There are oh-so-many reasons why our gay cruises stand out from the rest–-private yachts, exquisite service, unbelievable itineraries–but on top of all that, we LOVE cruising to rare destinations. That’s precisely why we’ve designed an all-inclusive gay cruise to Scotland’s northernmost region, one of the most stunning yet least traveled corners of the world. Read on for 11 highlights from our Scottish Highlands gay cruise!
11. Inverness
Our trip begins and ends in Inverness, known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled on the edge of the mighty River Ness, this wee city is brimming with cobbled streets, quaint shops, and interesting stories. The vibe is wonderfully relaxed, with a lively music scene and welcoming pubs on every corner for when you’re ready to indulge in some haggis, whisky, and good craic.
Most visitors are keen to see the city’s ancient castle, known for its intrigue, power struggles, murder, battles, imprisonment, and betrayal through the ages. Though the castle has been closed to visitors, a recent £30m investment from the Scottish and UK Governments means that it will open its doors to eager guests sometime in 2025.
10. Isle Of Skye
Visiting the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is like stepping into an episode of Game Of Thrones—only with more wind and sheep! As a marvel of nature, this rock star stands tall and proud against the Skye-line. The hike up to the Old Man is a bit of a leg-burner (but completely worth it, trust us), but as we get closer to the Old Man himself, we’ll begin to feel like we’re in the presence of something ancient and powerful.
The Old Man is a relic of the geological forces that shaped the Isle of Skye. Standing at 180 ft. (55 m) tall, the towering rock column is a volcanic plug—formed when magma inside a volcanic vent cools and solidifies, leaving behind a striking geological feature. But just how ancient is he? The oldest rocks on the Isle of Skye are also some of the oldest in Europe, dating back 2.8 billion years. For comparison, the Earth itself was formed 4.5 billion years ago, so to say the Isle of Skye is ancient is perhaps an understatement.
9. Tobermorey
As one of the cutest and most colorful ports on our cruise, Tobermorey is like a living, breathing postcard!
Built as a fishing port in the late 18th century, it’s now the administrative hub and lively heart of the Isle of Mull. But this quaint seaside village isn’t just about pretty views; it’s packed with quirky shops, friendly cafés, and some of the best cheeses and spirits in the region.
8. Fauna
As we make our way along the coast and through the interior, we’re bound to see adorable Scottish sheep and Highland cows grazing about. Having adapted to their climate long ago, their furry coats are awww-inducing to say the least.
The rugged cliffs are home to many species of birds, including puffins, eagles, and cormorants. Not to be outdone, the marine wildlife will also take the spotlight. How’s that for a seal of approval?!
7. Kilts
Ah, the Scottish kilt—arguably the most seductive piece of clothing ever invented. And there’s something magical about a man in a kilt; wild, rugged, and ready to sweep you off your feet. You can’t help but think, “Is he about to fight off a dragon or serenade me with a bagpipe?”
We can expect to see plenty o’ kilts throughout our journey, especially on the final night, when a Bagpiper and Highland Dancers will regale us for our Farewell Gala Dinner. Feel like joining in on the free-flowing fun? Bring your own kilt, or pick up a traditional one along the way, and treat yourself to a patterned look with a cooling breeze in your nether-regions.
6. Ben Nevis Distillery
It’s no secret that Scots love whisky, and our cruise just so happens to be sailing right by one of the most renowned whisky distilleries in Scotland. Of course we’re going to stop for a drink!
The distillery’s history harkens back to 1825, and notably, it was one of the first to produce both malt and grain whisky simultaneously. Upon visiting, don’t forget to look up! The mountain overhead is Ben Nevis, the distillery’s namesake and the tallest mountain in the British Isles at 4,413 ft (1,345m) above sea level.
5. Isle Of Iona
Just a short ferry ride from Criagnure on the Isle of Mull, Iona is famous for being the birthplace of Scottish Christianity, with the Iona Abbey standing as a proud testament to its spiritual heritage.
History buffs will love exploring the abbey and its grounds, while nature lovers can enjoy a walk around the island’s windswept landscape, spotting wildflowers, seabirds, and possibly the occasional seal sunning itself on the rocks.
It’s also the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with no cars allowed and only the sound of the birds and the waves to keep you company. Ah, bliss!
4. The Ship/All-Inclusive Cruise
The moment we stepped on board the Lord Of The Highlands, we knew this ship was something special. With a maximum capacity of 38 passengers, this bonnie vessel was designed to navigate the Highlands coast and sail the narrow Caledonian Canal in style!
The interior is beyond classy, with windows everywhere to ensure guests don’t miss a second of that pristine view.
Meals are on another level, with each lunch and dinner being a multi-course affair. And the service? Stricly top drawer. The ship’s smaller size means the servers and bartenders will get to know your preferences and anticipate your needs.
The best part? This cruise is all-inclusive! Even those coveted top-shelf libations are fair game, so order anything you’d like! Click here for even more details on Lord Of The Highlands.
3. Neptune’s Staircase
As one of the finest engineering achievements in Scotland, Neptune’s Staircase exemplifies the ingenuity of its time. Constructed from 1803 to 1822 and located on the Caledonian Canal near Fort William, this series of 8 interconnected locks forms the longest staircase lock in the UK, raising boats 19 meters over a distance of a half mile.
Grab a refreshment and find a spot on the sun deck as we ascend the staircase and enter the famous Caledonian Canal.
2. Caledonian Canal
Opened in 1822, the Caledonian Canal was designed to provide a safe and efficient route for ships to navigate the often treacherous waters around the Scottish Highlands, bypassing the dangerous northern route. The canal connects a series of lochs, including Loch Ness and Loch Lochy, through a series of waterways and reservoirs. Once a vital shipping route, the canal is now primarily used for recreational purposes, attracting tourists, leisure cruisers, and cyclists who appreciate its scenic beauty and historical significance.
While traveling along the canal, we’ll be privy to timeless villages set against a gorgeous backdrop of rolling hills. Enjoy the views from the ship, or disembark and cycle your way along the canal via a parallel road. And be sure to wave at the friendly locals as we go by!
1. Loch Ness
For our grand finale, we’ll sail across the most legendary loch in all of Scotland! Stretching over 23 miles (37km) long and reaching depths of up to 755 feet (230m), Loch Ness is one of the largest and deepest lochs in Scotland. It’s so huge that it contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined–crivvens!
Loch Ness has been a site of fascination for centuries, both for its natural beauty and the folklore surrounding the mythical monster named “Nessie.” The most famous photo of the monster, captured by a London gynecologist and published in 1934, is colloquially known as the “Surgeon’s Photograph.” It shows what appears to be the head and neck of the mysterious creature. Even though the photograph has been proven a hoax, it has singlehandedly driven decades of speculation about Nessie’s existence, drawing in photographers, scientists, and monster hunters looking to solve the mystery once and for all.
As we navigate the loch, we’ll also gaze upon the remains of Urquhart Castle perched precariously along the rugged bank. Dating back to the 13th century, it was once a grand stronghold that played a significant role in Scotland’s turbulent medieval past, changing hands multiple times during the wars of Scottish independence.
Monsters and castles and kilts, oh my!
If our Scottish Highlands Gay Cruise sounds like your cup o’ tea, check out the full itinerary here or Contact Us to get your booking started.
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