to tell us, which was wonderful.”
“I think Scotland small ship cruises are perfect for families because there is a lot to do on the boat. When we dock, we have a dingy in to go and visit little beaches, go fishing or see the seals. So the children can learn a lot. With children, we say a minimum age of seven, not because the boat is dangerous, but because they are so small, so they cannot use the equipment so easily, such as the toilet or the sinks. It is interesting to see family dynamics on the boat, and it is lovely to see young children on board, who are so fresh, enthusiastic and wanting to learn and anticipate. Teenagers can be less inclined to do things sometimes, although this is not always the case. On a couple of occasions, we had teenagers on board who were about to choose their university degrees, and after discussing things with Michael, the skipper, they changed their minds and did something else! They wrote to us later on to tell us, which was wonderful.”
Marie McGhee from The Majestic Line:
“A private charter with our full onboard service is ideal for families – especially with several generations on board. Our vessels, with up to 12 guests, are the ideal size. The crew goes overboard to engage with all ages, ensuring everyone has the time of their lives, from small children to great grandparents. The family has the freedom to choose their own itinerary, shore visits, food and activities. Children love the fun and excitement of life afloat and adults can be as relaxed or as active as they like.”
“A private charter with our full onboard service is ideal for families – especially with several generations on board. Our vessels, with up to 12 guests, are the ideal size. The crew goes overboard to engage with all ages, ensuring everyone has the time of their lives, from small children to great grandparents. The family has the freedom to choose their own itinerary, shore visits, food and activities. Children love the fun and excitement of life afloat and adults can be as relaxed or as active as they like.”
Itinerary tips
Marie McGhee from The Majestic Line:
“Take each day as it comes, there is no rigid itinerary! We have a great selection of idyllic stopovers and these are chosen according to the weather and the guests’ preferences. Every cruise is different and a personal adventure.”
“Take each day as it comes, there is no rigid itinerary! We have a great selection of idyllic stopovers and these are chosen according to the weather and the guests’ preferences. Every cruise is different and a personal adventure.”
Colette Dubois co-founder of St. Hilda Sea Adventures:
“People who come on our boat want to learn, to participate, to navigate. Sometimes they want to do nothing and just rest, and that is fine too. Do think about coming by train. A lot of people do, and they get a ticket on Scotrail that includes the ferry to Dunoon, and then we can organise a taxi to Holy Loch Marina, where we are moored. We are actually only an hour from Glasgow.”
“People who come on our boat want to learn, to participate, to navigate. Sometimes they want to do nothing and just rest, and that is fine too. Do think about coming by train. A lot of people do, and they get a ticket on Scotrail that includes the ferry to Dunoon, and then we can organise a taxi to Holy Loch Marina, where we are moored. We are actually only an hour from Glasgow.”
Accessibility on board
Colette Dubois co-founder at St. Hilda Sea Adventures:“You need to be able to walk down the stairs to where we sleep. These are a cross between between stairs and a ladder, with about eight steps. It has wooden handles, but still if you are very overweight, or quite fragile, we need to check that you can manage this. If people are worried when they inquire, I send them a picture, but we have never had anyone have a problem with it. We had a lady who was 87 and she came on board with a stick, and she had quite a problem with her back, but she left her stick upstairs, and she managed, and it was a great pleasure to have her on board. “
Safety advice
Colette Dubois co-founder at St. Hilda Sea Adventures: “It is important that people listen very carefully to the skipper and to myself when they are on deck, and if they do the boat is extremely safe. We have never had an accident because people really listen. If not, you could do things that could kill somebody, such as when you use the boom, or not lifting the right rope, or lifting a handle when you shouldn’t, the boom can crash down on the deck and kill somebody. That has never happened of course, but it is very important to listen.”Travel safely on a Scottish cruise
HEALTH
SAFETY
Our top Scotland cruising Vacation
Wildlife vacation in the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland
From
£575 to £790
5 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made from late April to the end of September
This trip can be tailor made from late April to the end of September
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Scotland cruising or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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Scotland cruising vacations travel advice
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Scotland cruising vacations travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Scotland cruising vacations travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.
Bring waterproof clothing and shoes. One day the water was rough and the wind was very strong. Those of us who were not waterproof arrived at Iona soaked. We were warned beforehand in the travel information. It needs to be heeded.![]()
- Patricia Knowles
“Leave the smart clothes at home along with your mobile (signal so patchy it is frustrating, so unless essential best to forget it)! And settle into a different rhythm. Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent for on shore - the midges can be fearsome! Read 'Para Handy' by Neil Munro for an insight into the atmosphere of the west highland ports and eccentric characters of the past” – Fiona Morrison
“I was a single passenger, I went with a certain amount of trepidation, but this was all put to one side by the first evening, all 10 of us gelled almost at once, and got on like a house on fire …The crew was marvelous, and nothing was too much trouble, with a number of elderly passengers on our cruise, all was taken in their stride. I will certainly be back.” – Gerald Peppiatt
“I was a single passenger, I went with a certain amount of trepidation, but this was all put to one side by the first evening, all 10 of us gelled almost at once, and got on like a house on fire …The crew was marvelous, and nothing was too much trouble, with a number of elderly passengers on our cruise, all was taken in their stride. I will certainly be back.” – Gerald Peppiatt
Follow Colette's pre-tip and kit guidance. If you have snorkel, wetsuits or other kit definitely think about bringing them![]()
- Helen Newton
“Go and enjoy. I am not a sailor but I loved it. I found sea bands (for travel sickness) really worked. I even read books while the boat was moving. Bring good walking boots, sun cream and insect repellant for the midges! The weather was amazing but even more so were the wonderful crew - Steve, our chef - so inventive and creative.” - Etta Geras
Don't forget your binoculars. Sensible shoes and a waterproof for when up on deck and the weather damp… The whole of our vacation was wonderful. The crew were all great, friendly and so helpful. The food was delicious every meal, and plentiful too! The cruise was the best way to see some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. The only fault, we wished it didn't have to end!” – Julie Clease
“Take ear plugs, your shipmates may snore! Be prepared to get involved with sailing procedures if the opportunity is there, it will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the trip. Make the most of the wildlife viewing,(including plankton !). Don't expect to lose weight, Colette produces wonderful meals and is disappointed if it doesn't get eaten!” – Andrew Swales
Don't forget your binoculars. Sensible shoes and a waterproof for when up on deck and the weather damp… The whole of our vacation was wonderful. The crew were all great, friendly and so helpful. The food was delicious every meal, and plentiful too! The cruise was the best way to see some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. The only fault, we wished it didn't have to end!” – Julie Clease
“Take ear plugs, your shipmates may snore! Be prepared to get involved with sailing procedures if the opportunity is there, it will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the trip. Make the most of the wildlife viewing,(including plankton !). Don't expect to lose weight, Colette produces wonderful meals and is disappointed if it doesn't get eaten!” – Andrew Swales
More about Scotland cruising
The best time to go on a small ship cruising vacation in Scotland depends on the season, and the skipper.
Our small ship cruising travel guide to Scotland takes you through nautical nirvanas, feasting on fine Scottish fare.
From Hebrides to inland Highlands, canals to kyles, discover our top tips on Scotland’s cruising highlights.
Wildlife or photography? The Hebrides or Caledonian Canal? Family or solo? You probably have a lot of questions, but don’t worry – we’ve picked out the three main things to consider if you’re unsure about how to choose a small ship cruise in Scotland.
Scotland’s west coast promises some of the world’s most pristine wildlife watching habitats in Europe.
Cruising to Skye and the Inner Hebrides is one of the most popular routes on the west coast of Scotland.
A small ship cruise into the Outer Hebrides is a journey into the far reaches of Scotland and the UK.
Cruise the Caledonian Canal, a 100km short cut dug by Victorian engineers, letting ships sail coast to coast.
Find out what we rate as our top 10 cruises in Scotland, whether you’re looking for a wildlife-filled, on-the-water adventure, a family escape or a chance brush up on your painting skills.
Responsible tourism on Scotland cruise vacations engages you with local communities and the marine environment.
