Cruise - Scotland & Faroe Islands with Faye & Darren

Cruise - Scotland & Faroe Islands  

Where else can you get dressed up to the nines every night and our group certainly didn't disappoint. Look how smart we all looked especially when we got to meet the Captain of our ship! 

What an amazing experience as we made our way to the captain’s quarters. It was a high-tech affair with navigation systems, nautical charts and controls everywhere we looked. The crew were so kind and welcoming as they answered our questions and allowed us to take control of the steering wheel.

There were so many different activities for us to join in with from snooker to shuffleboard to getting creative with some arts and crafts making fabulous masterpieces. Of course we all loved making a splash in one of the many pools and relaxing in the warm, bubbling jacuzzi. 

The evening entertainment never failed to impress. Every night we were treated to first class shows with up beat dance routines, incredible singing and dazzling costumes. Of course we never resisted the chance to get on the dance floor and show off our groovy moves. 

Sailing overnight, we travelled up the coast to Lerwick, the capital of the 100 islands & inlets of Shetland. The bustling seaport is the islands’ only town and from out on deck, we admired its natural harbour & rolling hills. We then embarked on a scenic drive across Shetland whilst our local guide pointed out the wonderful sights on offer. Along the way we were lucky enough to spot some Common & Grey Seals basking in the sun & lots of Shetland Ponies! Soon we were at our destination, Sumburgh Head, with its unobstructed sea views, perfect for spotting marine life and migrating birds. We were informed that Guillemots, Shags & Fulmars reside here all year round and it’s possible to see passing cetaceans such as Minke Whales, Orcas & Dolphins. Wind in our hair, we ventured up to the Keepers Lighthouse and there, nesting between the old red sandstone was a baby Puffin! It was then onto the Visitors Centre where we learnt about the area’s heritage & culture and explored the Marine Life Centre as well as the Engine Room

The views from top deck at no matter what time of day were always spectacular. From helicopter fly by's to magical sunsets. We all felt so lucky. 

 Torshavn is known for its beautiful Old Town and curious wooden turf-roofed houses dotted across the small, rocky peninsula. Fuelled by another delicious breakfast, we took to the charming streets of Torshavn where we were greeted by elegant buildings, parks, and picturesque views. Local boutiques lined the main shopping strip, and we couldn’t help but buy a souvenir or two! We learnt about the Faroes & how it translates to “sheep islands”. It was a name given by the Norse during the Viking Age as settlers would bring sheep to the area as the environment and terrain suited them well. Their wool was the only form of currency for many locals and would constitute the majority of Faroes exports. Knitted garments would regularly be traded for salt, sugar, coffee, and other necessities. 

This morning, we found ourselves in Kirkwell, the chief town of the Orkney Islands. It is an intriguing mix of Christian, Nordic and Celtic influence, filled with fascinating historical sites. After a short shuttle ride, we started our morning in the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral, known as ‘The Light in the North’ and the oldest cathedral in Scotland. It was then onto The Orkney Museum where we learnt about the history of Orkney, from the Stone Age to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. We even had time for an impressive ice-cream at Gerri’s famous ice-cream parlour before hitting the shops to stock up on a few more gifts.