This summer MSC Cruises has come up with an incredible itinerary of Northern Europe this summer, taking in the sights of northern Scotland and Iceland. We’ve taken a closer look at three of the ports of call to show you exactly what you could experience on your cruise this summer!

 

Discovering the highlands

 

 

Invergordon is your gateway to Scotland’s Northwest Highland region; one of the largest unspoilt wilderness areas in the whole of Europe.  Covering the northern two-thirds of the country, this area is home to the most spectacular scenery on the mainland of Scotland. 

 

Mountains, glens, lochs, rivers and spectacular rugged coastlines await you, and a short excursion from your port of call, Invergordon could take you to the enchanting Loch Ness. Twenty-three miles long, unfathomably deep, Loch Ness is confined by rugged heather-clad hills rising steeply from the lake’s shores. 

 

The lake is of course most famous for its legendary inhabitant the Loch Ness Monster, or Lassie, as the locals call her, and you can take your chance at a sighting while finding out more about the Loch’s history and geology by taking one of our boat trip excursions!

 

Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands

 

 

Kirkwall is the largest town and port on the archipelago of Orkney. Orkney is a haven for marine wildlife, in particular for the many species of seabird that call it home. A drive around the island will let you experience its spectacular scenery and if you’re lucky you might just get a glimpse of the seals in the bay.

 

There’s plenty of fantastic excursions available to give you a taste of island life, including a tour of Scotland’s northernmost Whisky distillery, the Highland Park distillery, if you should fancy a wee dram or two!

 

The Shetland Islands

 

 

You’ve arrived at the northernmost part of the United Kingdom when you arrive in port at Lerwick. The islands lie 80km northeast of Orkney between Great Britain, the Faroe Islands and Norway. 

 

It’ll be mid-summer when your cruise arrives in port, and though the sun officially rises around 3am, it’s so light even during the night that you can read a book without the light on at midnight!

 

The Shetland Islands were officially transferred from Norway to Scotland in 1472, and the Scandinavian roots are reflected in many aspects of daily life and most place names on the islands can be traced back to the Vikings. 

 

We are continuously assessing developments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will adapt the measures as needed to be able to guarantee the highest level of health and safety onboard. Cruising with MSC Cruises means cruising with the confidence that we have your best interests at heart.

 

Voyages Selection Departures on sale!

 

 

View now our full assortment of Voyages Selection departures for Members-only and choose your summer cruise with a discount of 5%+up to 15%, €/$ 50 p.p. shipboard credit to spend as you wish during the cruise, and double points!