Travel aboard the Lord of the Glens, a 48-passenger ship purpose-built to navigate the Caledonian Waterway from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and to the islands of the Inner Hebrides.
The season for Scotland is May through August.
On board public areas
With all round teak decks, hardwood finished interiors and fine fabrics, the Lord of the Glens offers a stylish and relaxing ambiance. The two lounges and two open-air viewing areas are social hubs aboard shop, and the small library and cozy bar are a refuge for the more solitary.
Heating & air conditioning
The ship is fully climate controlled, either heated or air conditioned, depending on the outside temperature.
Email/Internet access
The Lord of the Glens has an internet-connected computer in the reception area for complimentary use. Note that Internet access is not available at all times, and connection speeds can be slow. There is free Wi-Fi on board.
Telephone
There are numerous public phone booths on route, and the ship has a phone for emergency use.
Smoking
For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Cabins are tasteful, comfortable and spacious with wonderful outside views. Most cabins have large picture windows (four have two large portholes). Facilities include a private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, satellite television, music system, hairdryer, telephone, safety deposit box, bathrobes and toiletries.
Every destination has a "flavor" and we believe our guests should have every opportunity to "taste" the destination. A great deal of thought goes into what we serve. With every voyage on every ship we make an effort to bring regional flavors to your table with fresh, local fruits, vegetables and spices. And our sustainable seafood program aims to serve locally caught or harvested fresh seafood.
A breakfast buffet, lunch & dinner are served daily. Cuisine is continental American with local flair. Tables are always unassigned to encourage mingling and to ensure you dine with a variety of fellow guests, expedition team members, and special guest experts. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water are available 24 hours a day. Cookies are put out in the afternoon at teatime. And predinner hors d’oeuvres are served in the lounge at daily Recap. At times, meals will be able to be taken at local pubs at guest’s own expense. Meal hours will be posted in your Daily Program.
If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will gladly accommodate you. Unfortunately, we cannot provide kosher meals but can provide vegan meals.
Throughout your expedition, there is no need for formal clothing, unless you’re inspired to do so. For the farewell dinner, guests may want to have something slightly dressier, although this is entirely optional. The onboard atmosphere is casual and comfortable, and so is the dress code.
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water are available throughout the day. Cookies are put out in the afternoon at teatime. And pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres are served in the lounge at daily Recap.
A selection of beer, wine and spirits throughout the day are included in the price of your voyage.
Walking and hiking options will be offered regularly throughout the expedition. Bicycles are available along your voyage at no additional charge for you to explore the region and, at times, ride along the waterfront along with the ship. Kayaking is an option in Loch Linnhe. Presentations by our expert staff on a variety of relevant topics will be offered throughout the expedition.
One of the most important aspects of every Lindblad-National Geographic expedition is the expertise of our knowledgeable staff of naturalists and other specialists who provide talks, guidance ashore, and daily camaraderie. These engaging people will greatly enhance your experience, sharing special insights into areas of the world they know intimately.
This is a Lindblad Expeditions tradition. Recaps are generally held each evening in the Lounge prior to dinner and include informal presentations by the staff and a lively review of the day’s events involving both staff and guests. At the conclusion of Recap, your expedition leader will review the activity options for the next day.
Yes, everyone on our expedition team speaks English. Some are multi-lingual as well.
Unfortunately, there is no fitness center on board, but there are opportunities for fitness activities off board.
There is no spa on the Lord of the Glens.
Children of any age are welcome on our Scotland expedition. We believe that sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Take $500 off the double occupancy rate for each person under 18.
A minor consent form must be signed by the parents or parent not traveling with the child. It is also suggested that the legal guardian of the child sign and have notarized a letter of consent to travel with their knowledge.
Prior to your departure date, we will provide you with a list of port contacts and phone numbers, indicating how you can be reached in case of emergency.
The Lord of the Glens has free Wi-Fi onboard as well as an internet-connected computer in the reception area for complimentary use. Note that Internet access is not available at all time and connection speeds can be slow. Some towns we visit will have Internet cafes. There are numerous public phone booths on route, and the ship has a phone for emergency use.
Mobile phones that use the GSM system (U.S. GSM carriers include AT&T & T-Mobile), will work in many but not all areas we visit. If you would like to use your mobile phone, be sure to call your carrier before leaving the U.S. to activate your account for sending and receiving calls overseas. Note that prices may be exceptionally high.
Our expedition team will file Daily Expedition Reports directly from the ship. Your friends and family will be able to follow along with your voyage online.
There is no physician on board the Lord of the Glens. However, the ship is never more than a few hours away from a port, and often within just a few minutes. Medical assistance can be arranged ashore as needed.
No, vaccinations are currently required for travel to Scotland if you travel there directly from the United States. If you are not traveling directly from the United States, please contact the CDC for specific information regarding travel to the United Kingdom from other countries. The CDC recommends that the normal routine vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP Vaccine) and Polio vaccine.
No medical form is necessary.
During the great majority of the voyage the ship will be in protected waters. However, you may want to bring some preventative medication if you are susceptible to motion discomfort; please check with your personal physician for recommendations.
Yes, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your expedition.
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the only document you will need is a passport that is valid for six months after the end of your trip. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please contact the Scottish consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Scotland. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.
The shipboard currency is the British Pound (GBP) and any items for sale are listed as such. Any purchases onboard the ship may be paid in cash (GBP or USD) or by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only). Personal checks and travelers’ checks cannot be accepted.
The currency in Scotland is the Great Britain Pound (GBP). We suggest you carry U.S. dollars, to be exchanged for local currency when needed. ATMs can be found in cites and larger towns.
Please note that Scottish banknotes are not generally accepted in England or Wales. If you plan to travel to either of those countries after your Scotland expedition, we suggest that you visit a bank in Scotland before departure, to exchange Scottish banknotes for ones issued by the Bank of England.
All gratuities ashore and to the ship's crew are included in your expedition cost.
That’s a personal choice. You can use a credit card at most shops, pubs and restaurants in Scotland, and to settle your extras account aboard ship.
Often, the most memorable events are those that are unplanned. That’s why every Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions itinerary has flexibility built into the schedule. So, if we happen to encounter extraordinary birdlife on Eigg, for example, we’ll have the time to stop and watch rather than having to rush off somewhere else. To get a sense of what these adventurous, open-ended days are like, spend some time reading our Daily Expedition Reports (DERs). You can read the top ten or browse our archives, looking at the destination and time of year that most interests you.
The average high temperatures in Scotland can vary from the low 60F to the mid-90F, depending on the month.
In order to take full advantage of this expedition, guests must be in good general health and able to walk at least one mile over uneven terrain. Terrain can vary depending on the site. Be prepared for paved or cobblestone sidewalks in towns and nature trails that can be uneven, incline or irregular. If you have questions about the physical requirements, please call and one of our Expedition Specialists will be happy to discuss it further.
Since you are traveling to a remote area without access to sophisticated medical facilities, you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition.
Yes, your expedition team always offers hikes of varied lengths for different fitness levels and interests. Most hikes will be about 1 to 2 miles. Distances will vary, and often involve an incline or irregular terrain. Shorter walks will always be offered.
Hiking sticks are permitted, and may prove be helpful. They are not provided onboard; however, you are welcome bring along your own.
There are plenty of chances to explore on your own. Walking and hiking options will be offered regularly throughout the expedition. The Lord of the Glens has bicycles on board for you to explore the region and, at times, ride along the waterfront along with the ship. Kayaking is an option in the Caledonian Canal area.
Yes, the ship has an open bridge policy. Guests are welcome to visit the bridge to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation and the extensive equipment located on the bridge. The bridge is always open, unless the captain closes it at his discretion.
All ship accommodations
- Transfers to and from group flights
- All meals aboard ship and most meals ashore except when an itinerary provides an "at your leisure" morning, afternoon, or evening. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate aboard ship.
- A selection of beer, wine and spirits throughout the day are included in the price of your voyage.
- Tips, taxes, port charges, and service charges
- All shore excursions and sightseeing, entrance fees, special access permits.
- Services of our expedition team
- International airfare is always shown as a separate cost since many of our travelers prefer to use frequent flyer miles.
There are never hidden charges, like port charges. Of course, you’ll want to check carefully the inclusions for the journey you’ve selected, but you can rest assured there will be nothing hidden. Activities and shore excursions are included in the cost of every Lindblad-National Geographic expedition. We don't want you to miss out on anything. Many cruise lines charge you extra, often hundreds of dollars, to see the sites that prompted you to book in the first place. With Lindblad-National Geographic, all activities and sightseeing are included—from guided hikes to kayaking. You'll always have the freedom to pick and choose activities as your day unfolds: a long hike, a shorter walk, kayaking, a bicycle ride, or relaxing aboard ship. After all, these are not scheduled tours, these are expeditions. Everyone is different—every day is different.
Scotland is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Foremost, the atmosphere aboard is casual. However, for the farewell dinner, guests may want to have something slightly dressier, although this is entirely optional. Below is a packing list developed by one of our Expedition Leaders:
- Lightweight rain gear, such as waterproof pants and jacket, or a poncho under which you can wear warm pants and a sweater
- Waterproof, well-fitting boots with strong, non-skid soles.
- Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles & good support. Most people find tennis shoes or sneakers suitable. You may want to bring two pairs in case one gets wet.
- Cotton slacks (khakis, jeans, corduroy).
- Short & long-sleeved shirts & blouses.
- Two or three different weight sweaters (one of each).
- Sweatshirts or a fleece outfit and a warm jacket
- Collapsible umbrella.
- Waterproof insect repellent
- Lotions/creams for sun and wind protection.
- Camera, lenses, instruction manual, plenty of memory cards/film, battery charger & extra batteries
- Binoculars
- A small backpack or rucksack: a waterproof bag to hold your camera and/or binoculars
- Travel alarm clock
Ship to shore is our online store, which specializes in the kind of clothing, footwear and accessory items suited to expedition travel.
As you can imagine, the wrong footwear can ruin your travel plans. Good walking shoes such as sneakers are essential.
Transfers are provided to and from the Inverness airport and the Inverness train station. Details about when these transfers depart can be provided for specific dates of travel. If you are not able to take the included transfer, you will be able to take a taxi or private transfer.
The ship moors overnight before disembarkation, so you can depart early in the morning on disembarkation day. You will need to take a taxi to the airport or train station.
While we are not able to book additional hotel nights on your behalf, we recommend the Royal Highland Hotel. The hotel is located near the center of town, and is very close to the train station, where you can pick up the transfer or be dropped off.
