When I first booked this expedition cruise with Lindblad Expeditions and Travelpack, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. It was completely different from the ocean cruises I’m used to, and stepping into something unfamiliar felt a little daunting.
But as it turns out, this journey became one of the most rewarding travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Our adventure began in Edinburgh at the Apex Hotel, where everything started seamlessly. We checked in our luggage, and it was transferred directly to the ship — such an easy and stress-free start to the trip.
With some free time before boarding, we explored Edinburgh. For me, that mostly meant a little shopping, while others took in the city’s famous sights and atmosphere.
Later that day, we finally boarded the beautiful National Geographic Endurance, which would become our floating home for the next seven days. Stepping onboard felt like the true beginning of the adventure, and the excitement for what lay ahead was impossible to ignore.
One of the first highlights of the trip was visiting the stunning Shetland Islands — a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
We began the day with an exhilarating Zodiac ride, the wind rushing through our hair as we headed towards the incredible Broch of Mousa. This remarkably preserved Iron Age tower is the tallest broch still standing and one of the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in Europe.
Back onboard, I spent time exploring more of the ship, capturing videos and photos before heading for a late lunch at C Greens, the onboard noodle bar. With so many tempting dishes to choose from, I settled on the Sweet Chilli Pad Thai — and it absolutely lived up to expectations.
The afternoon was dedicated to pure relaxation: soaking in the hot tub, visiting the spa, enjoying a leisurely dinner, and finishing the evening with a nightcap.
This wasn’t your typical cruise experience — and that’s exactly what made it so special.
Another unforgettable day saw us heading back out by Zodiac to Muckle Flugga, the northernmost point of the UK.
We hiked through dramatic landscapes surrounded by seabirds, rugged scenery, and more sheep than I could count. The raw beauty of this remote part of Scotland was breath-taking.
Back onboard, we were treated to something truly extraordinary — a seven-course tasting menu that reportedly took over 500 hours to create. Every single dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavour.
I could very easily get used to this lifestyle.
Another incredible day aboard the Endurance took us cruising around The Minch, the strait separating mainland Scotland from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
The scenery throughout the day was unforgettable, with rugged coastlines, dramatic waters, and endless opportunities to simply pause and appreciate where we were.
One of my absolute highlights of the entire trip was spending the night in one of the ship’s igloos. Sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed while gazing up at the stars through a transparent roof felt both surreal and incredibly cosy at the same time — the perfect combination of adventure and comfort.
The experiences in the Inner Hebrides were hard to beat.
We started the morning with a peaceful kayak around the bay. It was calm, quiet, and the perfect way to absorb the stillness of the islands — just the sound of the water and the rugged scenery surrounding us.
In the afternoon, we swapped kayaks for another Zodiac cruise, adding a burst of excitement as we explored dramatic coastlines and kept an eye out for wildlife.
Back onboard, we were treated to a BBQ lunch on deck. Sometimes the simplest moments become the most memorable: great food, fresh sea air, and scenery so beautiful it hardly felt real.
Scotland’s west coast truly delivers when the weather is on your side.
As the cruise came to an end, I found myself reflecting on how much this experience had changed my perspective.
At the start, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go. Expedition cruising felt unfamiliar and outside my comfort zone. But looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful I took the leap.
This journey pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. I experienced adventures I never would have chosen before, visited places that challenged and inspired me, and proved to myself that trying something new is always worthwhile.
Sometimes the experiences that feel the most uncomfortable at first become the ones that stay with you forever.
