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!”
Advice for families
Colette Dubois:
“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:
“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:
“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;
“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:“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: “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.”
Skye and the Small Isles sailing vacation
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
From
£1640 to £2960
9 days
ex flights
Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Cruise the idyllic coast around the Scottish island of Mull
From
£2645 to £3710
7 days
ex flights
South Argyll cruise in Scotland, history and nature
Historic Villages & Gardens of South Argyll Scottish Cruise
From
£2510 to £2780
7 days
ex flights
Isle of Mull wildlife cruise in Scotland
Idyllic wildlife cruise exploring the Hebridean Isle of Mull
From
£2830 to £3710
7 days
ex flights
Isle of Mull and Small Isles explorer
An extraordinary voyage exploring Mull & the Small Isles.
From
£1435 to £2220
8 days
ex flights
Hebridean island hopping cruise in Scotland
Epic Scottish Island Hopping Cruise, through Western Isles
From
£5790
14 days
ex flights
Travel safely on a Scottish cruise
HEALTH
SAFETY
Contact Us
Call us for a chat about our vacations. We are happy to discuss your vacation and help in any way we can. No bots, queues or awful hold music.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
Scotland cruising 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 Scotland cruising articles
The best time to go out to sea in Scotland depends on the season, and the skipper.
We've picked out the three main things to consider when choosing a small ship cruise.
Scotland’s west coast promises some of the world’s most pristine wildlife watching habitats.
These islands form one of the most popular routes on the west coast of Scotland.
On a journey into the furthest reaches of Scotland, you might awaken something in the deep.
Cruise the Caledonian Canal, a 100km short cut dug by Victorian engineers.
From family escapes to wildlife watching, or brushing up on your painting skills.
How your vacation engages you with local communities and the marine environment.
