Tips on Scotland cruising holidays
THE SHIPPING NEWS

Advice for families
Itinerary tips
Accessibility on board
Safety advice
Health & safety
TRAVEL SAFELY ON A SCOTTISH CRUISE
Health
If you are prone to sea sickness, do bring some tablets with you, along with natural remedies such as ginger tea.
Don’t underestimate how much sun you might catch, even if it is overcast. So always bring a good factor sun cream, and an eco friendly one too, especially if you are planning on swimming in the water. These are sensitive marine environments.
Similarly bring good quality, protective sunglasses. Even if it is cold, the sun’s rays can be harsh on water.
Check with your tour operators about any mobility issues. Sometimes there might be narrow stairwells to negotiate on board. Boarding dinghies or going down narrow staircases below deck, for example, can be physically challenging for some.
Midges are a pest, but you won’t look silly with a net over your head in the evening. Everyone does it. While you are moving on the water, they are rarely a problem, but when you go for a walkabout on land, early evening is the worst time, especially if it is damp and there is little wind. The worst season is June, July and August; check the Midge Forecast website for further details. There is an anti-midge product, called Smidge, and if anyone knows how to protect against them, the Scots should.
If you are out walking on land during your cruise, you do need to be wary of ticks. They carry Lyme disease and other nasties, so best to take precautions. Read this guide for top tick tips.
If you are swimming, be aware that blue green algae can be a problem during the warmer months so adhere to any warning signs.
safety
Always wear your buoyancy aid or life jacket when instructed. You don’t always have to wear it on deck, although of course if you can’t swim it is advisable. However, they are always recommended if you are going out on dinghies or sea kayaks for trips ashore. And ensure it is fastened properly, especially with children, who can slip out of them easily.
If you are sea kayaking, beware of a change in weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to stick within 400m of the shore or your boat.
If you are taking time off the water and going for a serious hike on the likes of Skye or Lewis and Harris, don’t underestimate how much the weather conditions can drastically change. Always tell a member of the crew where you are going. One of the most common causes for rescue on the Scottish hills is hypothermia usually brought about by exhaustion and injury. So make sure you have enough food and water, the right layers and a shelter. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is a font of knowledge on all things safety.

If you'd like to chat about Scotland or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Rosy & team.
Scotland cruising holidays travel advice
TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS
We have selected some of the most useful Scotland cruising holidays travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
Wildlife holiday in the Isle of Mull, Scotland
Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland
Hebrides cruise, The Sounds of Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura
Cruise the Sounds of the Hebrides: Mull, Luing, Jura, Shuna
Skye and the Small Isles sailing holiday
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides cruise, Scotland
Scottish Cruise to St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides
Caledonian Canal cruise, Scotland
Cruise the Caledonian Canal in a wee ship
Skye and the Inner Hebrides cruise, Scotland
A unique cruise to the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides
Southern Hebrides and Sea Lochs of Argyll cruise
A Scottish cruise to the islands of the Inner Hebrides
Isle of Mull and Small Isles explorer
An extraordinary voyage exploring Mull & the Small Isles.
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides Cruise, Scotland
Cruise to St Kilda, Monachs, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles
Scotland private charter sailing holidays
Private Charter a small ship around the Scottish Islands
Scottish traditional cruise, 4 days
Short break cruise in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland
Scotland West Coast cruise, Skye and the small isles
Scottish Holiday to Skye and the Small Isles | Cruise
Inner Hebrides Wildlife Cruise
A great introduction to the breath-taking Scottish Highlands
Scottish Hebrides guided wildlife tour
On this cruise you will be accompanied by a wildlife guide
Hebrides short break cruise, Scotland
Scottish small cruise with a Taste of the Hebrides