faroe islands sail cruise

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Faroe Island Cruises

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VISIT FAROE ISLANDS

Join us on an unforgettable Faroe Islands cruise spread across 18 volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway , connected by a series of tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges. The islands are dotted with multi-coloured cottages and grass-roofed wooden churches that nestle in the backdrop of dramatic waterways and treeless moors. [ReadMore]

Prepare to be enchanted by the Faroe Islands' landscapes, where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Admire the breathtaking waterfalls cascading down steep mountainsides and discover hidden beaches nestled among fjords. Experience the untouched beauty of this remote destination and get lost in the tranquillity of nature.

A LAND OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage deeply rooted in its Viking past as you cruise to Faroes and Iceland . Delve into the history and traditions of these islands through captivating storytelling and fascinating landmarks. Discover the capital city of Tórshavn, one of the smallest and oldest capitals in the world. Stroll through the historic centre of Tinganes, alive with art and music, where colourful buildings and picturesque harbours create a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in the local cuisine, savouring the taste of freshly caught seafood and traditional Faroese delicacies.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE

Explore the rocky volcanic archipelago on a Faroes cruise, home to an abundance of wildlife , particularly birds. Around 300 bird species, including the iconic puffins, dot the cliffs in large colonies. The Faroes are also known for their sheep population, which significantly outnumbers the human population. The surrounding waters of the Faroes are teeming with marine animals and fish, where you can catch a glimpse of whales that inhabit its waters.

Cruises to Faroe Islands

Whales & Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland • T2414

• Explore the remarkable scenery, wildlife and nature in Iceland
• Enjoy Scenic Discoveries of Gásadalur and Vestmanna 
• Spot marine life from Bolette with the help of wildlife charity ORCA
• 1 offer available

The Life & Landscapes of Iceland • L2422

• Discover volcanic wonders, such as the Snæfellsjökull Glacier
• Witness thundering waterfalls and spurting geysers
• Take the chance to encounter humpbacks on a whale-watching tour
• 2 offers available

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Iceland's Whales, Waterfalls & Way of Life • L2427

• Uncover remarkable landscapes, folkore and wildlife in Iceland
• Discover more about the local way of life in remote Ísafjörður 
• Spot cetaceans from the decks of Balmoral with ORCA conservationists

Whales, Waterfalls & Geysers of Iceland • T2421

• Discover Iceland's incredible scenery in just nine nights
• Marvel at Iceland's longest fjord - Eyjafjörður, from Bolette
• Learn about elf folklore as you cruise by Borgarfjörður Eystri

Springtime Norwegian Fjords & the Faroes • T2507

• Enjoy a journey on the Rauma Railway through rugged landscapes
• Experience a tour to the magnificent Briksdal Glacier
• Immerse yourself in Friluftsliv by spending time outdoors

Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Nights • T2510

• Explore Stornoway and Tórshavn in just five nights
• Embrace Gaelic traditions like Ceilidh dancing or Harris Tweed
• Scenic cruise past the intriguing Fingal's Cave and Bac Mòr 

Exploring the Land of Fire & Ice • L2515

• Discover Iceland's extraordinary glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
• Immerse yourself in Iceland's wellness culture of hot spring bathing
• Experience whale watching on a tour from Balmoral

Whales, Waterfalls & Geysers of Iceland • S2519

• Witness the splendour of Iceland's volcanic landscapes
• See puffins before they head south for the winter
• Discover how Iceland turns its natural power into energy

Scenic Isles & Landscapes of Scotland & the Faroes • T2522

• Witness outstanding scenic cruising of Scottish islands and the Faroes
• Join us on tour from Bolette to meet Shetland ponies or a local crofter
• Sample traditional Faroese food and drink, such as Saltfiskur

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SAIL & RIDE 5 + 5 days 

BY BOAT AND CAR

Mystery Faroe Islands

Join us on a thrilling 10-day sailing expedition around the mesmerizing Faroe Islands. Experience the beauty of the archipelago as we sail between islands and explore inaccessible locations. With a skilled skipper/guide leading the way, embark on trekking adventures, helicopter flights, ferry trips, and a traditional Faroese dinner. Don't miss this unforgettable journey. Reserve your spot now!

Availability

26.04 - 05.05.2024, 07 - 16.05.2024, expedition itinerary, day 1  – let`s get started.

Your adventure begins as you embark on a sailing journey from the charming town of Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the sailboat, settle into your comfortable accommodations, and meet the experienced crew who will be guiding you throughout the trip. They will provide a detailed briefing, discussing the planned itinerary for the coming days, ensuring you are prepared for the exciting adventures ahead.  

As the day progresses, weather permitting, we may set sail in the evening towards the enchanting island of Nolsoy. Please keep in mind that the exact timing and activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors.

THE BOAT - Hi Ocean One

Photos form our previuos faroe islands trips.

Accommodation on board (10 days/9 nights) in made up bunks/beds with shared facilities.

Ingredients and beverages for preparing meals. 

S ervices of the crew  and proffesional guide , car and hiki ng excursions (as per itinerary).

All hiking fees, travel and administration fees, fuel, harbour fees, car rental, ferry tickets and helicopter tickets (as per iteinerary).

Price: 1890 EUR per person

  ​not icl u d e d  .

Airfare to and from the Faroe Islands.

Transfers to and from the airport to the boat (taxi/bus available).

Visas or individual travel insurance.

Meals on board - we cook together using provided ingredients.

Laundry charges and personal items.

Alcoholic beverages.

Onshore expenses such as restaurants, gifts, and souvenirs.

Car driver - we take turns "at the wheel".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do i need sailing experiance? Is this trip difficult? The Greenland sailing tour offers a flexible experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape. You can partake in easy to moderately difficult guided hikes on land and, if interested, assist the crew on board. No specific preparations or skills are required, but a love for nature and adventure is a must.
• Where i will be sleeping? Hi Ocean One has one cabin with 4 bunk beds and three cabin with double beds - ordinary size. Once your reservation is confirmed and booked, you will receive an information sheet specifying your assigned bunk.
• How is the food offered onboard? We are pleased to offer a comprehensive full-board service, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our team has taken great care in planning and preparing your meals with utmost attention. A limited selection of alcoholic beverages is available onboard. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you a medical information sheet to gather relevant details regarding your health and any allergies you may have. This ensures that we can accommodate your needs and ensure your well-being during the journey.
• Is there a shower onboard? Certainly! Onboard, we do provide two hot showers that are accessible at all times. However, it's important to note that the water supply may be limited due to the nature of our journey. We kindly ask for your cooperation in adapting and using water judiciously during your time onboard.
• What about safety? Is the vessel in survey / coded / seaworthy? Ask us for our survey / seaworthy certificates which are all kept onboard. Hi Ocean One is registered as a commercial vessel, Category 0 (zero – Unrestricted), type expedition.
• How is the accessibility onboard? Please be advised that the staircases leading to the living quarters have steep stairs, although they are equipped with sturdy railings for your safety. It is important to note that transfers between land and yacht is facilitated by zodiac boats, as there are no harbors available throughout the Scoresby Sound area. Consequently, there won't be a traditional gangway for boarding or disembarking.
• Is there phone/internet acces? During the cruise, there is access to high-speed internet available, although it may be limited to certain hours. Also, please note that there is no GSM coverage onboard or in any other place beside Ittoqqortoormiit village.
• How is the weather in Scoresby Sund? Temperatures in the area typically range between 2 and 12°C (35-54°F), with minimal rainfall. While it can be windy at times, clear and calm days can bring forth strong sunlight. The prevailing high-pressure systems over Greenland often result in calm weather conditions.
• Will we use a lot of sails? Due to the calm weather conditions, narrow fjords, and numerous icebergs in the area, we primarily rely on the engine for propulsion when navigating through the fjord system. However, whenever possible and time permits, we will raise the sails.
• Am I likely to be seasick? If you have concerns about seasickness, it is advisable to take precautions. While we cannot guarantee that you won't experience seasickness, it's better to be prepared and take preventative measures, especially if you haven't been at sea before. It's important to note that the sea in Scoresby Sound fjord is generally very calm, reducing the likelihood of experiencing seasickness. However, everyone's tolerance varies, and it's better to err on the side of caution. Don't let the fear of seasickness overshadow your excitement for the upcoming cruise.
• Is electricity available onboard? Power for charging batteries is readily available throughout the journey, with standard EU sockets provided onboard. You can conveniently charge your devices whenever needed, ensuring that you stay connected and powered up during the trip.
• How reservation process looks like? If you are interested in joining the cruise, you can reach out to us via email (info[at]sailcamp.pl). We will respond by sending you a form that generates a contract for the journey, along with all the necessary information regarding what to bring and how to prepare. It is important to carefully read, sign, and return the contract to us. After that, within 5 days, we kindly request that you provide us with a confirmation of the transfer payment for the first installment (25% of the total cost).

FAROE ISLANDS CRUISE

Wild islands & land of legends.

Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, our cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to discover the cool and captivating wonders of the British Isles and Faroes.

Embark on an unforgettable cruise from the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and set sail through a breathtaking tapestry of stunning landscapes. Traverse the mesmerizing Fair Isle, where nature's beauty unfolds in vibrant hues. 

Explore the charming town of Lerwick and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands. Venture further to the remote Faroe Islands, where verdant fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, wild legends come to life, and the untamed beauty of the landscapes will leave you in awe. Prepare for an extraordinary journey where captivating legends intertwine with the living wonders of nature.

Why travel to the British Isles with Poseidon?

M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

Expedition-style voyage

Prepare for a voyage that combines thrilling wild landings and zodiac cruising with captivating port excursions. Our cruises to the British Isles promise an unforgettable journey, where you'll encounter stunning nature and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of this remarkable region.

25 years of experience

Cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 25 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

Discover the wonders of Neolithic villages, grand cathedrals, and other breathtaking ancient treasures found in these lands. Indulge in an unforgettable experience where you will truly feel transported through various times and epochs.

LANDINGS vs EXCURSIONS

Step into a fairytale as you arrive on the remote Faroe Islands. With their charming turf houses and lush green fields, these islands will leave you spellbound at every turn. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this picturesque archipelago, where Viking heritage is deeply rooted.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Our voyage to the British Isles offers a wealth of subjects for photographers of all levels and interests. Our included photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside a professional photographer. Zoom out to capture dramatic landscapes of sweeping moorland and rugged coastlines of Wales and Northern Ireland or go macro to expose the beauty of flowers on the shores of the Shetlands. You will get plenty of practice with the special art of architectural photography as well as we visit the finest examples of the medieval architecture in the British Isles. From historical monuments to colorful puffins, the sights on this British Isles cruise will make a photographer out of anyone. Our expert will be there to help you make the most of the bounty in your viewfinder.

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All about faroe islands cruises.

What makes islands so special? Their isolation, remoteness, nature, heritage and wildlife are usually preserved and shielded from the busy life of mainlanders. Our small expedition ship and Zodiac boats will give you the chance to explore off the beaten path and discover otherwise inaccessible gems. We combine the best of the British Isles with the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands on our cruises. Our onboard specialists will guide you through diverse birdlife, help you improve your photography skills and show you this region from an angle few people have seen it from ever before. 

…a glimpse of what awaits you on our cruises:

Neolithic and historic Viking sites on the British Isles

Deep green hills, charming turf roof houses and puffin colonies on the Faroes

An abundance of birdlife: a dream-come-true for any bird lover

Zodiac cruising: remote bays, landings off the beaten path and prime wildlife watching

Jan Mayen Island and the northernmost active volcano, Beerenberg

Crossing the Arctic Circle

• Dramatic glaciers, fjords and polar bears on the Svalbard archipelago

What you can see on the Faroes

Fairytale landscapes.  You’ll witness deep green hills with steep cliffs and the bright-blue ocean – it’s a combination that amazes even the most avid traveler. There are no native trees on the island due to strong winds. The few trees you find there were introduced from places with similar climates, such as Alaska and Tierra del Fuego. 

Grass roof houses. Admire a 1000-year-old+ building style that shields you from rain and offers thermal insulation. You can see these charming houses in the Faroese capital of Tórshavn. And did you know that you can also see them in Iceland? 

Puffin colonies. Spot these colorful and cute birds along the Faroese coastline where they gather in large colonies on the grassy slopes.

Plan your tour

How to get to the faroes.

Our cruises to the Faroe Islands and British Isles set sail from Edinburgh in Scotland. We recommend you book airfare ahead of time.

Visa control

If you are an EU or EAA citizen, you can visit the Faroe Islands without a visa. For all other countries, we recommend to check in advance if a visa is required. Let us know if you need assistance, we’ll be glad to help.

Cruise Ships

We deliver only a high-class fleet for each Faroe Island Cruise. We rely on our small but advantageous ship.

The deluxe expedition ship Sea Spirit is very maneuverable and contains 114 passengers. Comfortable accommodation on board and an additional fleet of Zodiacs make this vessel very attractive.

On our ship, we offer many different onboard entertaining options: restaurants, bars, lounge, library, gym, etc. You will never get bored. Besides, due to low passenger groups going ashore during stops is very pleasant.

When to go on a Faroe Islands cruise?

Summer is the best time to visit! Temperatures from May to September will range around 9-13 °C (48-55 °F). We set sail for the islands from May to June.

Facts about the Faroes

Not quite Denmark… Similar to Greenland, the Faroes are a self-governing overseas division of Denmark. This lets the Faroe Islands govern and legislate a wide range of areas independently. They are not part of the European Union.

A lot of islands… With 18 main, and a total of over 750 islands, they cover 1,400 km2 (540 square miles). You’ll find the capital Tórshavn on the island of Streymoy (the largest and most populated island of the archipelago). The Faroes are located in the North Atlantic, roughly 580km (360 miles) off the coast of Norway and 430km (270 miles) from Iceland.

Let the sheep take over… Did you know that with roughly 70,000 sheep on the islands, they outnumber the human population? In 2022, only 53,090 people officially resided on the Faroes.

Fish & Tourists… The two main industries on the islands are fishing (accounting for 97% of all exports) and tourism. Since 2019, the Faroes closed for tourists annually for a duration of 2 days (usually in April). Most of the attractions are closed then, but you are still welcome as a volunteer to help with maintenance and clean up!

Say it in Faroese… The Faroes have their own official language: Faroese. It’s closely related to Icelandic, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish, and local people regard preserving their language as a crucial part of their national culture. Visit Olav’s Festival (July 29 th ) to dive into the local culture with celebrations, folk music, art exhibitions, concerts and dancing, and see the locals out and about in their beautiful traditional dresses!

What’s the weather like on the Faroe Islands?

We sail to the Faroe Islands in May, so the average temperature will be around 9 °C (48 °F). Rain and strong winds are common on the islands.

What should I wear during a trip to Faroe Islands?

We recommend you pack warm clothes and dress in layers. Rain and strong wings can prevail on the islands throughout the year, so rain- and wind-proof gear is essential.

Can you see the Northern Lights on the Faroe Islands?

Yes, but it depends on your luck and the time of the year. The best time to spot them on the Faroes is from September through April.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Nordic legends: cruising the breathtaking Faroe Islands

• November 24, 2021

The bleakly remote Faroe Islands were the stuff of sailing fairy tales for Kila Zamana and they did not disappoint on her cruise around the misty isles

“Stop filling the boat with cheese!” I exclaimed to Paul, as he stowed a massive food shop in Ponta Delgada ahead of what would be a nearly 2,000-mile passage to the Faroe Islands. Tons of cheese, marinated Azorean peppers and pasta were tucked into every corner around the boat. It felt far more than needed.

“Don’t scoff at me, you won’t like the groceries in the Faroes. Plus, the cheese will be useful,” he points out.

The Faroe Islands are a subarctic archipelago of 18 islands rising dramatically out of the North Atlantic , three to four days sailing between Scotland, Iceland or Norway. Culturally they are a split between Gaelic and Old Norse, and, just like the Azoreans, the Faroese aim to be a self governing nation.

For cruisers the islands are usually a short stopover on the way to Greenland or Svalbard , yet the islands have always had a particular allure of being somewhat ‘terra incognito’.

The first three days of our passage from the Azores to the Faroes were spent blue sky beam reach sailing, followed by 15 dark days of slow progress, almost all sailing into easterly winds through an eternity of fog interrupted by dead calms.

Puffin spotting on the cliffs at Vestmanna on the island of Streymoy. Photo: Kila Zamana

It felt like we were crossing over from our sun and light-filled world into an alternative universe, where the Norse mythological beasts Sköll and Hati devoured the sun and chased after the moon. All celestial light was gone, and the ocean was completely lifeless.

It was day 18 when a pack of pilot whales greeted us and we finally caught sight of land. The autopilot began beeping insanely, alarming us that it had lost course. The southern Faroe islands, Suduroy and Sandoy, are known for aggressive tidal currents; we made just 30 miles in a day as we zigzagged to our destination in Tórshavn.

Days in the mist

Anyone who cannot be happy without sun every day has no business being in the north. Our sun-yellow 50ft steel-hulled expedition yacht Malaika was the only thing that shone, bringing a little warmth during white-out days in Tórshavn marina.

Tórshavn is a city just like any other, and a busy one. All I wanted to see was the drama of the wild Faroes terrain, but the mist made it impossible, keeping the islands shrouded in mystery and whispering to me ‘discover slowly, don’t rush’.

I had a couple of hours to settle into the Faroese climate before our crew’s arrival to explore these islands by land and sea. I had intentionally invited Luke, a true explorer in spirit, who has been sailing with us for three years. He brought his team of three girls, ready to hike through rugged trails. First, we needed fresh food.

Article continues below…

Bluewater Sailing Techniques Part 1: introducing our 12-part series with a cruise in the Pacific

We begin our new 12-part multimedia series on Bluewater Sailing Techniques in stunning Fiji

Sailing Antarctica: Record-breaking voyage around the southern continent

Many believe number seven to be lucky. The seventh day of February proved to be just that. It’s seven weeks…

When I went out to the market to get supplies I was astonished by how few masks were worn. “Oh, we simply trust you’re not bringing the virus,” the fish lady said, selling me freshly caught haddock from a bucket in the rain.

Harsh Covid restrictions didn’t exist in the Faroes. The ability to smile at others was positively empowering. Here, every day was filled with small concerts and events: from singing in a cave in Nolsoy island to sailing regattas inside the fjords accompanied with buffet suppers and fireworks.

While lockdown has been a shock to many countries, the Faroese have generations of experience living as an isolated community. In these small communities the culture is stronger when people work together rather than work against each other.

The route exploring Faroe Islands

The crew arrived on a wet, drizzly and foggy day, so I baked fresh haddock in citrus herbs to warm their souls and our galley.

Unknown quantity

Planning our weeks in Faroe Islands, I initially didn’t quite know where to start. My partner, Paul, had spent seven years sailing in Antarctica , and wasn’t happy to be in the north again. This trip was my heart’s calling, and I felt responsible for the idea.

I had well prepared notes and maps after months of research, but I didn’t want to start my journey counting ‘places to visit’ from the guide books. I believe the best way to experience a place is through local communities and events that unveil paths completely outside mass tourism. The most intimate connections form very slowly, so I shouldn’t expect too much from the first time. As a visitor you have to earn their trust.

Fjords to explore near Klaksvik. Photo: Kila Zamana

Luke had brought a book written by a well respected author who lives in Faroes, Kinga Eysturland. On a whim, I decided to write to the author, and invite her for a cosy dinner on board. Why not? “We have come a long way from the Azores and would like to learn about Faroes. Tonight I’m serving marinated pepper pasta with shredded Azorean cheese from São Jorge. Are you up for it?” I messaged.

Kinga accepted, and that one connection led us to connect with more people with knowledge, and inspired our Faroes exploration plan. Paul’s stocks of Azorean food had served us well.

I sketched an anti-clockwise route around the islands. Our first stop was to visit Kinga’s house in Klaksvik – in exchange for dinner she invited us for Heimablídni. It’s translated directly as ‘home hospitality’ and is part of the regional culture across the islands.

It’s a chance to experience authentic home-dining, eating Faroese food made from products that are often inaccessible in markets, such as ram’s head, but also a chance to hear interesting stories from villagers. Apart from in Tórshavn, restaurants and bars are nearly nonexistent.

The distances between islands are not great, usually ranging from eight to 35 miles. But the tricky element is contending with strong tidal currents and hardly any wind. Trying to escape from the grip of a racing current, while surrounded by rocks, can be more than a skipper’s patience can stand. We found an application called Rák very helpful here; a user-friendly real-time local tidal current chart for smartphones. It works very well, though for better accuracy we learned to leave an hour earlier, before the tidal tide arrow turns from odd to good.

The view down to the town of Klaksvik on Bordoy. Photo: Kila Zamana

Sailing to Klaksvik was one of our most enjoyable passages, and we were followed by an insane swirl of arctic petrels. Klaksvik is a photogenic town, a sunny spot nestled between jade green fjords. Following polite tradition, we called the harbour master on VHF to inform him of our arrival. He told us to sail to the starboard side of a large jetty full of big fishing cutters, then met us there to take our mooring lines. After explaining how to hook up for electricity and water, and giving us his phone numbers in case of any problems, he told us that all harbours there are for free (except for Torshavn as the islands’ only fully equipped marina). Did we hear correctly? All free?

“Oh, and don’t mind people stopping by your boat. For villagers to see a foreign yacht, it’s a huge attraction,” he added. His prediction turned out to be true, the number of people that stopped to look or came over to say hello was surprising, and somewhat heartwarming.

Malaika berthed on the Faroe island of Hestur. Photo: Kila Zamana

Kinga welcomed us in her classic Faroese house, serving us a feast of regional food. We tasted meat from fermented lamb leg – pungent, but so delicious – and we snacked on whale blubber and wind dried cod flakes while sipping Akvavit spirit with a distinctive flavour of island spices and herbs.

I’d been intrigued to see the dramatic northernmost isles, but with their rugged, rocky and steep shored anchorages we were advised to avoid them. Instead, we explored west, navigating through interior canals.

Eidi is a small village with one of the most beautifully located football stadiums in the world, perched on the very edge of the Atlantic (all of the Faroes are obsessed with football!). From there is the starting point of a hike to Slættaratindur (882m), the highest peak in Faroes.

We had no wind for sailing at all, so motored all the way, but if you get the tidal gates correct the current can give you an amazing 7 knots of speed over the ground alone. We used very little engine in a pushing tide, until the iconic Rising and Kellingin sea stacks rose out from the horizon.

Meeting locals for supper aboard Malaika. Photo: Kila Zamana

A legend says how an Icelandic giant and witch were so jealous of the Faroes they decided to steal the archipelago and attach it to their land, by pulling the islands back towards Iceland. The giant and witch were busy all night trying to tie the islands together, they did not notice the sun rising. As dawn broke, the dark magic witch and giant were turned into stone stacks for all eternity, looking back wistfully at their home.

Just like these mischievous giants, we were trapped in the spell of a whirlwind current. Instead of our planned comfortable evening in Eidi, we were going to be making landfall at night. I was nervous, since the navigation of many of these ports is learned by word of mouth from locals. In the end Eidi proved easy to navigate and I was impressed how sheltered the harbour was, despite its modest appearance.

Across the Faroes, most of the time we were the only cruising foreigners, even in high season. When dawn broke we too had an unusual visitor: a priest came, made prayers and blessed our boat for the future, in exchange for being devoted to Jesus. Somewhat perplexed, we nodded and headed for the mountains.

The next morning we peeled our aching muscles out of our bunks, having covered ourselves in blankets to shed the bone-chilling cold. In the Faroes life was dictated by the schedule of the currents, forcing me and the rest of the crew to get up. We headed to Vestmanna to moor overnight to wait out the foul currents and warnings of a swell coming from the north, then make a long-awaited passage to the westernmost island of Mykines.

Some of Malaika’s visiting crew for the Faroes experience. Photo: Kila Zamana

“Wind, there’s wind at beam reach! Quickly, hoist the sails!” Sailing wind had been so rare, that turning off the engine we felt a lightness at slipping through the water’s surface under sail power and tide. We worked to catch every opportunity of katabatic winds coming off the hills and fjords, and this one was blowing from the Saksun valley. Neptune was with us, hooray!

Mykines is famous for its fearless puffins, and I’d imagined thousands flying over our boat, just as the arctic petrels had. Indeed, there were hundreds of them, but they kept a shy distance from the boat and from humans in general. We sailed with a plan to berth in Soervagur, then to take a ferry to Mykines.

After passing the famous Gasholmur waterfall (it looks attractive, but it’s strongly advised to not sail close by), landfall in Sorvagur was confusing. There’s a marina next to the bay, but only 1.5m depth, plus a giant wall for ships. But there are large tides, reaching 2m. Luckily, several of our crew were mountain runners who made easy work of climbing up onto huge truck tires to grab the ropes.

Climbing up through the mist on Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroe Islands. Photo: Kila Zamana

Next morning a southerly swell rose up outside the bay and our ferry was cancelled. For the following days Mykines were unavailable. Despite cheap helicopter flights on the island, they have a reputation for frequent cancellations. Unwilling to risk being unable to return to Malaika, we missed our visit to the puffins of Mykines nesting on shore, and had to contend ourselves with glimpses of them at sea.

There was a strange atmosphere as we readied to leave Soervagur. We needed to make our longest passage yet back to Torshavn, but there was a problem. The area between Streymoy and Sandoy had the most rapid tidal currents, and according to our tidal calculations, there was no way we’d make it. A wiser idea would be to stop halfway on the tiny Hestur island to wait for a tidal change.

Lagoon in the valley of Saksun. Photo: Kila Zamana

At 3:45am, about eight hours of motoring after leaving Soervagur, we heard word that the grindadrap was taking place. The grindadrap is a controversial whale slaughter for meat kept and shared among the Faroese community. It is based on hundreds of years of whaling tradition and historical isolation for the Faroese, who once had to rely on whale hunting for survival. Among everyone we spoke with, the younger generation living in the Faroes believe it isn’t needed anymore.

The bigger problem lies in social media. I received comments asking how I dare visit the Faroes as someone who is passionate about wildlife. I was mentally prepared to encounter the slaughter somewhere on the way, but instead we saw freely roaming pilot whales, fearlessly sailing next to our boat. The whole country was intimately connected with their natural environment, and highly respectful of it.

Sunset offers some colour. Photo: Kila Zamana

We berthed in Hestur island as the sun rose, the rays unveiling oddly pigmented green mountains reaching up to the cloud base. With few houses around, we felt as if we were waking alone on a private island. In calm weather you can take the dinghy to Klæmintsgjógv, one of the world’s most impressive sea caves, but we celebrated our final Faores days by walking on top of the mountain and bathing in a hidden lake.

Fairytale destination

The Faroes is one of most visually beautiful places in European waters, fiercely powerful and markedly different from anywhere else we have sailed. Compared to the rest of the Atlantic Islands it’s not somewhere I’d return to regularly because its a relatively small cruising area and requires a lot of motoring.

However, it’s a fairytale experience to do once – especially if you can stop at the lesser known ports and connect with the local people. The highlight for us was the sense of community and welcome. Faroese are experts at living in sheer isolation and they’re specially curious about sailors. We immersed ourselves in the inspiration of the ancient Faroese legends. It was the voyage of a lifetime to be sailing among eternally sleeping titans.

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Ocean cruising in the Faroe Islands

Peeping out from the North Atlantic halfway between Norway and Iceland, the remote Faroe Islands form a dramatic archipelago of jagged mountains, glistening fjords and quaint villages dotted with multi-coloured cottages. The rugged, unspoiled terrain is a paradise for walkers along a Faroe Islands cruise who can lose themselves in the windswept, wildflower-carpeted mountains and valleys. And while the human population on the islands is fairly low, the Faroes more than make up for it with vast colonies of seabirds clinging to the towering cliffs and clusters of local sheep roaming freely. Despite the islands’ northernly location, winters are surprisingly mild here, and summers cool, with more than 19 hours of sunlight per day at some points in the year, in which to explore. The islands’ Nordic culture has remained delightfully uninfluenced by the rest of Europe and modern life itself, holding fast to its traditional architecture, handicrafts and food.

Why choose Faroe Islands cruises

Surrounded by sea, the Faroe Islands have more than 1,117 km of impressive coastline, spread over 18 major islands, as well as hundreds of intriguing little islets and skerries. Cruise ships can get up close and personal with many of these smaller isles as they sail by, making for a fascinating approach and incredible views from on deck. Orcas are regular visitors to these waters, so cruisers may well spot whales breaching the waves, as well as silky grey seals slipping and sliding off the rocks and splashing into the blue water. Looking to cruise to the Faroe Islands from the UK? Fred Olsen Cruises, Viking Ocean, Cunard, P&O UK, Silversea, NCL Norwegian, Crystal, Noble Caledonia, Saga and Oceania Cruises all include The Faroes on itineraries, which may also stop off at Scotland’s Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, as well as Nordic city hotspots including Reykjavik and Oslo.

Find your ideal Faroe Islands cruise

Faroe islands cruises: best places to visit in the faroe islands.

The Faroe’s capital, found on Estreymoy Island, is known for its pretty harbour and atmospheric Old Town, complete with flagstone streets, turf-roofed houses and traditional wooden churches. The historic parliament building is one of the oldest in the world, and the town’s Skansin Fortress, built in 1580 to protect the town from pirates back when the port was a major trading centre, watches proudly over it all. Cruise ships dock right here in the bay, which means you can be nosying around the jewel of the Faroes just moments after disembarking. Elegant boutiques, many squeezed into small, old wooden houses, dot the main shopping strip, selling Faroese wool jumpers, books, glassware and pottery. Worked up an appetite? Slip into one of the rustic looking restaurants along your Faroe Islands cruise to feast on fabulous Faroese lamb, then walk it off with an easy 3km stroll from the centre of town to check out the impressive Svartifoss waterfall for a taste of the island’s spectacular natural wonders.

Nestled at the foot of two lofty mountain ridges, Klaksvik is the second-largest city in the Faroe Islands and an important fishing harbour. Located on the island of Borðoy, in a well sheltered bay surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Faroes, the magnificent pyramid mountain forms a protective barrier from the ocean waves. Thanks to its rolling hills, craggy cliffs and traditional farms, Klaksvik is also one of the Faroes’ most beautiful spots to visit. Stroll around the harbour watching the fishermen at work, take a ride on the picturesque mail boat, a real favourite with visitors, or explore the trickling streams and fragrant flora of Úti í Grøv, an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll along a stop on a Faroe Islands cruise. While Borðoy used to be rather isolated, an underground tunnel now connects Klaksvik to the island of Eysturoy in just 16minutes, making hopping between the two islands as easy as pie.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at this most western outpost of the Faroes when you sail past the great columns of balsalt looming some 60m above the ocean’s surface. Rather magically, there are no roads or streets anywhere on this island, only meandering footpaths, well used by the island’s 14 permanent residents. Take one such path to walk from Mykines village to the lighthouse at the end of the islet of Mykineshólmur, via a footbridge. It’s a truly special experience, like discovering the edge of the world on your Faroe Islands cruise. You’ll enjoy complete tranquility and tremendous views of the ocean to the west and more islands to the east, but only if you can find space between the hundreds of puffins nestled in burrows on its precipitous clifftops.

Faroe Islands cruises: Best things to do in the Faroe Islands

Explore on horseback.

The small, hardy, good natured Faroese horse has wandered these windswept islands for more than a thousand years. Originally used as workhorses thanks to their stocky build and mild temperament, they almost became extinct in the 1960s. However, a concerted effort has now grown their numbers to a modest 74. Exploring the islands’ landscape on horseback is a brilliant way to soak up the local sights and experience this beautiful animal in its natural habitat. Faroese horses don’t wear saddles or horse shoes, so even experienced riders will take something unique away from the experience along a Faroe Islands cruise.

Listen to live music

The Faroe Islands have a hugely active music scene, with their own orchestra and lots of different choirs. Music is a huge part of island life and there are some great venues to listen to the vibes. Follow your ears to Blábar, a cosy bar and music venue in the centre of Tórshavn, playing exceptional jazz and blues. Or join the Tórshavn locals in taking a short ferry ride over to neighbouring island Nólsoy to enjoy a concert at lauded venue Maggies, a favourite with musicians from all over the world.

Shop for Faroese knits

Knitting has been a part of the Faroese culture for centuries and in a corner of the world where sheep outnumber people, wool is undoubtedly the most common material used to make clothes. Designs incorporate traditional Nordic patterns, with many handed down from mother to daughter. You can pick up beautifully-made items from the shops in Tórshavn, from chunky knit sweaters to delicate socks. And all guaranteed to keep you toasty warm, whether you’re stepping out for a hike, or a spin around the deck of a ship.

Discover rare birds

The remote location of the islands makes the territory a magnet for all sorts of birds migrating over the North Atlantic Ocean. More than 300 breeds flock to the Faroes each summer, when puffins jostle for space on the breezy clifftops, and thousands of kittiwakes squawk their contentment. The sheer number of beautiful birds here means you can do most birdwatching easily with the naked eye. You don’t even need to get off the ship along your cruise to Faroe Islands to have a gander, as some of the very best birding spots can be seen from the deck as you cruise by the islands.

Summit a mountain

The almost 880m climb to the top of the Faroes’ highest mountain, Slaettaratindur on the island of Eysturoy, rewards visitors with spectacular views of the entire Faroe archipelago. You can march up to the summit via a four-hour scenic hike or a less demanding one-hour trek. It has become a local tradition to climb Slaettaratindur on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, to watch the sun set and then rise again just a few hours later. Traditional singing and dancing help to kill time while waiting, and a strong flask of coffee will keep you awake for the enchanting finale.

What’s it like to cruise Antarctica? Photographer reveals what to expect

Polar explorer felicity aston named as godmother of silversea's silver endeavour, travel with meaning - the holland america line, top 10 cruise destinations to spot wildlife.

Ferry to Iceland and the Faroe Islands

Spectacular nature and culture for everyone.

Whether you are into nature or culture, you will find that Iceland and the Faroe Islands have plenty to offer.

Travel to Iceland with your car, motorcycle, caravan or motorhome. Read more

Travel to the Faroe Islands with your car, motorcycle, caravan or motorhome. Read more

Visit the Faroe Islands on the way to or from Iceland Read more

One week cruise to Iceland with a stop in the Faroe Islands Read more

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The Faroe Islands, an archipelago formed by volcanic rock, reveal an incredible diversity of reliefs where the sea is ubiquitous: you’ll sail past stone pinnacles and unique coastlines. To the west of the island of Vagar stand Thindolmur and Drangarnir, rocky outcrops that marine erosion have detached from the coast, thus forming independent islets known as stacks. The impressive Traelanipa cliff , also known as Slave Cliff , stands 142 metres (466 feet) high. It overlooks the superb Lake Sorvagsvatn. Located 30 metres (98 feet) above sea level, this is the archipelago’s largest lake. On the island of Streymoy, you’ll be able to spot guillemots, screeching fulmars or penguins, nesting in the welcoming crevices of the Vestmanna cliffs.

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7 Incredible Boat Tours in the Faroe Islands

Can I join boat tours when in the outstanding Faroe Islands? Are there tour guides onboard boat tours? When can you sail in the Faroe Islands in a boat? Continue reading to get to know everything about the best boat experiences when travelling in the Faroe Islands.

• Dip into the widest range of  Day Tours  in the Faroe Islands
• Find out What to Pack for Travel in the Faroe Islands
• Rent a Car to explore the best of Faroe Islands
• Get to know  18 Things for your first Trip to the Faroe Islands

Exploring the Faroe Islands in a boat is a great way to get really close to the unbelievable nature. Fortunately, there are some really good boat tours for you to embark on. Standing on a boat deck in the North Atlantic Ocean is such an enchanting way to enjoy the uncomplicated life at sea.

Boat tours mentioned here involve no hiking. All tours have life-vests for smaller children so the tours are suitable for children and can be made by everyone.

1. Drangarnir Boat Tour

Experiencing Drangarnir sea stacks from a boat is fantastic. This is as close to these sea stack as you will ever get. Weather permitting, you will sail through the iconic hole. Book either this boat to Drangarnir with an indoor area or an open Boat tour to Drangarnir here and get to the sea arch.

Your captain will make sure that the transfer will be as safe and comfortable as possible. Tours are made from the marina in Sørvágur on Vágar island . You can join a tour to the famous sea arch whenever you like, be it in summer or winter. The weather is more stable in summer, though.

The duration of the tour is typically just more than one hour. As the departure point in Sørvágur is easy to reach when on Vágar Island, this is the perfect add on activity to partake in when on this westerly island in the archipelago.

The famous Múlafossur Waterfall lies close to Drangarnir. It adds to the awesomeness of this boat tour that you will also get close to Múlafossur waterfall and its water that drops straight into the pristine ocean.

2. Fishing in Vestmanna

This is the perfect tour for the sports-driven enthusiast. From the harbour in Vestmanna on Streymoy island , you can jump onboard a cosy local vehicle and drift out of the harbour to nearby fishing ground. You will go deep sea angling with mountains in all directions. How epic is that!

• Find deep sea Fishing tours in Vestmanna

Unparalleled beauty, it is as simple as that. You will catch the most tasty and fresh fish in the North Atlantic Ocean. There is a catch guarantee on tours made from April to October. 

3. Sailboat Tour in the Faroe Islands

Spoil yourself and book a private sailboat tour in the Faroe Islands. Time in the great ocean is time well spent. This experience will get you into the heart of nature. You will experience cliffs and wildlife seen from the incredible sea.

• Book your Private Sailboat Tour in Faroe Islands

On this extraordinary tour, you will set sail from the capital, Tórshavn . The experienced local captain will take you to the untouched and breathtaking Nólsoy Island . Along the route, you will get close to craggy ravines and grottoes. Being on your own in these unspoiled waters is a powerful experience. Tours are made from early spring to late autumn.

4. Mykines Boat Tours

To witness the amazing birdlife on Mykines Island is a must-do summer activity in the Faroe Islands. The Mykines puffins are well-known for their hospitality. There are some 100.000 puffins here and this the main reason why the Mykines boat tour is among the most popular boat tours in the Faroe Islands during the summer season.

• Book the Mykines Shuttle Boat

An excellent chance for you to try a sought-after nature experience. The island is a true pearl of nature. Boat tours to Mykines are made from May to September.

5. Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

​ Soak the stress away by joining the most popular boat tour in the Faroe Islands. Sailing to the untamed birds north of Vestmanna is an unforgettable experience. These towering cliffs are just waiting for you to be explored.

• Book a Boat tour to Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

Thousands of birds make their nest here during the summer months adding to the experience. Expect to see a rich wildlife including guillemots and even puffins. Tours are made from April to October.

6. Cave tour to Hestur Island

​ Go for an adrenaline-raising adventure with a rib boat. Boat tours to Hestur Island departing from Gamlarætt ferry port on Streymoy Island will make sure to impress your senses.

• Book your Cave tour to Hestur Island

You will sail into a 200 metre cave and experience the Faroe Islands in an unlikely and unique way. Klæmintsgjógv is the world’s larges sea cave. This is your chance to sail in Klæmintsgjógv. Explore the impressive cave whenever you visit as this is an all year round boat tour. 

7. Sailing around Kalsoy Island

Join a rib-boat tour to the famous Kalsoy Island . This tour is a great way to explore the endless beauty of the Faroe Islands’ shoreline. The fast moving boat will take you to amazing nature around Kalsoy island.

Moreover, you will also sail into the cave Mimunarhola when weather permits. This is exactly the same cave that James Bond sailed into in the movie No Time To Die. Kalsoy Island is featured in the James Bond movie No Time to Die .

• Book a Boat tour around Kalsoy Island

This comfortable speed boat is perfect for an exciting adventure out in the magnificent natural landscape. Join tours to this iconic island from the harbour in Klaksvík from May to August.

A boat tour in the Faroe Islands is a unique way to experience the natural wonders of soaring cliffs rising up from the ocean. You will also get close to the rich wildlife wherever you are situated at sea. Find the widest selection of boat tours in the Faroe Islands now.

Why the Faroe Islands are Closed for Tourists for Two Days each Year

Vagar Island | The Ultimate Guide

Your Complete Faroe Islands Food Culture Guide

Unforgettable 7 Day Summer Package of Faroe Islands

Original 1.5 Hour Vestmanna Sea Cliffs Boat Trip

Mountainous 5 Hour Northern Islands Tour

Striking 8 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands with Top Attractions

Tranquil 4 Day Winter Trip of the Main Faroe Islands

Inspiring 5 Hour ‘Lake Above The Ocean’ Tour

Amazing 6 Day Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands

Thrilling 4 Hour Ásmundarstakkur & Rituskor Tour

Epic 8 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands

4 Day Winter Package | Best of Faroe Islands

From Tórshavn: Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island

Unique Puffin Safari Boat Tour

James Bond Sightseeing Tour

Scenic 7 Hours Sandoy Island Day Tour

Fascinating 7 Hour Tour to Eiði Football Stadium & More

Unforgettable 10 Day Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands with Top Attractions

Personal Photographer Tour

Famous 1.5 Hour Kalsoy Island Rib-boat Tour

Private 4 Hour Sailboat Tour to Nólsoy Island

Panoramic 6 Hour Tour to Mount Slættaratindur

Must Do Trælanípa & Drangarnir Tour

The Classic 4 Hour Tour of Vágar Island

Captivating 9 Hour Tour to Suðuroy Island

Spectacular 9 Hour Eysturoy Island Day Tour

Relaxing 7 Hour Tour to Saksun & Eysturoy Island

Essential 6 Hour Highlights of Vágar Island

Best 8 Hour Private Mykines Day Tour

Engaging 2.5 Hour Tórshavn in a Seashell Tour

3 Day Summer Self-Drive | Sea Cliffs & Uncrowded Villages

3 Waterfalls in 1 day | Múlafossur, Fossá & Saksun Waterfalls

Historic 6 Hour WWll Tour of the Faroe Islands

Incredible 3 Day Faroe Islands Highlights Package

Popular 8 Hour Vestmanna Bird Cliffs & Múlafossur Waterfall Tour

Quick 45 Minutes Airport Transfer from Vagar Airport to Tórshavn Hotels

Spectacular 7.5 Hour Streymoy Island Day Tour

Famous 6 Hour Afternoon Kalsoy Island Tour

Outstanding 7 Hour “See It All” Faroe Islands Tour

Mykines Shuttle Boat

Thrilling 7 Hour TROM Sightseeing Tour

Refreshing 3 Hour Boat Tour including Fishing

Exciting 2 Hour Combined Boat Tour & Hike to Drangarnir Sea Arch

Essential 7 Day Faroe Islands Self-Drive Package

From Tórshavn: Sandoy Island Full-Day Tour

5 Day Winter Package | Tour the Faroe Islands

Refreshing 7 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands

The Northern Islands & Tjørnuvík

Spectacular 10.5 Hour Northern Islands Day Tour

Compelling 8 Hour Tour to Kirkjubøur & Strendur

Private 7 Hour Kallur Lighthouse Experience

Captivating 2 Hour Nólsoy Island Sightseeing Boat Tour

Top-rated Faroe Islands Highlights Tour

The Photography tour | Eysturoy highlights

Tórshavn City E-bike Sigtseeing Tour

Spectacular 12 Hour Suðuroy Island Day Tour

Secluded 8 Day Winter Package of the Faroe Islands

Affordable 5 Hour Combined Boat Tour to Mykines & Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

Travel With a Local | Go As You Please

Unbelievable 6 Hour ‘Floating Lake’ Tour

Beautiful 8 Hour Tour to Mykines Island

Vibrant 4 Hour Viðoy Island Tour

Direct 45 Minutes Taxi Transfer from Tórshavn to Vágar Airport

Stunning Hvannhagi Hike on Suðuroy Island

Unforgettable 1 Hour Boat Tour to Drangarnir

Breathtaking 6 Day Guided Summer Package of Faroe Islands

Unbelievable 5 Day Summer Vacation Package of the Faroe Islands

Amazing 1.5 Hour Rib Boat Tour to Cape Enniberg

Wonderful 6 Hour Tour of Vágar Island

Pleasant 7.5 Hour Wool Shop Tour & More

Classic 7 Hour Northern Isles Tour

Best 7 Hour “Everything In One Day” Tour

Spectacular 8 hour vágar island day tour.

Spectacular 9.5 Hour Nólsoy Island & Kirkjubøur Day Tour

Magical 2 Hour Peter Pan Boat Tour to Neverland

Unique Boat Tour to Drangarnir

Private Airport Transfer to/from Vagar Airport

Norðradalsskarð, Sornfelli & Kirkjubøur | Private VIP Tour

Classic 6 Day Summer Package of the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands – The Classic Day Tour

3 Day Itinerary in the Faroe Islands

The Top 10 Faroe Islands Tours

The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands Cruises & Tours

10 best faroe islands cruises & tours for 2024-2025, scotland, the faroe islands, & iceland: north atlantic saga, british isles & faroes: wild islands & lands of legends, arctic saga: exploring spitsbergen via the faroes and jan mayen, coastal wonders of norway, the faroe islands and iceland, shetland, faroe, iceland: wild islands & lands of legends, through the north atlantic, northern odyssey, crossing the arctic circle, jan mayen & svalbard, british isles rhapsody, iceland to the north sea, 10 best luxury faroe islands cruises & tours for 2024-2025, 9 top-rated faroe islands cruise ships for 2024-2025, faroe islands travel guide.

• Suðuroy Island and Sumba - As you take in the dramatic cliffs, marvel at the thousands of birds that breed here, like northern fulmars, European storm petrels, European shags, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, common guillemots, and black guillemots.
• Tórshavn - Named after Thor, this town was originally built as a viking settlement but has now grown into a flourishing modern city of 19,000.
• Eysturoy and Streymoy Islands - Cliffs, waterfalls, sea stacks, and rocks make up a stunning coastline great for hiking.
• Mykines & Mykinshólmur Islands - From geological wonders to a quaint lighthouse, enjoy the views on these ancient volcanic rocks.

Cruise the Faroe Islands

• Silversea Cruises  - has all-inclusive itineraries that explore the cozy Scandinavian culture in the remote Faroe Islands before making your way back to Reykjavik.  Silver Whisper  and Silver Cloud 's oceanview suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to the highest service ratio at sea, and almost all have a private veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air.
• Aurora Expeditions  - pioneered expedition voyages to the Arctic and focused on small, low-impact groups. It offers cruises through the Faroe Islands to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in 2022 aboard the  Greg Mortimer .
• Quark Expeditions   - a Seattle-based expedition company, offers Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen itinerary, ideal for first-time guests to the polar regions allowing you to venture to some of the most remote islands on Earth, observe fascinating history and culture, and experience the dreamlike wonder of the midnight sun on the  Ocean Adventurer . 
• Lindblad Expeditions  - sail from the historic waterfront town of Bergen, Norway, to seldom-explored islands in the Faroes and Scotland. Go aboard  National Geographic Explorer  and sail in the wake of early Viking explorers, learning the region’s dramatic history.
• Poseidon Expeditions  - provides expedition on the luxury M/V  Sea Spirit sailing wild and remote islands of Orkney, Shetland, and Faroes on route to Iceland.

Top Faroe Islands Travel Destinations

Faroe islands trips by departure date.

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• Faroe Islands wildlife viewing (8)
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• Faroe Islands hiking (3)

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Birdwatching, family-friendly faroes, farmtourism, fishing & angling, get creative, guide to safe hiking, horse riding, 24-hour guide.

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SAILING IN THE FAROE ISLANDS

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The North Atlantic Ocean surrounds the 18 islands of the Faroe Islands. No point in the Faroe Islands is further than five kilometres from the ocean. Sailing is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful landscapes of the islands, offering completely different views compared to the ones from the land.

You can discover these views of the Faroe Islands by sea while sailing with ships, boats, or even an old schooner. Some of these ships or schooners are old and have a great history, making the journey even more interesting.

Some offer scheduled trips, while others offer tailored trips according to your wishes.

PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING OR FISHING TRIP WITH A SKIPPER

Experience the Faroe Islands from the sea, with front-row views of the islands’ most breathtaking spots like Drangarnir sea stacks,  Tindhólmur islet and the most Instagrammed waterfall in the world, Múlafossur in Gásadalur.

You can also cast your line and catch your next meal in spectacular surroundings - all while being on your private boat with a skipper. During the summer months, the annual festival Summartónar offers regular Grotto Concerts with the old schooner Norðlýsið.

CHARTER A FAROESE BOAT

Explore the fiords of the Faroe Islands with a Faroese boat. Whether you enjoy fishing or just sailing along the seashore, this is a unique experience for a family or a group of friends. You can also book guided fishing tours that include a meal using what you catch!

Boats can be chartered or without a captain, given relevant qualifications. When you charter a boat, your boat is suitable for onboard accommodation. Anchoring in the marina, you are in the heart of the town or village. You may use your marina as a base and make sightseeing tours with your boat. Alternatively, you could visit other rural villages, mooring overnight in local marinas.

See below to find more information about renting a boat.

SPEEDBOATING

Bumping across the ocean surrounding the Faroe Islands in a speedboat is an exhilarating experience. Several companies offer speedboating in the Faroe Islands. Check them out here .

Contact the various companies below for more information and to book.

boat.fo arrange authentic boat tours for small groups and families, who enjoy active travel.

Experience the islands' best view from the sea!

Get ready for an unforgettable boat trip where you can experience the breathtaking Faroe Islands from sea.

From sea to table

Homely seafood dinner in Tórshavn

Vestmanna Bird Cliffs

The magnificent boat trips to the Vestmannabjørgini (Vestmanna bird cliffs) and grottoes are a popular excursion in the Faroe Islands

Lakeside Sightseeing

Sail on freshwater lake Sørvágsvatn/Leitisvatn with Lakeside Sightseeing

Breathtaking scenery awaits you with this old wessel in the Northern Islands

Norðoyggjar

Charter a modern sailboat with or without a skipper

Puffin boat excursion

On this captivating boat tour, you can effortlessly witness thousands of puffins amidst the stunning Faroe Islands scenery. Our carefully designed puffin excursion ensures a comfortable and accessible

Boatcharter.fo

Explore the Faroe Islands from the seaside when you charter a boat

Sail with old schooner boat, Norðlýsið, and discover the fantastic views of the Faroe Islands from the ocean

Tórshavn Sea Adventure

Tórshavn sea adventure offers you the opportunity to experience Faroe Islands by sea

Sailing the public daily connection between Sørvágur and the island of Mykines.

MS Thorshavn

Sail with this beautiful sailboat and take in the breath-taking sights around the southern islands

Fishing/Sightseeing by boat

3 hours boat tour with start in Kaldbaksbotnur

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Sailing in the Arctic: how to cruise to the far north

• Katy Stickland
• December 6, 2021

Once you’ve experienced the beauty and peace of sailing in the Arctic, you’ll want to return again and again. Andrew Wilkes explains how to make the dream a reality

Once you've caught the sailing in the Arctic bug, it can become addictive. Credit: Cody Duncan/Alamy Stock Photo

Sailing in the Arctic can easily become an addiction, writes Andrew Wilkes .

It can start with a night spent at anchor in a remote and beautiful Scottish loch – basking in a clear starlit night in sheltered waters .

You may have spent all day negotiating tidal gates , reefing and shaking out reefs , dodging rocks and using transits. You may even have spotted a sea eagle.

Things might not have gone entirely to plan but you and your sailing partner have solved the problems along the way.

You’re tired, in a very contented way, and you might have a glass of something in your hand.

Andrew Wilkes’ Annabel J sailing in Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. Credit: Andrew Wilkes

The conversation flows and the old subject returns: where shall we go next year?

There are several sensible answers to that question: the Spanish Rías or a cruise in the Mediterranean are good, safe, options.

But… if the romance of your tranquil anchorage has taken a firm grip, you could find yourself at the boat show buying a pilot book for the Faroe Islands.

Winter evenings might be spent at the kitchen table making a passage plan ‘just for fun’.

Then, since you’ve made the plan, you might as well make an attempt at the passage.

One thing leads to another and, in a few years’ time, you find yourself sailing through the icebergs in Disko Bay.

That’s when you know you’re hooked.

The Faroe Islands

Kalsoy Island, Faroe. The northern islands have huge ridges and long fjords. Credit: Ivan Kmit/Alamy Stock Photo

Also known as Føroyar (the islands of sheep), the Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands with many holms and stacks.

They are about 200 miles north of the Butt of Lewis and boast some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Europe.

Most of the land lies at between 300m and 800m which rises as sheer cliffs from the sea.

The more dramatic cliffs are on the west and north coasts and there are tremendous ridges and fjords in the Norðoyar (northern islands).

The eastern coasts of the central and southern islands are gentler and are deeply indented by fjords.

Strong tides rip through the islands creating eddies and overfalls .

Iceland, a land of volcanoes and small fishing towns, it not for the faint hearted but offers rich rewards. Credit: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo

Iceland lies 250 miles northwest of the Faroe Islands. It is a land of volcanoes, icecaps and spectacular geysers.

The lunar landscape created by volcanic action is hard and unforgiving.

Visiting yachts berth alongside tyre-clad quays in small fishing towns.

There are not many people but there is a great sense of Viking history about the place.

Western Fjords, Iceland. One of the remotest regions of the country, jutting out in the Denmark Strait. Credit: Sunpix Travel/Alamy Stock Photo

Thor, Odin and the Sagas rub shoulders with Eirikur Rauði (Erik the Red). Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat or Grønland) is the world’s largest island but with a population of just 56,000, it is also one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth.

Everyone lives on the coast, mainly the west and southwest coasts. 80% of the land is permanently covered in ice.

Glaciers calve icebergs into the sea which are swept down the east coast, around Kap Farvel in the south, up the west coast and around Baffin Bay.

Kap Farvel is the ‘Cape Horn’ of the northern hemisphere – its storms and vicious weather deserve the greatest respect.

Much of the coast is protected by offshore islands, which creates a magnificent cruising ground.

In the summer, it remains light continuously.

Baffin Island

Baffin Island, Canada. Samford Fjord, in the northeast of the island, enjoys 24 hours of daylight in the summer. Credit: Albert Knapp/Alamy Stock Photo

Baffin Island is the second biggest island in the northern hemisphere. It is rarely visited by yachts.

Much of our pilotage information is based on the old whalers’ observations from the 1800s and early 1900s.

Distances between anchorages are great, tides strong and ice plentiful.

Nature is all powerful and polar bears abound.

The first time we sailed there, I naively thought that, because a place had the word ‘harbour’ in its name then it would offer some shelter, but this is not necessarily the case!

The Northwest Passage

Crew need to be confident to handle heavy weather when sailing in the Arctic. Credit: Maire Wilkes

For better or worse, this is on many sailors’ ‘tick list’.

It is defined as the sea route, north of North America, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

It is blocked by ice for most of the year but global warming is taking its toll.

It was first transited by Roald Amundsen in 1906. By December 2020, 314 transits had been completed. Over half of these were completed in the last decade.

However, despite what you may read in the papers, ice can still be abundant and a successful transit is by no means guaranteed.

The remoter areas have no facilities of any sort.

Visiting sailors need to be totally self sufficient in every respect with regards to fuel, food, water, spares and maintenance.

The reward you get from this independence is a massive sense of achievement, the privilege of being in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, an almost spiritual connection with nature and, occasionally, meeting the most genuine people.

Sailing in the Arctic: The boat and her equipment

The first challenge of a cruise in higher latitudes is to get there. The boat needs to be seaworthy and comfortable for the delivery voyage.

Good, and free, guidance for choosing and equipping offshore sailing boats can be found in World Sailing’s Offshore Special Regulations (OSR).

Metal hulls are best when sailing in the Arctic as they are generally stronger and cope better with ice. Credit: Danita Delimont/Alamy Stock Photo

They are designed for yachts competing in offshore races but the advice holds good for cruising yachts.

The OSR are split into different categories ranging from short warm weather races (Cat 4) to trans-oceanic races in the world’s most hostile conditions (Cat 0).

Voyages to higher latitudes will fall within the Cat 1 or Cat 0 categories.

Weather can change rapidly and become violent when sailing in the Arctic. Credit: Bob Shepton

When you have arrived at your cruising ground there will be new challenges.

Depending on the area, these might include: poor charting, cold and windy conditions, ice, poor shelter and little or no shore facilities.

A new, and also free, resource is available in the form of the Polar Yacht Guide (PYG) which can be downloaded from the RCCPF or World Sailing websites.

You need to be familiar with your engine, and have the ability to repair it by yourself. Credit: Aleksandrs Tihonovs/Alamy Stock Photo

As the name implies, the guide specialises in best practice for high latitude cruising.

It focuses on safety and the environment. It is very difficult to translate all this into a definitive specification for a high latitude cruising yacht.

There have been some amazing voyages in small, comparatively modest, boats by people like W.H. Tillman, Willy Kerr and Bob Shepton, but I would urge high latitude sailors to consider the following…

• The right hull design and material: Greenland and the Canadian Arctic have extensive coastlines and archipelagos which are not frequented by shipping. There is little commercial incentive to survey and chart the waters with a high degree of accuracy. In these areas, running aground , possibly at speed, is a probability. A modern lightweight hull sitting on top of a high-aspect fin keel is unlikely to take this well. A metal boat will withstand a sudden impact better than most GRP hulls.
• Heavy-weather rigging : A strong and well tested rig with which the crew are familiar. Good, simple reefing systems and storm sails .
• Anchor and chain: Unpredictable katabatic winds are likely. Excellent ground tackle comprising a choice of heavy anchors and lots of chain are recommended. Anchors have been lost in bad weather or ice conditions so spares are vital.
• Protection and comfort: Crew who are over-exposed to cold and harsh conditions are not safe. Think about doghouses, cuddies and heating .
• A reliable engine: Ensure your crew are familiar with the boat’s engine and have a well thought out supply of tools and spares needed to fix the engine if it runs into problems.
• Simple systems: Plumbing, heating and electrical systems which the crew can repair with spares they have on board. You need to be fully self-reliant, and a broken down system that you are unable to repair yourselves could make the voyage uncomfortable or a serious danger to you and others.
• Safety Equipment: Even with the latest communications equipment, boats in high latitudes can be several days away from potential help. Crews need to be capable of surviving in hostile conditions for a long time. Read the Polar Yacht Guide.

The crew: are you ready?

Having a well-prepared crew with adequate experience is essential for sailing in the Arctic. Credit: Bob Shepton

Sailing in the Arctic attracts all sorts. Many go because they want to explore beautiful cruising grounds and build on their experience.

Unfortunately, it also attracts ‘Adventurers’ whose egos exceed their abilities. These people are a danger to themselves and others.

They also give the rest of us a bad name. More about this later.

Courses and qualifications help us to acquire a basic understanding of skills but they are not a substitute for experience.

You need to know your boat, your crew and yourself. Happily there is a great way of doing this – go sailing!

Train for using safety equipment, including survival suits. Credit: Andrew Wilkes

Gain experience in your home waters, get some offshore passages under your belt and fix things yourself.

Start going further afield: spend a season or two on the west coast of Scotland or Ireland.

Then expand your horizons a bit: cruise to the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, the Norwegian fjords and then circumnavigate Iceland.

These are all fantastic cruising grounds which are both beautiful and challenging.

I helped to write the Polar Yacht Guide and, as part of that process, we asked experienced high latitude sailors for contributions.

Members of the Irish Cruising Club have a lot of experience sailing in the Arctic.

This is what they said:

‘High-latitude experience and dedication are both really important.’

‘The skipper must have good people-handling skills along with a high dose of empathy.’

‘Crew compatibility is very important along with plenty of old-style, marina-free, cruising experience in demanding weather and anchoring conditions.’

A Refleks diesel heater keeps life comfortable on board. Credit: Andrew Wilkes

‘It’s essential to have ocean and coastal experience – even if they have no experience in Arctic regions. People with sea miles under their belt understand how to eat, sleep, work and behave in challenging conditions and can engender confidence.’

‘A physically strong crew is required to pole aside bergy bits in leads’.

‘Have someone on board with good medical skills together with a first-class medical and dental kit.’

Careful planning can help. Much like parenting, the wisest course of action is often to ‘pick your battles’.

Here are a couple of scenarios:

• A voyage from the UK to Iceland could be broken in the Faroe Islands. Each leg would be about 250 miles, or about two days’ sailing. Weather forecasts for two or three days are generally pretty accurate and, provided time is available to wait for a good forecast, a passage in favourable conditions should be achievable.
• Sailing directly to western Greenland from Ireland is a voyage of about 1,200 miles, a week or two’s sailing for an average cruising boat. If ice conditions are unfavourable, a longer passage further north up the west coast of Greenland will be necessary. The weather off Kap Farvel, on the southern tip of Greenland, is often extreme and it can change quickly. By the time a sailing yacht is in this area, the forecasts downloaded before departure will be out of date.

Sailing in the Arctic: Navigating in ice

Ice and icebergs are plentiful in Disko Bay, West Greenland. Credit: Sergey Oyadnikov/Alamy Stock Photo

People sometimes have the perception that global warming is melting all the ice so a small boat passage through, say, the Northwest Passage is easy.

This is too simplistic: global warming is melting the ice and there is a lot less ice than there was 20 years ago but there are still ‘good’ ice years and ‘bad’ ice years.

There are long-range ice forecasts but we don’t really know what kind of year it is going to be until the navigation season has started. 2018 was a ‘bad’ year and only three vessels managed to transit the Northwest Passage.

Ice arches are quite common – do not be tempted to go through them in a dinghy – they do collapse. Credit: Maire Wilkes

2017 was a ‘good’ year and there were 32 successful transits, 22 of which were made by yachts.

Navigating in these waters requires both good planning and luck.

There are a couple of important things you probably already know about navigating in ice: only a the tip of the iceberg is above the surface and a cubic metre of ice weighs a tonne. So a yacht of, say, 10 or even 50 tonnes is not going to smash through much ice.

We have to navigate around it and this determines where we can go. We study ice charts and try to avoid areas showing more than 3/10 ice.

Don’t try to navigate in areas with more than 3/10 ice coverage. A long pole can be helpful to push aside smaller floes. Credit: Jonathan Sumpton/Alamy

However, ice charts, like weather forecasts, are not always entirely accurate and they do go out of date.

Navigation in ice is covered in more detail in my book Arctic and Northern Waters and also in High Latitude Sailing by Bob Shepton and Jon Amtrup.

Much useful information can also be gleaned from reading the Polar Yacht Guide and the Canadian websites which are written for ships navigating in polar waters.

( https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/publications/index-eng.html ).

Things to consider when sailing in the Arctic:

• Know how to use ice charts to find out which waters are navigable.
• Wind and current will move ice. Use weather forecasts in conjunction with ice charts to forecast ice movements.
• Anchor watches are necessary to avoid being hit by ice
• Fog and ice often go hand in hand.
• Fuel consumption will be increased whilst navigating in icy waters.
• Learn traditional techniques such as spotting open water leads, ice blink and water skies.
• Ice shelves often protrude from an iceberg or ice floe beneath the surface – do not go too close.
• Icebergs and glaciers often ‘calve’ without warning. Decide on safe distances from icebergs.
• One or two ice-poles are useful for pushing away small floes.
• Radar may detect icebergs but will probably not smaller bergs or flat floes.
• Ice accretion on a vessel will affect her stability as well as the operation of mechanical equipment, electrics and antennas.

Impact on the environment

An Arctic fox in its darker summer coat – one of numerous species to be spotted while sailing in the Arctic. Credit: Rodger Grayson and Ali Dedman

The days of ‘attempting a transit through the Northwest Passage to highlight global warming’ are gone.

We all know global warming is happening and, if we are honest with ourselves, we should know that our presence sailing in the Arctic is not helping.

If we choose to sail there, we should make it incumbent upon ourselves to minimise our impact on the environment.

A polar bear swims around the boat at Beechy Island. Credit: Maire Wilkes

We sail there because we love nature, so it should not be difficult to convince ourselves that we should do our best to protect it.

Environmental considerations

• The Arctic has one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
• The short Arctic growing season means that plants grow at a very slow rate.
• It is home to some of the world’s most endangered species.
• Cold temperatures slow down or stop the decomposition of organic matter.

Vessels visiting the Antarctic have to obtain a Permit. This requires a high degree of planning including a boat specific Environmental Impact Assessment.

While there are many regulations designed to protect the Antarctic environment, at present little legislation applies to the Arctic and it is left to skippers to act responsibly.

Responsible Arctic cruising

A hunter in Qinngertivaq Fjord, eastern Greenland. Credit: Jonathan Sumpton/Alamy Stock Photo

Detailed guidance is given in Arctic and Northern Waters and in the Polar Yacht Guide. This includes:

• Responsible engine, generator and outboard maintenance
• Fuel transfers
• Dealing with oil and fuel spills
• Boat maintenance
• Trips ashore
• Management of rubbish and waste disposal
• Black and grey water disposal
• Biosecurity and minimising the risks of introducing invasive species
• Responsible behaviour at historical sites
• Respecting local people and their culture
• How to minimise our disturbance to wildlife – ashore, at sea and in the air

The Polar Yacht Guide includes an example of a boat specific ‘Environmental Protection Plan’.

Every boat will have different limitations and resources, so skippers must develop their own boat code of best practice.

Make a plan for sailing in the Arctic

If you have not sailed in high latitudes before, and I haven’t dissuaded you from doing so, you need to make a plan.

Remember Roald Amundsen’s advice to foresee and prepare for every difficulty, read all you can and get as much experience as you can.

Be a Seaman not an ill-prepared ‘Adventurer.’

The author’t boat sailing in Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. Credit: Maire Wilkes

You will need a boat and you will need to equip her. Like most sailing projects, this can either be done expensively or very expensively.

It is unlikely to be done cheaply but, if you are committed, it is probably achievable.

You can read accounts of, mainly, successful high-latitude cruises on the web pages of sailing clubs like the RCC, OCC and Trans-Ocean.

I gave a talk recently about sailing in the Arctic which was followed by a number of mainly very sensible questions.

Continues below…

A guide to high latitude yachts

Yacht cruising within the Arctic Circle has become increasingly popular, 
but what is the best type of yacht for the…

Roger Taylor: Impossible voyage conquered

Roger Taylor navigates his engineless 24ft Mingming II on a 4,000 mile nonstop voyage around the usually icebound waters of…

Heavy weather sailing: preparing for extreme conditions

Alastair Buchan and other expert ocean cruisers explain how best to prepare when you’ve been ‘caught out’ and end up…

Adventure: guide to sailing in storms

Award-winning sailor and expedition leader Bob Shepton regularly sails some of the most storm-swept latitudes in the world. Not bad…

The question which floored me came from a relatively inexperienced listener who asked: ‘How much would it cost me to equip a boat and sail through the Northwest Passage?’ He had totally missed the point.

Sailing in these waters is not about money, the size or sophistication of your boat.

It is not even about the training you have done or the safety equipment you might have on board.

Greenland’s capital Nuuk is a good option for resupply and crew changes when sailing in the Arctic. Credit: Niels Melander/Alamy Stock Photo

What is important is the experience you have gained before moving on to the next stage of your sailing career.

Enthusiasts will read everything they can about the subject at hand, learn from anyone they can and practise their skills until they become second nature.

If you do this, and are honest with yourself, you will know if the boat, the crew and you are ready.

Successes and failures

Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian who led the first successful transit through the Northwest Passage famously wrote, ‘I may say that this is the greatest factor – the way in which the expedition is equipped – the way in which every difficulty is foreseen, and precautions taken for meeting or avoiding it. Victory awaits him who has everything in order – luck, people call it. Defeat is certain for him who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time; this is called bad luck.’

He completed the transit in 1906 but his advice is as relevant today as it ever was. Some have followed it and others have not.

I am not sure if the Franklin expedition should be counted as a success or a failure.

Roald Amundsen who led the first successful voyage through the Northwest Passage. Credit: GL Archive/Alamy Stock Photo

Much has been written about Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage.

His two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and 134 officers and men were lost in the ice off King William Island.

The British, however, have a unique talent for remodelling apparent failures into resounding successes.

The expedition prompted a huge interest in Arctic exploration and much was learned from the expeditions which followed this one.

Roald Amundsen was a smart Norwegian cookie.

Not for him the grandeur of the Royal Navy. Despite not having a 1,000-book library, extravagant dinner services, dress uniforms, and highly polished brass buttons, he transited the Northwest Passage for the first time in 1906.

Amundsen transited the Northwest Passage in an old herring boat with a crew of six men. Credit: Granger Historical Picture Archive/Alamy Stock Photo

He did it, over a period of three years, in a converted herring fishing boat with six men dressed in Inuit seal-skins.

My wife, Máire, and I were moored alongside in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland in 2008.

A 32ft yacht, with a broken boom, tied up alongside us. We invited the two crew onboard and they told us their story.

The owner/skipper was very ‘gung-ho’ and rather full of his and his boat’s prowess. The other man was very quiet.

I think he was still in a state of shock following their recent ‘adventure’.

They had been knocked-down that day whilst sailing in bad weather, the boom and sails were in pieces.

The crew had been washed over the side but had managed to clamber back onboard. The boat and her contents were soaking.

We gave them a hot meal and dry sleeping bags.

The crewman flew home the next day and I often wonder what became of the skipper.

Adventurers vs Seamen

In 2013 a group of American adventurers, who featured in a US reality TV show called Dangerous Waters , attempted to use jet-skis to transit the Northwest Passage.

Andrew Wilkes has cruised all his adult life. He and his wife cruise Annabel J, a 56ft gaff cutter, in remote areas such as the Baltic, Alaska and Chile

Their tent was torn up by a polar bear and the jet-skis did not work when the sea started to freeze.

They and their support/fuel boat were rescued by the Canadian Coastguard.

The rescue expedition is reported to have cost a six-figure sum.

The yacht Anahita , an Ovni 345, was crushed by ice and sank in the approaches to the Bellot Strait in 2018.

The Canadian Coastguard had warned yachts away from the area four days before the incident. Fortunately the crew were rescued.

On a positive note, the number of people sailing in high latitudes is increasing year on year.

Nearly all of their passages are successfully completed by competent sailors in well-equipped boats.

Additional information for sailing in the Arctic

Polar Yacht Guide Alan Green, Andrew Wilkes, Victor Wejer & Skip Novak (World Sailing/Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation, free) https://rccpf.org.uk/pilots/187/Polar-Yacht-Guide OR www.sailing.org/sailors/safety/polar_yacht_guide.php

Arctic and Northern Waters by Andrew Wilkes (Imray/Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation, £65)

Buy Arctic and Northern Waters at Amazon (UK)

Buy Arctic and Northern Waters at Amazon (US)

High Latitude Sailing by Jon Amtrup & Bob Shepton (Adlard Coles, £25)

Buy High Latitude Sailing at Amazon (UK)

Buy High Latitude Sailing at Amazon (US)

Buy High Latitude Sailing at Waterstones

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Arctic and Northern Waters and NW Passage Periplus : https://rccpf.org.uk/pilots/191/Periplus-to-Northwest-Passage

World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations https://www.sailing.org/specialregs

Canadian Coastguard publications (including the Manual of Ice, Notices to Mariners, Canadian Aids to Navigation ): https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/publications/index-eng.html

Few, if any, high latitude recreational cruises took place in 2020-21 due to the COVID pandemic.

At the time of writing (Oct 2021), most Arctic communities do not welcome foreign visitors due to limited resources to cope with potential outbreaks.

It is hoped this will change next year, but contact the appropriate authorities before departing.

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Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands

Find the perfect trip.

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• Explore the largest island of Orkney Islands, Mainland, which offers interesting history and charming small towns
• Enjoy the stunning nature of cliffs, fjords, valleys and beautiful landscapes
• Marvel at the rich bird life

Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal

NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise .

The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Here we explore the largest island, Mainland, which offers interesting history and charming small towns. The expedition continues to the Shetland Islands, where we are greeted with rich history, beautiful landscapes, characteristic settlements and plenty of sheep. We leave this astonishing archipelago behind and then head for the dramatic and remote Faroe Islands, located in the middle of the North Atlantic. The islands are still under the sovereignty of Denmark. Here we enjoy the stunning nature of cliffs, fjords and valleys, marvel at the rich bird life and learn more about the islands’ exciting culture and history.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

We arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a comfortable and centrally located hotel. In the evening we have time to explore this Scottish city on our own.

We travel by private bus and with a local guide to Oban, where our small and comfortable expedition ship M/S Quest is waiting for us. Our trip to Oban offers magnificent sceneries of the Landscapes, characterised by lochs and bens. In the afternoon we embark the ship and head out on our expedition.

At dawn we reach the Summer Isles, located on the northwestern coast of Scotland. Here we go ashore on the largest and the only inhabited island of the archipelago – Tanera Mór. The island was once a port for herring and today it hosts a salmon farm. We take a walk and enjoy the magnificent scenery and the breathtaking views. We also visit the little post office that has issued its own postage stamps since 1970. Later, we reach the small island Handa. During the summer season the island’s dramatic sandstone cliffs become home to an estimated 100 000 breeding seabirds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. During the evening we set course for the Orkney Islands.

Today we arrive at the port of the charming town of Stromness, located on the largest island - Mainland. We spend the day exploring the island and we head into the heart of Neolithic Orkney, an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. We visit the 5 000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago. Today it is western Europe’s most well-preserved prehistoric village. We continue to the Ring of Brodgar – a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5 000 years. On the way back to Stromness we also make a stop in Kirkwall, the main town of the Orkney Islands. Here we find St. Magnus Cathedral, the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles, founded by the Viking Earl Rognvald in 1137.

In the early morning, we reach the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick. During our visit we explore the remarkable Neolithic ruins of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/97, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5 000 years of human history. A guided tour takes us through the narrow stone lanes of Lerwick and we make a visit to Shetland Museum, where we get acquainted with the islands’ fascinating history and culture. In the afternoon we continue our voyage towards the remote Faroe Islands

Our ship heads northwest as we listen to interesting lectures on the flora, fauna and history of the fascinating group of islands to come. In the early evening we reach Suðuroy, one of the 18 islands that belongs to the Faroe Islands.

We spend the day exploring the dramatic Island of Suðuroy. Spellbinding steep bird cliffs to the west and a rolling, idyllic landscape offer visitors magnificent sceneries upon arrival. The geographic distance from the rest of the Faroe Islands also explains much of its uniqueness when it comes to language and culture. From Suðuroy’s little town Vágur, beautifully situated in the Vágsfjørður fjord, we head for Beinisvørð – a 469 meter high sea cliff. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of the island’s diverse landscape that consists of mountains, fjords, villages and valleys. Our tour continues, either by foot or by bus, down the slope to Suðuroy’s southernmost village, Sumba. From here we make a longer walk to the southernmost tip of the Faroe Islands, Akraberg, where we find a charming lighthouse, dating back to 1909.

Weather and wind permitting we enter our sturdy Zodiacs to explore the westernmost island – Mykines, a bird paradise that attracts bird enthusiasts and ornithologists from all over the world. This little island is home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds such as gannets, fulmars, guillemots, storm petrels and kittiwakes. The main attraction is undoubtedly Mykineshólmur, an independent islet that is connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge on 35 meters elevation. On the grassy slopes above the cliffs, thousands of puffins are nesting. It is not unusual to see them flying in with fish hanging from their beaks to feed their young. For those who are ready for a tougher hike, we hope to have the chance to reach the top of Mykines to enjoy the incredible views. Hopefully we will also visit the only settlement, named after the island, with its ten brave inhabitants

We will spend our last full day in the Faroe Islands on the largest island, Streymoy. Here lies Tórshavn, the archipelago’s charming capital, established by the Vikings in the 9th century. The parliament that was founded in 850 AD can still be seen and is one of the world’s oldest. What was once an important trading port is now a modern town with about 13 000 inhabitants. After a visit to the capital we continue to the historical village of Kirkjubøur, which is the Faroe Islands’ most important cultural and historical site. Here we have a chance to see the 900-yearold picturesque farm Roykstovan, originally the bishop’s residence but since 1550 it belongs to the Patursson family. Today, part of the house is a museum while the remainder is occupied by the 17th generation of the family. In Kirkjubøur we can also find the small, and still active, medieval church St. Olav and the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral from about 1300 AD

In the morning we disembark M/S Quest, transfer by bus to Vágar Airport and begin our journey back home.

M/S Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland`s west-coast. In 2004/2005 she was redesigned as an expedition ship and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition vessel. She was extensively renovated in 2018. Quest takes 53 passengers in 26 cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. The superior cabins on deck 3 and 4 are spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The Owner`s cabin, next to the Captain`s cabin, on deck 4 has a double bed, two large picture windows, a sitting area and TV/DVD.

In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining lectures on the area`s flora, fauna, history and glaciology. In the lounge you also find a well-stocked bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas and search for seabirds, whales and polar bears. The ship has a European Captain and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.

It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.

Vessel Type:  Expedition

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Cruise ships under investigation after sailing illegally close to Hawaii's protected coast

Hawaii state officials are investigating two cruise ships that sailed illegally close to Kauai’s protected Na Pali Coastline, according to an emailed statement by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) on Tuesday.

“Images of the ships have been circulating on social media, and vigilant kamaaina (locals) alerted the authorities to the issue,” the release said. 

In the statement, HTA said it is in contact with the cruise lines as other cruise operators who sail to Hawaii to “underscore the importance of compliance with all state and local regulations in our islands.”

The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which governs Hawaii’s nearshore waters, declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. 

DLNR and HTA did not confirm which cruise lines were sailing “much closer to Kauaʻi’s north shore than allowed by state regulations.” However, posts on social media show one of the ships to be the Celebrity Edge, which is operated by Celebrity Cruises and has the capacity to hold almost 3,000 passengers. 

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“We have robust policies in place to maintain compliance with local regulations around the world," a spokesperson for Celebrity's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, said in an emailed statement. "We will continue to assess our policies and take necessary steps to ensure we continue to operate in the most responsible manner possible."

With striking cliffs, waterfalls and lush valleys, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's iconic shorelines. This is partially due to its appearance in popular movies like, "King Kong," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "Jurassic Park." 

Home to endemic flora and fauna, the state park comprises over 3,500 protected acres. It is also a sacred place where the ancient Native Hawaiians once lived, and their heiaus (temples) and petroglyphs can still be found there today. 

The waters surrounding the coastline are also protected. Since 1988, state law prohibits commercial vessels with 50 or more passengers from operating “within the Na Pali Coast ocean waters.” These waters are defined as 3,000 feet seaward along the eastern boundary of Moloaa Bay and the southernmost boundary of the Na Pali Coast State Park.

DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement told Hawaii News Now it received “numerous reports” from residents who spotted the cruise ships sailing in “very shallow water” at approximately only 1,000 feet offshore last week. 

“Some of the shots that were taken from the air actually showed the sand being disturbed at the bottom, so all of these environmental impacts that it created was very upsetting to me,” Presley Wann, a Kauai resident, told Hawaii News Now. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Contributing: Nathan Diller , USA TODAY

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Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a nude cruise for 2025 – and these are the rules for passengers

The ‘big nude boat’ will take passengers around private islands and long-time tourist favourites such as the bahamas, article bookmarked.

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A specialist tour and travel company has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a new nudist cruise to the Caribbean .

Bare Necessities, a nudist travel company that aims to “break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option”, has teamed up with the well-known cruise operator to set up the 11-day trip, which leaves from Miami and takes in destinations including The Bahamas , St Lucia, Dominica and Puerto Rico.

The cruise, which will take place on Norwegian’s 295-foot 2,300-person capacity Norwegian Pearl , will set sail on 3 February 2025 and return on 14 February.

Prices start at $2,000 (£1,592) per person for a standard two-person cabin, rising to $33,155 (£26,400) for a three-person ‘garden villa’.

The trip is marketed as “an 11-Day adventure back to Bare-adise”, offering “a wide range of amenities to fit everyone’s style of bare cruising”. The Norwegian Pearl contains “loads of entertainment, lots of open deck space, and multiple dining options”, including 14 restaurants, 14 bars and “a large buffet area for nude outdoor dining”, in addition to a casino, spa and several “nightspots”.

“As always, it’s our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear”, reads a final message on the information page.

However, it isn’t an entirely clothing-free experience. Cruise rules require passengers to be clothed during the Captain’s reception and introduction, while docked in port, and at all times in the main and specialty dining rooms.

Other rules include putting a towel down before sitting “in the stateroom, pool deck, and buffet area”, as well as a ban on “being nude in front of other ships in port” and “fondling or inappropriate touching”. A message on the site urges passengers to “use common sense”, emphasising that proper cruise etiquette “is not any different from proper etiquette in any other social situation”.

In a statement to CNN , a Bare Necessities spokesperson said: “Our mission is to provide relaxing, entertaining and health-conscious vacation opportunities that offer non-threatening, natural environments where the appreciation, wonder and compatibility of nature and the unadorned human form can occur.”

The Independent has contacted Bare Necessities for comment.

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The Best Cruise Ship Nightlife On Icon of the Seas [Infographic]

To hit the deck after dark.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on May 14, 2024

THE INCREDIBLE NIGHTLIFE ONBOARD

Icon of the seas sm.

With more than 15 bars and music venues, you'll never run out of ways to live it up or wind down on Icon of the Seas ℠ . Just be sure to save some energy each day for karaoke ballads, spins on the dance floor and late-night toasts!

At this next-level venue, you can marvel at the aerial stunts as you sip craft cocktails paired with unique culinary creations.

The Overlook ℠ & The Overlook ℠ Pods

This swank lounge offers ocean vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows and intimate “pods,” perfect for hanging with friends and snapping selfies.

Rye & Bean ℠

Come here for coffee-infused concoctions that take the cocktail of the moment — the espresso martini — to caffeinated new heights.

LOU'S JAZZ 'N BLUES ℠

Headliners play tributes to musical legends from across the decades. Our suggestion? Order cocktails that are as classic as the tunes.

Trellis Bar

Surrounded by the tropical plants of Central Park®, this spot serves appetizers and cocktails in a beautifully green setting.

This walk-up champagne bar serves all your fizzy faves. Start the day with a mimosa; end it by the tower of flutes.

Grab a seat at this adults-only club, where a raucous lineup of stand-up comedians are sure to keep you laughing ‘til it hurts.

The four-piece band at this vibrant, Latin-themed club keeps the samba, salsa, merengue and bachata beats going until the early morning hours.

Dueling Pianos ℠

At this lively parlor, talented master pianists battle it out on two baby grands while guests sing along.

Schooner Bar

It's all about the singalong at this nautical-themed spot, where the soundtrack is set by a talented pianist who always takes requests.

Point & Feather ℠

Order a pint at this English pub, where you can play a round of darts or appreciate the tunes of a live guitarist.

1400 ℠ Lobby Bar

The sea views are as mesmerizing as the mixologist’s creations at this upscale hangout, complete with indoor and outdoor seating.

Spotlight ℠ Karma

The live musician here is … you! Belt out your favorite song in front of a live audience or reserve a private room.

Music Hall ℠

A rotating roster of rock cover bands and a resident DJ ensure you'll end up on the dance floor sooner rather than later.

Getting There

Start planning your iconic nightlife on an Icon of the Seas℠ cruise now!

W hen it comes to cruise ship nightlife, our newest ship, Icon of the Seas℠, checks all the boxes for an unforgettable evening of iconic nightlife. With more than 15 buzzing bars and live music venues, you'll never run out of satisfying ways to live it up or wind it down onboard. Here are some vacation ideas for adults looking to hit the deck after dark.

Dueling Pianos℠

You've heard of piano bars, but few come close to Dueling Pianos℠ onboard Icon of the Seas℠. At this always lively juke joint, talented master pianists battle it out on two baby grands while guests sing along and sip ice-cold beers, wines and cocktails. Request your favorite ballad or croon along to the crowd's favorites. From Billy Joel to Barry Manilow and The Beatles, get ready for all kinds of iconic hits and timeless melodies.

Lou's Jazz 'n Blues℠

Inspired by the intimate lounges of New York City, New Orleans and Chicago, Lou's Jazz 'n Blues℠ is the perfect place for couples to spend a romantic evening together while enjoying a chill nightcap. Headliners here move from soulful jazz-pop to big band and everything in between, playing odes to musical legends from across the decades. Grab a table indoors or on the terrace and order classic cocktails as the musicians wow you.

Rye & Bean℠

Espresso martinis might be having a moment, but Rye & Bean℠ didn't stop there when curating its expansive menu of coffee-infused concoctions. Stop in for a late-night pick-me-up and stay for the super-cool ambiance — a unique blend between a cozy coffee shop and a hip, local bar. It's a prime spot to wrap up a day of awesome cruise activities and fuel up for a fun-filled night.

The Overlook℠ & The Overlook℠ Pods

Craving an evening that's all about the views? Head on over to The Overlook℠. This swank lounge offers ocean vistas from floor-to-ceiling windows. There's also a glowing garden of intimate seating pods perfect for hanging with friends and snapping the ultimate selfie. If you bring your besties, you can gather 'round classic board games while catchy beats pump through the speakers. This is the stuff vacation memories are made of.

Fill your evening onboard with plenty of laughs during a visit to The Attic, the ship's adults-only comedy club. One of the top cruise ship nightlife options onboard, the club hosts a raucous lineup of jokesters specializing in everything from slapstick to skit comedy — each more hilarious than the last.

You don't have to go shoreside to enjoy a world-class concert. Icon of the Seas℠ is home to Music Hall, a sprawling venue that hosts a rotating list of cover bands. From disco hits to punk ballads, every night's a different sonic adventure here — and there's a good chance you'll end up on the dance floor.

1400℠ Lobby Bar

A vintage aesthetic meets modern chic at 1400℠ Lobby Bar, an upscale hangout with indoor and terrace seating that delivers wow-worthy sea views. It's the first time the Royal Promenade has ever opened to the outdoors on anyof our ships, and this bar is sure to leave a lasting impression. The cocktails here are also exceptional; each has been developed with world-renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.

Trellis Bar is the place to kick off your evening as one of the most charming options for drinks and bites onboard Icon of the Seas℠. Stop in for pre-dinner appetizers that look as beautiful as they taste, paired with cocktails and wines. The surroundings are as impressive as the food, thanks to the thousands of tropical plants and lush living walls that encircle Central Park®.

You don't need to be celebrating something to crave a glass of bubbly. Located in the buzzing heart of Central Park®, Bubbles℠ is a walk-up Champagne bar serving fizzy favorites by the glass or bottle. Swing by in the morning to start your day with a mimosa, then raise an evening flute to a day well spent. This bar is another ideal option for couples looking to toast an incredible cruise. Don't forget to snap a shot of the trickling Champagne tower.

If you came to show off your steps, there's no place onboard like Boleros. The six-piece band at this vibrant, Latin-themed club keeps the samba, salsa, merengue and bachata beats going until the early morning hours. The bartenders keep step, making sure the Cuban mojitos and Brazilian caipirinhas stay flowing.

It's all about the singalong at this nautical-themed venue, where the soundtrack is set by a talented pianist who's always down to take requests. Order up a frosty pint, settle in beneath the mast and get ready to raise a glass to one heartwarming ballad after another.

Point & Feather℠

Point & Feather℠ is a snug English pub onboard Icon of the Seas℠ where you can enjoy a diverse variety of brews while aiming for the bullseye in a round of darts. Keep an ear out for live music; this inviting watering hole regularly hosts live guitarists. The pub is a fitting option for those looking for more easygoing nightlife entertainment.

Spotlight℠ Karaoke

One of the best cruise ship nightlife options onboard Icon of the Seas℠ is Spotlight℠ Karaoke . Choose from thousands of popular songs and belt them out in front of a live audience. Or reserve your own room for a private singalong party with your crew. Need some liquid courage? Grab something to quench your thirst from the onsite bar before your big break.

The shimmering AquaDome℠ perched at the top of Icon of the Seas℠ unlocks a world of sensory discovery. At this next-level venue, athletes dazzle with spellbinding stunts beneath a shapeshifting waterfall as you sip delicious craft cocktails paired with unique culinary creations.

When you sail onboard Icon of the Seas℠, evenings are just as exciting as days spent exploring ashore or enjoying the ship's many cruise activities and attractions. With so many thrilling experiences onboard, leveling up every night of your cruise getaway is easy. Pro tip: make a game plan ahead of your sailing to maximize your time once the sun goes down. And make sure you save some energy each day for whirls on the dance floor, karaoke sessions and late-night cocktail hours.

Written By AMANDA MESA

Amanda has written for Royal Caribbean since 2017. She also covers travel, lifestyle, food and beverage for Indulge Magazine, the Miami Herald and PureWow. She's traveled extensively around the world, enjoys building unforgettable itineraries and loves introducing readers to lesser-known destinations.

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Trending topics, philippines fires first anti-ship missile in south china sea strike test with u.s. and australian forces.

The Philippine Navy sank a decommissioned tanker in the South China Sea with an anti-ship cruise missile during Balikatan 2024’s climactic maritime strike exercise on Wednesday morning.

BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the flagship of the Philippine Navy, fired a C-Star anti-ship cruise missile at the decommissioned tanker BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81). Donated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines by the Philippine National Oil Corporation in 2014 for underway replenishment duties, the Chinese-built tanker was decommissioned in 2020 due to maintenance issues.

Lake Caliraya was scheduled to be sunk during last summer’s Marine Aviation Support Activity, but bad weather canceled the SINKEX and beached the tanker. For Balikatan 2024, the ship was reused as a target.

Among other highlights, the exercise saw the first deployment of the Army’s Mid-Range Capability in a simulated maritime strike on the first island chain and the refinement of a combined sensor-to-shooter kill-chain network between the three participating forces.

“This exercise was about the collective capability of our combined fires networks and increasing interoperability to sense and shoot targets from a variety of Philippine, U.S. and Australian land, sea and air platforms,” said Marine Col. Douglas Krugman, the U.S. director of the drill’s combined coordination center, in a press release.

Last year’s iteration also involved the sinking of a decommissioned ship in the South China Sea, though not with an anti-ship missile . This year, the exercise planners focused on linking sensors to missile systems and aircraft. A variety of platforms, both on the ground and in the air, passed data to the combined coordination center, which was located hundreds of kilometers south of the maritime strike activity in Manila.

A Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft and a Marine Corps TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar helped provide data to the command center to target of the decommissioned tanker.

For the exercise’s “shooters,” the three countries deployed a myriad of platforms and munitions. U.S. Air Force F-16s from the Misawa-based 13th Fighter Squadron dropped multiple JDAM guided bombs and Philippine Navy fast-attack boats fired off Spike missiles against the 325-foot-long tanker. An AC-130J Ghostrider also took part in the drill.

A list of “U.S. Critical Capabilities” from the Philippine military stated that B-52H, MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones were expected to be present.

Lake Caliraya slipped beneath the waves after being hit by missiles, bombs and artillery shells for two hours at 10:59 Philippine Standard Time.

WATCH: BRP Lake Caliraya sunk at exactly 10:49 a.m. after being pounded for two hours by anti-ship missiles, air to ground missile, and guided bomb units fired from naval and aerial assets of the Philippines and US. | via Patrick de Jesus (1/2) pic.twitter.com/OyYIIMTeiY — PTVph (@PTVph) May 8, 2024

Despite the firepower deployed, a press release said the maritime strike was designed “[t]o maximize the training value, the goal was to keep the target vessel afloat for as long as possible before ultimately sinking it.”

U.S. Marine Capt. Colin Kennard, a public affairs officer covering the exercise, highlighted to USNI News that this maritime strike activity came from an Indo-Pacific Command effort called the Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability program. According to Kennard, the program’s “modernized and distributed training capability will enhance warfighting readiness to compete against peer-level adversaries at speed, scope, scale, and operational distances – both in the near term and in the future.”

This simulation of what was described as “adversarial air and maritime threats” elevates training between U.S. and partner forces across the region that “matches real-world conflict as much as possible.”

Kicking off two weeks ago, Balikatan 2024 took a higher-end approach to training with its focus on four combined joint all-domain operations simulated in field training exercises in key locations across the country . The drills accompany Manila’s new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which pushes the boundaries of Philippine defense to cover the country’s exclusive economic zone. This year’s Balikatan also saw the first activities in the South China Sea and the northernmost territories in the Luzon Strait near Taiwan.

While Balikatan 2024 is set to wrap up on Friday, this summer will see more joint military drills between Washington and Manila as the two pledge to strengthen defense ties in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.