The best time to visit the British Isles for an expedition or small-ship adventure is from late May through to early September when temperatures are mildest – around 20c to 25c in the summer. 

This is arguably the most pleasant time for a cruise in the region, although certain ports of call in the peak summer months of July and August may be a little more crowded. 

Summer days can be sunny and warm, however, the weather can be unpredictable, so you should be prepared for rain which is common due to the North Atlantic current which carries warm water from the South Atlantic to the shores of the UK.

If sustainability is high on your agenda, the good news is that travellers choosing to cruise on a smaller ship such as an expedition ship, will automatically leave a smaller footprint. 

According to Cruise Britain, UK ports and service providers are developing initiatives, harnessing new technology and rolling out improvements that allow them to fulfill customer requirements while reducing their carbon footprint and working to preserve the environment. 

Some of today’s more ecologically advanced vessels – see Swan Hellenic Vega for a prime example – can remain stationary without needing to drop anchor into fragile seabeds. 

Many ships have new ways of managing water, waste and energy, and have now eliminated single use plastics – some even have the ability to run on hybrid battery power, and plug into shore power when in port. 

Expedition cruising allows you to visit remote or uninhabited landscapes with a focus on immersion and a less defined itinerary – at times, unscheduled events (such as wildlife sightings) and weather patterns require a certain amount of flexibility. 

Unlike traditional expedition cruising, today’s small, sophisticated vessels allow you to sail in style and comfort. If your budget allows, opt for a balcony cabin if possible, however your days are likely to be pretty busy so this is not strictly necessary, particularly if you’re sailing in the summer months and your ship has good outdoor space and lookout points. 

More and more operators are choosing to cruise in the British Isles, but like any destination, it’s important that the line has previous experience in the location. Choose wisely and you can expect to visit some of the key landmarks and enjoy insight into the culture, wildlife and ecosystem of where you are sailing. 

If you like to keep active, choose an itinerary that offers kayaking and hiking and consider signing up in advance, as spaces can fill up quickly. Some ships carry Zodiacs (inflatable boats) which offer the chance to see a region from another perspective. 

A British Isles cruise offers plenty of activities both on and off the ship for all fitness levels. You’ll get to partake in birdwatching with expert guides on hand, hone your photography skills, attend educational lectures on the region and its wildlife, enjoy walking and hiking, landings ashore, Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, and whale and mammal spotting. 

In place of the cruise director found on standard cruise ships, your itinerary will be supervised by an expedition team. 

Usually highly knowledgeable, hand-picked experts such as naturalists and historians, it’s their job to ensure your cruise is both immersive and educational, both on and off the ship.