Five countries, one sea voyage

MS Sea Spirit

Max. 114 passengers

13 days (12 nights)
from London / to Edinburgh
Expedition Cruise: England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland & Scotland from Portsmouth to Edinburgh | 13 days | max. 114 passengers
+++ Up to 25% early-bird discount for new bookings made by September 30, 2026 +++
Most trips through the British Isles take place on the mainland. This expedition combines five countries on a single sea voyage: from Portsmouth across the Isles of Scilly, Wales, and Ireland, all the way up to the Hebrides, St. Kilda, Orkney and Fair Isle all the way to Edinburgh. Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of the most significant Seabird colonies the North Atlantic and islands where more birds nest than there are people living in London.
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The MS Sea Spirit carries up to 114 passengers to islands and ports that are inaccessible to large cruise ships. At suitable stops, Zodiacs are launched, accompanied by an experienced expedition team.
The route takes you to prehistoric sites older than the pyramids, to abandoned settlements on windswept cliffs, and to a volcanic rock formation that David Attenborough has called “one of the wildlife wonders of the world.” On board, ornithologist David Steel and award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Morgans accompany every shore excursion with lectures and workshops.
Wir empfehlen Ihnen diese Kreuzfahrt rund um die Britischen Inseln, wenn Sie fünf Länder und vier UNESCO-Welterbestätten auf einem einzigen Törn erleben möchten — besonders geeignet für Naturbegeisterte und Kulturinteressierte gleichermaßen. Vor der Reise lohnen sich ein oder zwei Tage in London, nach der Reise in Edinburgh. Unser Team stellt Ihr individuelles Vor- oder Nachprogramm zusammen.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and Departure: The trip begins in Portsmouth (about 2 hours from London) and ends in Edinburgh. Upon request, we can handle flight arrangements as well as train or transfer connections to the ship and put together a customized pre- or post-cruise itinerary.
Entry requirements: German citizens need a valid passport and, as of January 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ) for the United Kingdom. You can find the latest entry requirements on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Requirements may vary for other nationalities—please contact us.
Accepted forms of payment on board: British pounds, euros, and major credit cards.
Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Giant’s Causeway – 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns along the coast of Northern Ireland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most famous geological formations.
- Puffin colonies on Fair Isle – On this remote island between Orkney and Shetland, thousands of puffins nest in the cliffs alongside great skuas and red-throated pipits.
- Bass Rock and 150,000 northern gannets – The volcanic rock in the Firth of Forth is home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets.
- St. Kilda, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site – The most remote archipelago in the British Isles, evacuated in 1930, with cliffs rising 430 meters from the Atlantic Ocean.
- Fingal’s Cave on Staffa – A 72-meter-deep sea cave formed of basalt columns that inspired Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture.
- Skara Brae in Orkney – A 5,000-year-old Stone Age settlement on the beach, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, uncovered by a storm in 1850.
- Photography Program with Kevin Morgans – The award-winning wildlife photographer (Bird Photographer of the Year) leads workshops on board and accompanies shore excursions.
- Conwy Castle in Wales – This 13th-century fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
itinerary
From Portsmouth to five countries and Europe’s largest seabird colonies
Days 1 and 2 | Arrival in London and boarding in Portsmouth
You’ll arrive at London Heathrow Airport and check into your included hotel room at the Hilton Garden Inn, located right next to the terminal. The rest of the first day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
The next morning, a bus transfer will take you to Portsmouth on the south coast of England. In the afternoon, you’ll board the MS Sea Spirit. Settle into your cabin and explore the ship: the library, lounge, deck jacuzzi, and open bridge are all at your disposal. At the captain’s welcome cocktail reception, you’ll meet the expedition team before the ship sets sail into the English Channel.
Day 3 | Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly lie 45 kilometers off the coast of Cornwall and benefit from the warm Gulf Stream. The result is a subtropical microclimate that is unmatched on the British mainland. The MS Sea Spirit anchors off Tresco, the second-largest island in the archipelago.
The Abbey Garden is home to over 20,000 exotic plants from more than 80 countries, ranging from South African proteas to New Zealand tree ferns and Brazilian bromeliads. The garden was established in 1834 on the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine abbey. Next door, the Valhalla Museum displays a collection of figureheads salvaged from shipwrecks around the islands.
Days 4 and 5 | Dunmore East and the Saltee Islands, Ireland
The MS Sea Spirit crosses the Celtic Sea and arrives in Dunmore East, a fishing village on Ireland’s southeast coast. From here, two excursions are on the itinerary: a visit to Waterford Crystal, Ireland’s oldest crystal manufacturer (founded in 1783), and Mount Congreve Botanical Garden, which features approximately 3,000 plant species across 28 hectares.
On the second day, the ship sails past the Saltee Islands, Ireland’s most important seabird sanctuary. The two uninhabited islands are home to breeding colonies of northern gannets, puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. You’ll approach the cliffs by Zodiac, while the expedition team identifies and explains the bird species.
Day 6 | Llandudno, Wales
The MS Sea Spirit is anchored off Llandudno on the north coast of Wales. The shore excursion takes you to Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous landscape featuring peaks over 1,000 meters high, glacial lakes, and slate gorges. The mountain village of Betws-y-Coed lies at the confluence of three rivers and is considered the gateway to the national park.
On the way back, the tour stops at Conwy Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. King Edward I had the castle built between 1283 and 1289 to secure his rule over Wales. Eight massive towers, a 1.3-kilometer-long rampart, and the view over the mouth of the River Conwy make the site a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 | Portrush, Northern Ireland
From Portrush on Northern Ireland’s Atlantic coast, it’s just a short drive to the Giant’s Causeway. Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of them hexagonal, rise out of the surf. They were formed about 60 million years ago by volcanic activity and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
The Causeway Coastal Route connects the Giant’s Causeway with steep cliffs, hidden coves, and Dunluce Castle, a medieval castle ruin perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The site served as inspiration for parts of the series *Game of Thrones*.
Day 8 | Staffa and Iona, Inner Hebrides
The day begins on Staffa, an uninhabited volcanic island off the west coast of Scotland. Basalt columns, similar to those at the Giant’s Causeway, form a 72-meter-deep sea cave here: Fingal’s Cave. The cave’s acoustics and the symmetry of the columns inspired Felix Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture in 1829. You’ll approach the cave entrance by Zodiac.
In the afternoon, the ship sails to Iona, one of Scotland’s most historic islands. In 563, the Irish monk Columba founded a monastery here that became the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. Today’s Iona Abbey dates back to the 13th century and houses the tombs of 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Duncan, whose stories Shakespeare immortalized in his plays.
Day 9 | St. Kilda, Outer Hebrides
St. Kilda is the most remote archipelago in the British Isles: 66 kilometers west of the Outer Hebrides, a four-hour boat ride from the nearest inhabited land. The last community of 36 people was evacuated in 1930 at their own request, after life on the storm-battered cliffs had become unbearable.
Today, St. Kilda is one of only 39 dual UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, recognized for both its natural and cultural significance. At Conachair, the cliffs drop 430 meters vertically into the sea, making them the highest sea cliffs in the British Isles. Over 1,400 cleits—small stone huts—still stand on the islands, where residents once dried seabirds and provisions. A million seabirds breed here, including the world’s largest colony of Atlantic shearwaters.
Day 10 | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Orkney has more Neolithic sites concentrated in a small area than almost anywhere else in Europe. The tour begins at Skara Brae, a settlement that lay hidden beneath sand for 5,000 years and was uncovered by a storm in 1850. The ten stone houses, featuring built-in shelves, beds, and a drainage system, are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.
A few kilometers away stands the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle with 27 standing megaliths (originally 60), surrounded by a ditch that was carved out of the rock 4,500 years ago. In Kirkwall itself stands St. Magnus Cathedral, built beginning in 1137 from red and yellow sandstone. It is considered the best-preserved medieval building in Scotland.
Day 11 | Fair Isle, Shetland
Fair Isle lies halfway between Orkney and Shetland; it is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the United Kingdom, with a population of about 60. The island is known for two things: its knitting patterns, which have been handcrafted for centuries, and its seabirds.
The Fair Isle Bird Observatory is one of Europe’s most important bird-watching stations. Thousands of puffins, great skuas (Bonxies), fulmars, and cormorants nest on the cliffs. In May, wildflowers bloom on the sheltered slopes, while the expedition team guides you to the best viewing spots.
Days 12 and 13 | Isle of May, Bass Rock, and Edinburgh
The MS Sea Spirit enters the Firth of Forth, the bay off the coast of Edinburgh. The first destination is the Isle of May, a national nature reserve where between 40,000 and 50,000 breeding pairs of puffins nest. Amid the bird colonies lie the ruins of St. Adrian’s Chapel, dating from the 12th century, and the lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson in 1816.
In the afternoon, the ship sails past Bass Rock, a 107-meter-high volcanic rock that appears completely white in the summer. The reason: over 150,000 northern gannets (Morus bassanus), which form the largest colony of their kind in the world here. David Attenborough described Bass Rock as “one of the wildlife wonders of the world.” You’ll circle the rock by Zodiac, at eye level with the birds.
The next morning, the MS Sea Spirit will dock at the Port of Leith, Edinburgh’s historic harbor district. Disembarkation will take place after breakfast. A group transfer will take you to Edinburgh Airport or downtown.
Those who stay will find Scotland’s capital spread out before them: Edinburgh Castle on the Castle Rock, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
activities
Photo tour (included)

The British Isles offer world-class wildlife photography: puffins among wildflowers, northern gannets in a nosedive, gray seals on secluded beaches, and the dramatic basalt formations of Staffa and the Giant’s Causeway.
Wildlife photographer Kevin Morgans, winner of the Bird Photographer of the Year award and author of “Puffins: Life on the Atlantic Edge,” will be joining us on this trip. During lectures on board and during shore excursions, he will share practical tips on composition, lighting, and animal behavior.
Whether it’s a close-up of a puffin on Fair Isle or a panoramic view of the northern gannet colony on Bass Rock, Kevin knows the best vantage points at every landing site and will help you make the most of every opportunity.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
May 9, 2027 – May 21, 2027
Starting at €7,995 €6,796 per person
13 days/12 nights
MS Sea Spirit (Maximum occupancy: 114)
Portsmouth (England) Edinburgh (Scotland)
Up to 25% early-bird discount for new bookings made by September 30, 2026
Selected date
May 9, 2027 – May 21, 2027 (13 days/12 nights)
MS Sea Spirit | Legendary History and Untamed Nature: The British Isles

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Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- 1 night's stay at a hotel in London Heathrow (Hilton Garden Inn Terminal 2, including breakfast)
- Group transfer by bus from London Heathrow to Portsmouth on the day of embarkation
- 12 nights aboard the MS Sea Spirit in your chosen cabin category
- Full board on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- All-inclusive beverage package (soft drinks, house wine, house beer, house spirits, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and espresso available 24/7)
- All scheduled shore excursions and Zodiac trips (weather permitting)
- Guided by an experienced expedition leader and an expedition team of ornithologists, naturalists, and historians
- Photography program with award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Morgan (lectures and workshops on board)
- Windbreaker jacket as a gift (yours to keep)
- Rubber boots for Zodiac landings (provided on loan for the duration of the trip)
- Ship's doctor and infirmary on board
- Access to the open ship's bridge (open-bridge policy)
- The Captain's Welcome Cocktail and Farewell Cocktail
- port charges
- Wi-Fi on board
- Digital travel journal with photos and videos after the trip
- Group transfer to Edinburgh Airport or the city center after disembarkation
Not included in the price:
- International flights (arrival at London Heathrow, departure from Edinburgh; we’d be happy to book the flights for you upon request)
- Travel and travel cancellation insurance
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance (required, minimum coverage of $100,000 per person. We would be happy to advise you on the right policy)
- Personal expenses (laundry service, satellite phone)
- Tips for the crew and expedition team
- ETA fees for the United Kingdom (10 GBP per person)
- Any necessary medical tests
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
- Language of the expedition: English; some German-speaking guides*
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
- In addition, emergency evacuation insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 per person is a prerequisite for participation.
- The sea passages between the islands are mostly in sheltered waters. The MS Sea Spirit is equipped with Rolls-Royce stabilizers.
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
*German language support
On board the expedition ships, the expedition team speaksEnglish and Germanduring the cruises.
For you, this means that all publications, such as ourin-flight magazine, daily programs, and notices, are also available in German. Menusare multilingual, so you can be sure you're always choosing the right thing. This also applies to announcements on board: to ensure you don't miss anything, these are always made in German as well. Do you have any specific questions or personal requests? Feel free to contact the German-speaking members of the expedition team at any time.
Your individual needs will also be taken into account during the diverse activities on the expedition cruises: for example, whenever possible, you will be divided into language groups for trips on Zodiac inflatable boats, and lectures will be held in German. You can always count on simultaneous translation.
Your ship during the voyage

Your ship: The MS Sea Spirit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Portsmouth?
When is the best time to take a cruise around the British Isles?
What kind of clothing do I need for an expedition cruise to the British Isles?
What happens in case of bad weather?
Do I need a visa for the UK?
What animals can I see in the British Isles?
What sets an expedition cruise around the British Isles apart from a regular cruise?
Which expedition ship will be used, and how big is it?
Do I need to speak English for the expedition cruise?
Do I need special insurance for the expedition cruise?
Which historical sites will the expedition visit?
What is included in the price of the British Isles Expedition?
Can I extend my trip to the British Isles with a pre- or post-tour program?
British Isles_Sea Spirit_Bass Rock_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
MS Sea Spirit off Bass Rock | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Puffin Pair_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
A pair of puffins, beak to beak | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Betws-y-Coed, Wales_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia National Park | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Basstoelpel-Saltee Islands_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Northern Gannet colony on the Saltee Islands | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Giant's Causeway_Waves_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Waves at the Giant’s Causeway | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Conwy Castle_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Conwy Castle in North Wales | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Giant's Causeway_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Puffin-Bass Rock_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Puffins on Bass Rock | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Fingal's Cave_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Basstoelpel Flight_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Northern Gannet in flight over the sea | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Pair of Great Auk_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
A pair of northern gannets on a nesting cliff | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Puffin Colony_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
A colony of puffins on a cliff | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Puffin and Wildflowers_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Puffins among wildflowers | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles: St Kilda Panorama by Piet van den Bemd, Poseidon Expeditions
Panorama of the St Kilda archipelago | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles, Skara Brae, Orkney, Piet van den Bemd, Poseidon Expeditions
Skara Brae on the Orkney Islands | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Puffin Portrait_Piet van den Bemd_Poseidon Expeditions
Portrait of a puffin | © Piet van den Bemd
British Isles_Staffa_Hiker_Piet_van_den_Bemd_Poseidon_Expeditions
Hikers on the island of Staffa | © Piet van den Bemd
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