Always wanted to visit the Scottish Islands and this cruise gave us a great taste of what was available should we want to go back for longer visits.
We took one of the organised trips but for the rest of the time opted to do our own thing.
As always we were very well looked after by the staff. The staff in the restaurants were attentive and always willing to help. The food was excellent, we used the buffet for breakfast and lunch, when on board and the Ballindalloch Restaurant for fixed dining in the evenings.
We decided to pay a bit extra to have an inside cabin on one of the higher decks and we were not at all disappointed.
The room was larger than we expected and very comfortable. Very quiet too!
Definitely the highlight of the Cruise, we loved Lerwick and Shetland.
Beautiful island with lovely friendly local people.
We used Shetland Explorer Tours for a tour round the south of the main island, which included lunch. Driver Brian and tour rep Colin(?) had been living on Shetland for many years and were able to take us to some lovely spots. They were also able to give an insight into local life.
The trip we took would have cost more than double had we done it with the Ship. Would strongly recommend this company
A lovely place!
We opted to do our own thing and had pre-booked a visit to the Highland Park Distillery.
This was worth the walk, approx. 45 minutes. Very professional.
We were in a small group with a dedicated guide. He was very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. Leisurely walk round the various departments were processes were outlined. Followed by a tasting session.
The shop was well stocked with reasonably priced items and a great stock of various Highland Park Whiskys.
Had lunch in the Lynnfield Hotel just down the road from the distillery, lovely home made produce and reasonable priced.
Very nice town with Museum and Cathedral to name just a couple of the attractions. Nice array of shops available