Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides on the NG Explorer

8 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Midsize Expedition Ship
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    Sustainability

    B-CORP, Climate Neutral, Advanced Waste Management
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    Berths

    148
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    Zodiacs

    15
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    Ice Class

    1A Rating
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Midsize Expedition Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
B-CORP, Climate Neutral, Advanced Waste Management
/media/uz3memek/bed-icon.png
Berths
148
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
15
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
1A Rating

Expedition overview & highlights

  • Uncover the Viking heritage and stunning scenery of remote Shetland and Orkney: delve into their unique cultures with local historians, explore ancient brochs and hike across island trails
  • Embark on an expedition day on the western coast of the Isle of Skye to explore its rugged shoreline and dramatic landscapes
  • Spend time on Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland's largest puffin colony and the unique "upside down lighthouse"
  • Stroll through the renowned and picturesque Inverewe Gardens in Loch Ewe while keeping an eye out for the "Scottish Big Five": red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle

From the Isle of Skye and its picturesque villages to the dramatic landscapes of remote Shetland and Orkney, delve into vivid histories and stunning scenery aboard this active 8-day voyage. Discover archaeological sites steeped in ancient mythology. Explore medieval castles, Viking ruins, and early Christian sites. Beyond Scotland, encounter significant seabird colonies on Northern Ireland’s Rathlin Island. Experience the thrill of true exploration as you spend days charting courses by Zodiac and on foot, based on the expertise of your expedition leaders, naturalists, and local guides.

Map & Cruise Itinerary

Arrive in Dublin and transfer from the airport to the city center. More living museum than city, traces of Dublin’s past are on display at every turn with medieval castles, cathedrals and one of the oldest universities in Europe: Trinity College. Experience the city at your own pace before embarking the ship this afternoon.

Start your expedition on Rathlin Island, home of Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony, perched precariously on seaside cliffs. It is also home to thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Take the shuttle up to the cliffs and home to the Rathlin West Light, the “upside down lighthouse”, built between 1912 and 1917. From here you can peer over the cliffs and observe the seabirds that call these dramatic drops home. After getting your fill of the cliffs and panoramic sea views, hike along the country lane back to the harbour and witness daily island life around you.

Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Enjoy an expedition day along its coast, exploring inlets and villages that this region is known for—and possibly a wee dram of the local libations.

The next day, move further up the coast to Loch Ewe, inhabited over the centuries by crofting villages and used as a gathering point for maritime trade and military convoys. Today, one of the best known highlights of the Loch is Inverewe Gardens, initially curated by a private land owner and currently looked after by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the gardeners tending the early season beds, while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal and golden eagle that call this area of the world home.

Rounding the most northern region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through Shetland and Orkney. Shetland is composed of 16 individual islands and offers the chance to delve into its Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as its farming culture on the edge of the ocean.

Orkney offers its own highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. Explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.

Disembark in Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Category 01 

Cat 1 Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5683
Cat 1 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5684
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 130 sq ft.
Windows One or two portholes
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Main deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

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 Category 02 

Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer 5687
Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5686
Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer Bathroom 5685
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 140 sq ft.
Windows One large window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Main deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Show details

 Category 03 

Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer 5687
Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5686
Cat 2 LEX Ship NG Explorer Bathroom 5685
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — newly renovated in May 2023, each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms. (Photo does not reflect newly renovated rooms.)

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 160 sq ft.
Windows One large window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Main deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Show details

 Category 04 

Cat 4 Ship NG Explorer 5691
Cat 4 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5690
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 180 sq ft.
Windows One large window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Upper deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Show details

 Category 05 

Cat 5 Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5692
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 205 sq ft.
Windows Sliding glass door
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Upper deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Show details

 Category 06 

Cat 6 Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5693
Cat 6 Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5694
Cat 6 Ship NG Explorer 5695
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
Show gallery
STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#101-102 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. #213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Capacity Up to 3
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed + one sofa-bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 280 sq ft.
Windows Three large windows
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Upper deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two or three
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Show details

 Category 07 

Cat 7 Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5698
Cat 7 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5700
Cat 7 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5699
Cat 7 LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5697
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 7 5701
LEX Cat 7Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5696
LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin Cat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SA SB 5703
Show gallery
STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#215, 219, 230 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two twin beds or one queen bed + a sofa bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 345 sq ft.
Windows Large windows
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Upper deck
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, double closet, TV, mini bar and espresso maker, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower.
More details

Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Show details

 Category SB 

Cat SB LEX Ship NG Explorer Cabin 5702
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STARTING AT:
PER PERSON
$8,390

#105-106, 203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Capacity Up to 1
Beds One single bed
Rooms 1 room
Footage 120 sq ft.
Windows One large window
Balcony None
View Ocean view
Location Upper deck
Suitable for Solo
Accessibility None
Amenities Writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
More details

Show details

About the NG Explorer

LEX Ship NG Explorer Exterior Chile Magallanes 5269

The NG Explorer is a true pioneer of modern expedition cruising, with a storied history of exploring some of the world’s most remote and remarkable regions. Her rebuild drew on 50 years of expedition history and expertise. Purpose-built for discovery, she offers an intimate, hands-on expedition experience that focuses on exploration, learning, and meaningful encounters with nature.

LEX Iceland Dynjandi Waterfall Arnarfjörður Westfjords Region NG Explorer

The NG Explorer is a fully stabilised, ice-class vessel with an ice-reinforced hull, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort, elegance and a deep connection to the environment. Compact and highly manoeuvrable, she is purpose-built for exploring rugged coastlines and hard-to-reach destinations, offering guests exclusive access to places few vessels can reach. Onboard, welcoming public spaces, expansive observation areas, and an experienced expedition team foster a warm, communal atmosphere, making every voyage immersive, authentic, and uniquely connected to the extraordinary places explored.

LEX Ship NG Explorer Food

Dining on board the NG Explorer is relaxed, welcoming and well-suited to the rhythm of expedition travel. Meals are freshly prepared and nourishing, with an emphasis on sustainable choices and locally sourced ingredients where possible. Guests can enjoy a mix of hearty dishes and lighter options to refuel after active days ashore.

LEX Ship NG Explorer Interior Bistro

Dining areas provide a friendly, social atmosphere where guests gather to share meals and reflect on the day’s discoveries. Meals are served at a single seating with unassigned tables, encouraging an informal atmosphere and easy mingling among guests. Dining takes place across the main dining room, Bistro Bar, and Observation Lounge, offering flexibility and a variety of settings throughout the day. Flexible dining and attentive service make the experience easy and informal, while a selection of wines, beers, and spirits is available to enjoy with dinner or in the evenings, rounding out a comfortable and convivial onboard experience.

LEX Ship NG Explorer Interior Fitness Center

On board the NG Explorer, wellness is woven naturally into the rhythm of expedition life. After exhilarating days spent exploring remote coastlines and wild landscapes, guests can retreat to welcoming onboard spaces designed for rest, recovery, and quiet reflection, perfect for unwinding as the scenery drifts by outside. A dedicated fitness area allows guests to stay active with light workouts and stretching between excursions, helping maintain energy levels throughout days filled with exploration.

LEX Ship NG Explorer Interior Sauna

The sauna offers a warm, restorative escape to relax tired muscles after time ashore. Simple, comfortable, and thoughtfully suited to life at sea, the NG Explorer’s wellness facilities enhance the expedition experience, helping guests feel energised, balanced and ready for each new day of discovery.

NG Explorer Bridge Deck

Bridge Deck

  • Bridge
  • Library
  • Observation Lounge

Wellness Deck NG Explorer

Wellness Deck

  • Sauna
  • LEXspa
  • Fitness Centre

 

Veranda Deck NG Explorer

Veranda Deck

  • Chart Room
  • Deck
  • Lounge
  • Sun Deck
  • Cat 4 Cabins (#103-104, 107-108)
  • Cat 6 Suites (#101-102)
  • Cat Solo B Cabins (#105-106

 

Upper Deck NG Explorer

Upper Deck

  • Restaurant
  • Bistro
  • Galley
  • Reception
  • Global Gallery
  • Cat 4 Cabins
  • Cat 5 Cabins
  • Cat 6 Suite (#213)
  • Cat 7 Suites (#215, 219, 230)
  • Cat Solo B Cabins (#203, 208)

Expedition Deck NG Endurance

Expedition Deck

  • Ice Door
  • Zodiac Boarding
  • Basecamp
  • Expedition Desk

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STARTING AT:
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$8,390
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