Picturesque towns full of history
Experience the beauty and variety of the British Isles on an expedition cruise. Explore the quaint villages, charming towns and impressive historical landmarks. Discover the Viking and Gaelic heritage of Waterford and Stornoway, and sample single malt whisky on Islay.
Nature and wild islands
You’ll encounter the wild landscapes of the Hebrides, the tropical-looking Isles of Scilly and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the Isle of Man, as well as enjoying scenic walks along the Pembrokeshire and Devon coasts.
Set sail on your island-hopping adventure
Your expedition cruise starts in Dover. If you have time before boarding MS Maud, take a walk along the famous White Cliffs at St Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and the sparkling English Channel below.
Once you've picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you'll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who'll be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then enjoy your first dinner aboard the ship – your adventure has begun.
Get to know your basecamp at sea
Enjoy an idyllic day at sea with plenty to do. Admire the views from MS Maud’s Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insights into the island destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs.
Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from our onboard photographer on how to capture wildlife and landscapes. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge a great place to read or watch the world glide by.
You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team, experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the places ahead with you.
Explore scenic coastlines and the UK's smallest city
Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ above.
A short drive away is the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th century cathedral. You can explore this conservation area as part of an included excursion.
The dramatic headland nearby is the most westerly point in Wales. Here you can enjoy spectacular views along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.
Discover Northern Ireland’s capital
We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens.
Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St Anne’s Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you'll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade.
Belfast also allows access to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, and the rugged northern coastline. Explore the towering cliffs and distinctive hexagonal columns of this natural wonder.
Island gems in the Outer Hebrides
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen on any given day. That’s why we’ve carved out one day to take full advantage of exploring the region.
Today, the Captain and the Expedition Team will decide whether we explore Barra or Vatersay, the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, linked to each other by a causeway.
Go in search of birds and sea life in our expedition boats or attempt to land in the innumerable coves and beaches that dot the islands close to Castlebay.
Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage
Today we sail to the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant and compact Viking-influenced capital on foot.
Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.
Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their distinctive single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.
Experience the Gaelic culture of the Hebrides
Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the Isle of Lewis and Harris capital. As you explore the area around the harbour, keep an eye out for seals, eagles and otters. Enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle with its spacious grounds full of trails and offering fantastic views.
Further afield, take in the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Dun Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland. Enjoy coastal walks along the stunning Dalmore, Dalbeg or Garry beaches, and maybe pick up a memento of Harris Tweed, which is woven here.
Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'Whisky Island'
Islay is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit. Discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan as you explore the island.
Islay is also a wildlife paradise, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks.
Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island’s nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a 'wee dram' from one of these famous and historic whisky producers, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg.
Explore Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man
The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man. Learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see its stunning rugged coastline.
There’s so much to pack into your day in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St Thomas’s Church and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold and now said to be haunted.
Uncover Viking history in Ireland’s oldest city
Welcome back to Ireland - the Emerald Isle. Today you’ll set foot in the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings in the 10th century beside a ford in the River Suir. Waterford is a well preserved and very walkable small city, famed for its beautiful crystal glass production. Intricate and bold street art daubs walls and houses in this city of culture, so don’t forget your camera.
Walk around the Viking Triangle, so named for the three-sided shape made by the thousand-year-old walls that once surrounded the city. Or explore the charming Waterford greenway and historic Kilkenny Castle, a relic of medieval Ireland.
Enjoy crystal waters, sandy beaches and natural beauty
Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall are the Isles of Scilly. This enchanting archipelago is home to some exquisite small islands. If conditions allow, we’ll split our time here. You can explore Tresco’s white sandy beaches and its renowned 19th century Abbey Gardens, or visit St Mary’s, the largest of the isles.
Alternatively, join a trip around the archipelago, visiting shipwreck sites and spying seals lying on the rocks. You'll also sail around the bird sanctuary of Annet to spot puffins and various other breeding seabirds.
Get set for historical attractions and idyllic beaches
The picturesque banks of the River Dart mark our arrival into beautiful Dartmouth. Steeped in maritime history and culture, this charming town is home to the Royal Britannia Naval College and Dartmouth Castle.
Tread the coastal paths and trails that extend along this stretch of coastline, exploring secluded coves and remote beaches. Food lovers may wish to try Dartmouth’s seafood, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the local fudge or the famous Devonshire cream tea.
End your British Isles adventure where you began
The sight of the White Cliffs of Dover signals the end of this exploration of the British Isles. As we sail into Dover with the iconic cliffs coming into view, we’ll dock at the harbour and then it’s time to say a fond farewell to MS Maud and to all those who have made your expedition cruise so memorable.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 135,75 m
Passenger Capacity: 528
Built: 2003
About the ship
MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud').
Ship features
This ship has passed stringent tests and has been accredited by the leading independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). The strict and thorough safety audit required by BV ensures every ship is in compliance with industry and international health, safety and hygiene best practices. When you see the SafeGuard label, you can feel confident the vessel you’re sailing in meets the highest standards to achieve certification. SafeGuard furthermore ensures that best practice guidelines are being followed with regard to hygiene, sanitation and limiting the spread of infectious diseases on board.
Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles.
Premium expedition comfort
Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views.
Interior and Cabins
MS Maud is well-suited for expedition cruising, with a décor inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.
Explorer lounge & bar
Enjoy the view with a drink in the Explorer lounge & bar.
Science Center
The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. We stream for your comfort our lectures to cabins.
Gym
The MS Maud offers a complete gym.
Sauna & Ralaxation
After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs or the sauna, exercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar, or browse in the on-board shop.
Library
The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.
Observation Deck
The Observation Deck is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars.
Aune Restaurant
Welcome onboard to a culinary journey and our award-winning food sourcing program. On board you find restaurant Aune - our main dining room; Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune.
Fredheim Restaurant
The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Fredheim - with casual fast food and plant based alternatives.
Lindstrom Restaurant
And our fine dining restaurant Lindstrøm, named after Polar Hero and Amundsen Chef Adolf Lindstrøm. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy.