Have questions? We're here.
Sunset in Houses of Parliament

United Kingdom Small Ship Cruises

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal United Kingdom trip. Call 800.344.6118
Start Planning My Trip
Experience the wild charm of the United Kingdom with Adventure Life's 56 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through Scotland's Highlands and Islands, from the captivating Loch Ness to the medieval abbey ruins and ancient standing stones. Sail through the Scottish Isles to explore the intriguing diversity of Scotland's wild islands, from the Orkney Islands to the Shetland Islands, each offering unique activities like kayaking, village visits, and wildlife viewing. Engage in archaeological site visits, hiking in the spectacular Cuillin Hills, and unravel the legendary history and wild nature of the British Isles. Delve into the heritage sites of Dublin, the charming Gudhjem, and the stunning fjords of Norway on an enriching 12-day adventure. With activities ranging from photography seminars to spa relaxation and an activity level suitable for all, this journey promises a seamless exploration of the cultural treasures and panoramic landscapes of the United Kingdom. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the British Archipelagos and Celtic Shores. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
Filter (56 Results)
  • Start Date
    Months
    Years
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • United Kingdom
Bronze Age Clava Cairn near Inverness, Scotland
from $11,500
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Westbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • See Eilean Donan Castle
  • Discover Oban whisky town
  • Explore Clava Cairns stones
  • Cruise Caledonian Canal Scotland
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Inverness
Activity Level
Variable
Sail through Scotland’s Highlands on an 8-day cruise aboard Lord of the Glens. Cruise the Caledonian Canal, cross Loch Ness, and visit Culloden, Glenfinnan, Oban, Mull, Iona, and Skye. Explore castles, historic battlefields, remote villages, and coastal wildlife while navigating scenic lochs and canals.
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking in Scotland.
from $14,695
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland

Edinburgh - Aberdeen - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Explore Edinburgh’s historic sites
  • Discover Troon’s charming coast
  • Marvel at Orkney’s ancient wonders
  • Visit St Kilda’s seabird colonies
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Aberdeen
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 12-day cruise from Edinburgh to Aberdeen aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring Scotland's untamed islands. Discover the ancient Hebrides and lush Orkney Islands, encounter wildlife along scenic coastlines, and experience local culture in charming villages while enjoying Scotland's renowned whisky.
Cruise Details
0
Puffin, Fair Isle, Scotland
from $14,695
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland

Edinburgh - Aberdeen - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Edinburgh’s historic sites
  • Discover Troon’s charming coast
  • Marvel at Orkney’s ancient wonders
  • Visit St Kilda’s seabird colonies
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Aberdeen
Activities
Kayaking, Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s Wild Isles on a 12-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson, exploring Neolithic sites and Viking heritage. Enjoy wildlife watching, local culture, and a tasting of exceptional single malt whisky in charming coastal villages.
Cruise Details
0
Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.
from $11,995
EXPLORE

Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders

Aberdeen - Troon/Glasgow - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore Kirkwall’s historic sites
  • Watch Fair Isle seabirds
  • Discover Papa Stour caves
  • Tour Faroe Islands landscapes
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Scotland and the Hebrides on a 13-day voyage from Aberdeen to Troon aboard Ocean Victory. Visit Kirkwall, Fair Isle, Foula, Papa Stour, the Faroe Islands, Stornoway, St. Kilda, Isle of Skye, Iona, Staffa, and Islay. Experience coastal villages, ancient monuments, wildlife, cultural heritage, nature, and maritime tradition.
Cruise Details
0
St. Peter Port harbor, lighthouse, and town, Guernsey, Channel Islands
from $10,500
EXPLORE

British Isles, Ireland & Scotland Expedition

Portsmouth to Glasgow - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Discoverer
  • Explore remote St Kilda
  • See the Giant's Causeway
  • Visit Iona's ancient church
  • Wander at car-free Sark
Starts / Ends
London / Glasgow
Activities
Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
A 12-day expedition cruise aboard Heritage Discoverer, linking remote islands of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Visit UNESCO-listed St Kilda, cruise past the Giant's Causeway, and sample whisky on Islay. Fits travelers seeking lesser-visited corners of the British Isles via Zodiac landings, not big port stops.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $11,500
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Eastbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • Explore Eilean Donan Castle
  • Taste whisky in Tobermory
  • Visit Sacred Iona Island
  • Transit locks at Neptune’s Staircas
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Inverness
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Scottish Highlands cruise aboard Lord of the Glens, exploring iconic lochs, historic castles, and sacred islands such as Iona. Discover charming towns like Oban and Tobermory through guided walks, whisky tastings, and wildlife encounters surrounded by Highland scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $6,195
EXPLORE

Best of British Isles

Portsmouth - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Tresco's exotic gardens
  • Tour Dunmore East's lush estates
  • Visit Saltee's famed bird haven
  • Stroll Kirkwall's historic streets
Starts / Ends
Portsmouth / Leith
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Portsmouth and exploring the Scilly Isles, Ireland's scenic coast, Wales' Snowdonia, and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. Discover Scotland's Orkney sites and Fair Isle's seabirds, and finish in Edinburgh's lively port of Leith.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islands
from $8,795
25% Off
EXPLORE

Best of British Isles

Portsmouth - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Portsmouth’s historic docks
  • Discover Tresco Abbey Garden
  • Tour Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Observe Gannets Bass Rock
Starts / Ends
Portsmouth / Edinburgh
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day British Isles cruise aboard Sea Spirit from London to Edinburgh. Visit Portsmouth, Tresco, Dunmore East, Llandudno, Portrush, Hebrides, Orkneys, Fair Isle, and Isle of May. Explore castles, abbeys, and bird sanctuaries, witness unique wildlife, and enjoy guided tours of historic towns and scenic landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
Visit colorful Portree
from $5,720
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland and Mythical Islands

Glasgow Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore historic Glasgow landmarks
  • Visit Callanish Standing Stones
  • Discover Gaelic culture
  • Sail Scotland's west coast
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Scotland on an 8-day cruise on Le Laperouse, visiting Glasgow, Oban, Stornoway, Stromness, Portree, and Tobermory. Discover prehistoric sites, Viking heritage, colorful harbors, museums, and Highland scenery. Visit the Hebrides, Orkney and the Isle of Mull while experiencing Scotland's rich history, culture, and coastal landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
Pastel homes on Isle of Skye
from $5,660
No SS
EXPLORE

Mythical islands and wild landscapes of the Hebrides

Glasgow Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Champlain
  • Visit Lunga to see puffins and seal
  • Hike near Loch Coruisk
  • Spot historical sites and seabirds
  • Portree harbor views
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Glasgow
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark in Glasgow and sail Scotland’s Hebrides on a 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain. Explore the Treshnish Isles, Skye’s Loch Scavaig, Canna, Callanish Stones, Ullapool, Portree, and Tobermory. Spot puffins, seals, and seabirds, and learn local history in museums and cultural centers
Cruise Details
0
Golden hour on the coast
from $16,995
EBD
EXPLORE

A United Kingdom: The Crown and the Clans

London - Edinburgh - 15 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson
  • Discover iconic palaces in London
  • Explore timeless Guernsey
  • Wander maritime sites in Plymouth
  • Visit the dockyard in Belfast
Starts / Ends
London / Edinburgh
Activities
Village Visits, Archaeological Site Visits, Land & Sea Exploration, Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day cruise on the Douglas Mawson, exploring the historic rivalry between Scotland and England through key figures and events. Discover ancient castles and battlefields that reveal Scotland's quest for sovereignty under English monarchy.
Cruise Details
0
Cross the River Liffey while exploring Dublin
from $5,095
Save 25%
EXPLORE

The Jewels of Scotland

Dublin to Aberdeen - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore Dublin’s historic landmarks
  • Visit Dunluce Castle ruins
  • Walk Giant’s Causeway stones
  • Observe Rathlin Island seabirds
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Aberdeen
Activities
Citizen Science
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 7-day journey aboard Ocean Victory from Dublin to Aberdeen. Visit Dublin’s landmarks, the Giant’s Causeway, Tobermory, St Kilda, Kirkwall, and Invergordon. Discover cultural sites, historic towns, natural wonders, and wildlife along the coasts of Ireland and Scotland.
Cruise Details
0
1-12 of 56 Results

Real experience. Honest advice.

Talk with an expert trip planner 800.344.6118

Plan My Trip
Sandra Fernandez employee profile
Sandra F.
Sheep walking on the road in the British countryside.
United Kingdom

Chat United Kingdom with a specialist

Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.

Let's Chat
800.344.6118

Where is your next adventure?

Contact Chat Call

Why Travel With Us?

Unbiased Cruise Expertise

We're not tied to any one cruise line, so you receive honest guidance on the best ship and itinerary for you—not a sales pitch.

Seamless Trip Planning

We guide you through every detail beyond the cruise—from flights to pre- and post-trip stays—so your journey feels effortless.

Advocacy That Matters

You're backed by a team that knows the industry and has strong relationships—helping ensure you're prioritized and well taken care of every step of the way.

As Featured In

How it Works

Connect

No cost, no commitment. Talk with our experts about your dream trip.

Plan

Share your travel style—we match you with the right itinerary or create one just for you.

Book

Lock in knowing every detail is handled and you’re fully supported.

Travel

Enjoy a seamless journey—and unlock 5% off your next adventure.