Planning ahead for 2023, we highlight some fantastic cruises sailing from Rosyth, based only 40 minutes from Edinburgh.
With a wide range of exciting itineraries and destinations to choose from, these cruises take in scenic delights such as the Norwegian fjords, scenic Scotland and some of Europe’s finest cities.
Updated April 2022! – Browse our full selection here.
1. Scenic Isles of Scotland
Enjoy a scenic cruise taking in some of Scotland’s most remote islands.
Experiencing some of Scotland’s finest natural landscapes, this wonderful sightseeing adventure gives passengers the opportunity to admire a host of landmarks.
Kirkwall, Portree and Stornoway give travellers the chance to take in breath-taking Scottish scenery.
See the iconic Old Man of Hoy, The Needle, Staffa, the Dutchman’s Cap, the Small Isles and RSPB Sumburgh Head.
Ancient points of interest include Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and centuries-old castles.
One for travellers passionate about wildlife, these remote islands host huge seabird colonies including razorbills, puffins and guillemots.
Likely enjoying rugged coastlines even more than the visitors, look out for porpoises, whales and dolphins during this ‘affie fine’ Scottish exploration.
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2. German Cities with Kiel Week
Celebrating maritime traditions, join a discovery of German waterways and cities with a special journey on the Kiel Canal included.
At the heart of this fantastic voyage, Balmoral spends time at Kiel. Cruise timed to perfection, travellers will enjoy the world-famous Kieler Woche!
During this celebration, hundreds of ships of all shapes and sizes arrive in Kiel to take part in the famous event. Closing with an impressive firework display, this is an experience to remember.
Other itinerary highlights include the chance to see naval bases at Rostock (reached via Warnemunde) and visits to historic Bremen, Sassnitz and Hamburg.
Attractions to consider throughout your time away include a submarine museum (Sassnitz) and St Nikolai Church (Hamburg).
Experience German culture and learn about this fascinating country during this memorable 10-night voyage.
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3. Experience the traditions of Spain and Portugal
Discover cultural gems, sample iconic cuisine from the source and enjoy an in-depth exploration of Portuguese and Spanish traditions.
This 17-night departure spends time in Oporto, Lisbon, Malaga and Valencia and Cadiz.
Stepping ashore; try Lisbon’s famous Pasteis de Nata, Andalusia’s tapas, Valencia’s paella or Oporto’s wine.
Consider visiting Belem Tower (Lisbon), Alcazaba Fortress (Malaga) and Mahon’s Santa Maria Church (Menorca).
A must-visit for fans of the influential artist, spend time in the Picasso Museum, found in his city of birth, Malaga.
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4. Rugged and Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun
Get set for a wonderful Norwegian cruise venturing within the Arctic Circle. Travelling during the midnight sun phenomenon, enjoy a host of Nordic sights.
Sail to to Honningsvag, the gateway to the spectacular North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe.
“Paris of the North”, experience stylish Tromso, known for its stunning Arctic Cathedral and the views from the top of Mount Storsteinen.
Cruising by scenic highlights such as the Black Glacier and the beautiful Vesteralen archipelago, travellers will also step ashore at Longyearbyen, Pyramiden and Andalsnes.
Andalsnes is a hiking paradise and gateway to the Trollveggan (Troll Wall) and the Rauma Railway that weaves through storybook mountain scenery.
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5. Highlights & Hidden Gems of the Norwegian Fjords
Uncover fjordland country via some beautiful stretches of water on this next itinerary.
A key and early introduction to Norway, travellers will visit Bergen, the iconic ‘Gateway to the Fjords’.
Alongside the Hanseatic Bryggen waterfront, consider taking the short cable car ride up Mount Floyen for incredible views of the surrounding area.
Visiting Norway during the summer months, you’ll experience Lysefjord, ‘King of the Fjords’ Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Nordfjord and others.
Sightseeing opportunities include the towering Preikestolen, the thrilling Langfossen waterfall and one of Europe’s tallest sea cliffs – the Hornelen.
Thanks to well-chosen ports of call, experiences within reach include seeing the mammoth Briksdal Glacier firsthand, taking the Trollstigen route and hopping aboard the scenic Rauma Railway (Andalsnes).
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6. Discovering Scandinavia’s Viking Heritage
Featuring destinations with strong Viking links, this fascinating itinerary takes in Denmark, Norway and the scenic Shetland Isles.
Tick off important Viking sites including the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum (via Hundested), the burial grounds at Lindholm Høje (Aalborg) and Borre National Park (Oslo), home to a huge collection of graves, some dating back to before the Viking age.
Travellers will also visit Stavanger, an important centre for the oil and gas industry.
Centuries ago, Harold Fairhair won the Battle of Hafrsfjord, resulting in the unification of Norway.
This important moment in Scandinavian history is remembered with the Three Swords monument, one of Stavanger’s great photo opportunities.
Returning to UK waters, Balmoral arrives at the scenic Shetland Isles. Learn about Shetland’s Viking roots ashore before Balmoral sails for Lindisfarne.
A final treat before returning to Rosyth, the ship cruises by The ‘Holy Island’. Admire Lindisfarne, where the Vikings first raided Britain, from the decks of Balmoral.
