North Atlantic

Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Cork.

Day 2

Cobh (Cork)
In the morning we sail into the vast natural harbour of Cobh, gateway to Cork, Ireland’s second city. While famous sites such as Blarney Castle and her famous Stone are just a short drive away, Cork city centre is surprisingly compact and walkable, and trad tunes drift from the door of almost every pub. The best food in the city is indisputably found at the English Market, where some of Ireland’s best produce is sold and prepared -an absolute treat for any foodie!

Day 3

Knightstown and the Skelligs
Sitting on Valentia Island, Knightstown is the epitome of rural Ireland – lush, green and dripping with Gaelic charm. Join a hike to the nearby Valentia Island Lighthouse, or journey back through time and see the tetrapod footprints – a palaeontological marvel. In the afternoon we will cruise around the Skellig Islands, magnificent rock pinnacles once home to hermit monks, now a wildlife refuge populated by thousands of seabirds. Keep your binocular handy!

Day 4

Galway
Early in the morning morning, we will pass the legendary Cliffs of Moher before arriving in Galway. While not the largest city in Ireland, Galway is indisputably the island’s cultural capital, sitting in the heart of the Gaeltacht on the windswept Atlantic coast. Immerse yourself in ancient Celtic culture and discover the ancient heritage of the wild west of Ireland.

Day 5

Kilronan, Aran Islands, and Clare Island
Venturing off Ireland’s wild west coast, we find the windswept Aran Islands. Although small, the Aran Islands are probably the most famous of Irish Islands – barren limestone landscapes and ancient hillforts make up the mesmerising landscape, and the ancient Irish language is spoken almost universally – not to mention the islands’ world-famous knitwear! In the afternoon we sail to Clare Island, once home to legendary pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley – thankfully, the welcome here is considerably warmer today than in her time!

Day 6

Portrush, Antrim Coast
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland.

Day 7

Dublin, Disembarkation
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory sails back into Dublin harbour. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the Officers and Crew and step back onto the stones of the Fair City with memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Antrim.



Day 2

Portrush, Antrim Coast
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Rathlin Island, home to some of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies.


Day 3

Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Easily one of Britain’s most picturesque towns, Tobermory is the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Mull and positively oozes Scottishness, from the Tobermory Distillery on the harbourfront to the golden eagles which frequent the crags above town. Colourful buildings line the harbour, a mix of cosy cafes, welcoming pubs and boutique galleries selling gorgeous local artworks. Situated between the Sound of Mull and the island’s rugged interior, Tobermory is the ideal jumping-off point to explore this island gem.

Day 4

St Kilda
Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.


Day 5

Kirkwall, Orkney
The capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery – Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However the islands’ history stretches back much further to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history; these are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.


Day 6

Invergordon
Sitting in the calm Firth of Cromarty, Invergordon is a port town serving the North Sea oil industry and the nearby city of Inverness. The are is synonymous with the famous nearby Loch Ness, and of course its legendary monster. Make sure to bring your binoculars for a day of exploring these mythical lands!


Day 7

Aberdeen, Scotland – Disembarkation
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew, step onto the granite stones of Scotland’s most important port city, the ideal place to head back home with treasured Scottish memories, or as a jumping off point to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Day 1

All Aboard in Troon!
Ocean Victory awaits our guests in the quaint harbour town of Troon, overlooking the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde. After the mandatory safety briefings and drill, settle into your stateroom and toast your departure with an expertly crafted cocktail as Ocean Victory sets a course for the Inner Hebrides. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.



Day 2

Iona and Lunga
Early on the third day of our expedition, Ocean Victory will drop anchor off the sacred Isle of Iona. It was here in 563AD that St Columba established Iona Abbey – bringing Christianity to Scotland. Still a site of pilgrimage, Iona Abbey may not be the largest, but is certainly one of Scotland’s most holy and historic places. In the Afternoon, Ocean Victory will reposition to the Isle of Lunga, a natural paradise brimming with nesting puffins and other seabirds.

Day 3

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
The capital of the Western Isles, Stornoway is the largest town on the Isle of Lewis. The Western Isles are the heartland of the Scottish Gàidhealtachd – and Stornoway is one of the few towns in Scotland where visitors can hear the Gaelic language spoken on a daily basis. However the history of Lewis stretches back far beyond the Gaels – highlights of the islands include the spellbinding Callanish Stones -an ancient Neolithic stone circle and probable ritual site.


Day 4

St Kilda
Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.

Day 5

Vagur, Faroe Islands
Vagur is the largest town of Suouroy, the southernmost of the Faroe Islands. Treeless, windswept and rarely visited, the Faroe Islands were first discovered by Norse settlers around the year 750AD (although archaeological evidence hints at earlier settlement, perhaps from Scotland). Isolated from the rest of the Norse world, the Faroe Islands have retained a unique language and culture directly descended from the Ancient Norse. Although Vagur is a modern town with several well known art galleries and workshops, the jaw-dropping clifftop vistas have remained the same since the age of Viking exploration.


Day 6

Torshavn, Faroe Islands
The capital and largest city of the islands, ‘Havn’ as it is called by locals is the cultural and financial hub of the islands. The narrow winding streets of the city beg to be explored, and host highlights such as the National Gallery, the Tórshavn Cathedral. No visit is complete without a stroll around Tinganes, the artfully preserved old town, where turf-roofed buildings lead to the old parliament house which overlooks the harbour, reminiscent of famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen.


Day 7

At sea, en route to Iceland
As we cross the Norwegian Sea, join your Expedition Team either on deck to watch for the plethora of seabirds which reside in this region or in the Lecture Lounge to delve deeper into the history, culture and nature of your voyage. Alternately, book some pampering in our onboard spa and relax in Ocean Victory’s hot tubs as we approach the coast of Iceland.



Day 8

Djupivogur, Iceland
Situated on Iceland’s scenic southeast coast, Djupivogur is framed by fjords, mountains, and rich bird habitats. It is the closest port in the country to the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia, and mainland Europe, and is a popular port of call for vessels exploring the North Atlantic. Centered around the harbor, the town dates back to the 16th century and is known for its unique public art, including the Eggin í Gleoivík (Eggs of Merry Bay) sculpture. Hikers and birdwatchers are spoiled for choice, with mile upon mile of nature waiting to be explored. One of Iceland’s most beautiful black sand beaches is just a short stroll from town and features a huge variety of bird species.


Day 9

Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland
Next, we visit Heimaey, the largest of the volcanic Westman Islands. Visitors can explore the dramatic lava fields of Eldfell volcano and the world-renowned bird colonies of the island. The residents of Heimaey were severely tested in 1973, when Eldfell volcano began to spew lava, threatening the town and its vital harbour. Heroic locals fought back, cooling the lava with seawater jets to save their community.


Day 10

Reykjavík, Iceland – Disembarkation
On the final day of our voyage, we arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Famous for its modern Nordic culture, excellent food scene, and relaxed atmosphere, Reykjavik is the ideal starting point for adventures deeper into the Land of Ice and Fire, or a convenient place to begin the journey home, brimming with memories of your North Atlantic adventure.