Volcanic lava fields or heather-strewn moors? Glacier-carved fjords or sweeping sand beaches? Freely-roaming horses or highland cows? Iceland and Scotland offer a treasure trove of natural wonders.
With such incredible scenery, unique cultural heritage and fantastic wildlife watching opportunities, both destinations make fantastic places for a cruise. Keep reading as we delve into two cruise itineraries, one for each location, to help you decide which is right for you.
British cruise line Ambassador offers several cruises visiting Iceland and Scotland, as well as options visiting both countries in one trip. And every sailing departs from a British port city, such as London, Liverpool or Belfast, meaning no flights and less travel hassle.
Discover a selection of cruises from Ambassador here.
Iceland cruises
Choose from several sailings to Iceland, including 10, 12 and 16-night options. Ships depart from either London Tilbury, Liverpool, Dundee or Belfast depending on the itinerary.
Every Ambassador cruise to Iceland includes ample opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Icelandic Discovery Cruise
12 nights
Departure: Liverpool
Prepare to discover the highlights of the dramatic landscape of Iceland, including fjords, mountains and geothermal pools.
Itinerary breakdown:
- 6 ports of call
- 2 countries
- 4 sea days
Where does this cruise sail to?
The Icelandic Discovery Cruise departs from Liverpool northwards, stopping first at the Faroe Islands before sailing on to the eastern coast of Iceland. The ship sails anti-clockwise around Iceland before journeying back to Liverpool.
Ports of call:
- Runavik, Faroe Islands
- Klaksvik, Faroe Islands
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Isafjordur, Iceland
- Akureyri, Iceland
- Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Nature and wildlife highlights:
- Whale watching: Sailing to and around Iceland offers opportunities to see humpback whales and orcas
- Puffins: These charismatic birds can be found in various spots along Iceland’s beautiful coastline
- Northern Lights: This meteorological phenomenon can be seen on the northern coast of Iceland from August to April
Scotland cruises
Choose from several sailings to Scotland, including weekend breaks and longer trips. Ships depart from cities across the UK, including London Tilbury, Dundee and Bristol, depending on the itinerary.
Every Ambassador cruise to Scotland includes ample opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Northern Isles Mysteries Cruise
8 nights
Departure: Dundee
Expect rugged scenery and maritime charm as you island-hop around the Scottish Highlands.
Itinerary breakdown:
- 6 ports of call
- 3 countries
- 1 sea day
Where does this cruise sail to?
The Northern Isles Mysteries Cruise departs from Dundee and sails northwards along the west coast of Scotland and to the Shetland Isles. The ship then journeys to the Faroe Islands before heading back to the Scottish Highlands, sailing down the east coast towards Belfast and then Liverpool.
Ports of call:
- Kirkwall, Orkney Isles
- Lerwick, Shetland Isles
- Runavik, Faroe Islands
- Scrabster, for John O’Groats
- Portree, Isle of Skye
- Belfast
- Liverpool
Nature and wildlife highlights:
- Birdwatching: Spot plenty of seabirds in the Shetland Isles, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and shags
- Marine life: The Outer Hebrides and Western Scotland offer chances to see orca, minke whales and basking sharks
- Dunnet Head: Experience incredible clifftop scenery at the northernmost part of mainland Scotland
Iceland or Scotland?
Unique wildlife, amazing landscapes and charming seaside towns — both destinations offer so much to experience on a cruise. If you can’t choose between the two, Ambassador sails to both countries on one itinerary: the Treasures of Scotland and Iceland Cruise.
All Ambassador cruises to Iceland and Scotland are supported by ORCA partnership, one of the UK’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charities. On each cruise, the Ambassador team is joined by ocean conservationists from ORCA who help guests to spot marine wildlife while collecting vital data to contribute to their protection.
Ambassador and ORCA working together to protect cetaceans
Ambassador is proud to partner with ORCA, a charity dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises in UK and European waters.
As part of the Ambassador & ORCA pledge, two ORCA conservationists will join a number of 2025 and 2026 Ambience and Ambition sailings.
Discover all the ORCA supported cruises here.
Why choose Ambassador
Experience breathtaking destinations, amazing entertainment, outstanding cuisine and no-fly convenience with Ambassador, where every guest enjoys the warmest welcome at sea.
Benefits of an Ambassador cruise include:
- Adult-only ships
- Comfortable accommodation
- Exceptional full-board cuisine
- A wide range of entertainment, including evening shows, plays, cabarets and live music
- Daytime activities, quizzes, dance classes and deck games
- Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs, as well as spa access
Embark on a unique adventure around Iceland or Scotland with Ambassador, or choose from one of many other exciting destinations, including Norway, Madeira and the Canary Islands.
Ambassador is offering 5% off sailings using code ANIMAL5
Terms & conditions: The promotional code ANIMAL5 cannot be combined with other charity/member/association/media or affiliate promotion codes or onboard future cruise offers. It may only be combined with an Ambassador Campaign Promotional code advertised on the Ambassador website. The promotional code is not valid on Ambassador’s Festive Events, selected charters and cannot be used over Ambassador’s Black Friday promotional period. The promotional code can only be used for new bookings only made directly on Ambassador’s website or through our call centre, it cannot be used for bookings made through travel agents or other third parties. Promotional code is valid on all new bookings from 17/12/24 - 18/01/25, closing at 23:59 for all 2024/2025/2026 sailings. The promotional code may be discontinued at any time at Ambassador’s discretion. A valid membership number is required to use the promotional code. The membership number used must match the surname of the lead booker on the reservation. Ambassador reserves the right to remove the promotional code if your membership number is not validated. Should you then cancel your booking you will lose the full deposit paid. Fares subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed without notice. For full terms and conditions of booking visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com. Extras not included: Travel insurance, travel costs to/ from the port of embarkation, port parking, onboard gratuities and service charges where a package has not been purchased (automatically billed to the onboard account), optional shore excursions, discretionary expenditure of a personal nature including hot and cold alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, Wi-Fi and communication, and any visa & health certificate charges that may apply. Ambassador Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any theme cruise activities/speakers/acts at short notice. In the event of your cruise being cancelled, you will be guaranteed a full refund. Cruise holidays booked with Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited, trading as Ambassador Cruise Line, are financially protected in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018. Copyright 2024. Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365.
