Discover Exclusive Offers and Special Deals on MSC Cruise Deals
Find a cruise and book cruises direct - no booking fee!
Departure Ports
Departure Ports

Cruises from Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom Cruises

Edinburgh, United Kingdom Cruises

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and the United Kingdom. From medieval to neoclassical styles, its quaint architecture exudes an uncanny charm. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you walk along its marbled streets in its Old Town. There are several critical royal sites in this section of the city, including Holyrood house Palace and Edinburgh Castle, which is home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. At night, sconce gas lamps illuminate the walls, giving them a mysterious aura. While New Town exemplifies a meticulous approach to urban planning, its Old Town is more of a contrast. Several monuments and panoramic views of the city can be seen from Calton Hill, together with Georgian Townhouses, Neoclassical buildings, museums, and galleries.

Highlights of Edinburg

The Royal Mile is a favorite destination for tourists and locals - it offers stunning Georgian architecture, museums, and historic pubs. Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat make good hilltop viewing spots, and Edinburgh's well-maintained parks and gardens are also attractive. The city of Edinburg also offers several other reasons for cruising.

1. Local Cuisine

You must try haggis if you want to experience the taste of Scotland. You cook it inside sheep's stomachs, but it serves as a sausage casing, containing meat (often liver and heart), oats, onions, and spices. Don't feel like experiencing it? A local lamb dish served with daikon radishes and woodruff, a wild herb, can be found at one of the city's upscale farm-to-table restaurants.

2. Shopping

Diagon House or Galaxy is a must-see for Harry Potter fans. The House of Edinburgh is one of many souvenir shops on the Royal Mile where you can buy a tartan or cashmere keepsake. Visit Hannah Zakari during your cruise. Discover indie designer jewelry, prints, and gifts made in the U.S. Hannah Zakari is a great place to visit when you are on your cruise.

Interesting Spots to Visit in Edinburgh

Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland, is a great experience! In addition to discovering its medieval Old Town, which UNESCO has designated as a World Heritage Site, its Georgian New Town is one of the city's most attractive attractions. Other areas may also be worth exploring. Suppose you plan a short one-day visit or a week-long vacation to Edinburgh. In that case, these things to do in Edinburgh are a good starting point for planning your itinerary. 

1. Calton Hill

The view from Calton Hill might appeal to you if you're like the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Calton Hill offers a majestic view of the city below - so bring your camera or charge your phone. The hill is one of the city's top photo spots (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Calton Hill was founded in 1724, making it one of the country's first parks. The high is nicknamed "Athens of the North" because it supports many iconic buildings and monuments. Burns Monument, built in honor of Scottish writer Robert Burns, Nelson Monument, and Edinburgh's Disgrace, was modeled after the Parthenon but never finished.

2. Edinburgh Castle

At the highest point of the city, Edinburgh castle hosts the Edinburgh Tattoo. Since more than 1000 years ago, it has continuously been used. A world-famous landmark and icon of the city, Edinburgh castle dominates the skyline. A complex history can be found associated with this top tourist attraction in Scotland. In some parts of the structure, dating back to 150, there is a portion dating back to the 12th century. As a result of the First World War, the entire castle was completed with the construction of the war memorial. Visitors have access to an audio tour guide.

3. Scotch Whisky Experience

A visit to the Scotch Whiskey Experience on the Royal Mile would not be complete without a dram of fine Scottish whiskey. You can enjoy a variety of tour experiences at the attraction, whether you're a first-timer or a whiskey enthusiast. In a guided sensory presentation, explore the art of whiskey blending in a virtual distillery and learn about the distilling process.

4. The Scott Monument

It features carvings of characters from one of Scotland's best-loved authors, Sir Walter Scott, who was born in 1802. With a height of over 200 feet, the Gothic spire is the world's largest memorial to a writer, standing at the eastern end of Princes Street Gardens. Visit the Museum Room inside the monument to learn more about Scott's life and work, and climb the 287 steps to the top for beautiful city views.

5. Arthur's Seat

The best place for viewing Edinburgh and the surrounding area was (and still is) Arthur's Seat. Arthur's Seat is the most impressive part of the massive (extinct) volcano once standing in Edinburgh (the other parts are Castle Rock and Calton Hill). But the grand mound still exists despite the volcano being long gone. There are no steep hills to climb, and it takes 30 minutes (or less). It can get quite windy on windy days. Make sure you bring a coat.

When to Visit Edinburgh?

As well as several festivals like the Edinburgh International Festival and the International Film Festival, Edinburgh is often busiest between May and August when the weather is mild and warm. The city has various markets and events from November through January, including Burns Night and Christmas markets.

Cruise Inquiry