Check out our Cruises From Edinburgh page if you'd prefer to view cruises leaving from Edinburgh.
Search Deals
Edinburgh Highlights
Amazing City!
Explore Edinburgh's rustic towns and contemporary arts for the ultimate cultural fulfillment.
Featured Cruises to Edinburgh
Overview
Destinations
Destination Calendar
Cruise Lines
Attractions
Weather
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a wonderful destination to include on your next cruise vacation in Europe. With so many things to do and see, you might consider fitting an extra day or two in the city into your vacation if you're taking a cruise that starts in Edinburgh. Featuring a historic old town, medieval castles, whiskey distilleries, golf courses, cutting edge art and culture, and much more, you will never fall short of wonder at the city of Edinburgh. Discover dramatic volcanic peaks, century-old palaces, fascinating history museums, parks, zoos, famous landmarks, and so much more! If you’re visiting in August, you’ll also have the chance to attend one of their renowned art festivals as well, as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The city center is very walkable, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of arranging public transportation. Plus, you’ll come across a diverse culinary scene, plenty of hotels, and as many opportunities to explore as you desire.
A great time to visit Edinburgh is between June and August, as that is when its most temperate weather can often be experienced.
American Discount Vacations is proud to offer the best deals possible on all cruises from Edinburgh. Backed by our "Low Price Guarantee," and powered by our team of expert travel agents, we're sure to exceed your expectations when booking your next cruise departing from Edinburgh!
Destinations for Cruises to Edinburgh
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Edinburgh. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
Make a selection below to view the cruises available during that month in that destination.
Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Edinburgh
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Edinburgh. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Edinburgh:
Filters:
SHOW ALL
luxury
specialty
river
deluxe
premium
mainstream
Learn More
Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
Learn More
Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
Learn More
River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
Learn More
Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
Learn More
Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
Learn More
Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a "luxe-adventure" cruise line with intimate yachts, offering bucket-list trips to the world's most sought-after and remote destinations inaccessible to larger ships. Aboard its well-constructed vessels designed to deliver the ideal excursion experience while optimizing fuel efficiency, guests can explore Iceland and Greenland, the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords, and Antarctica or focus on cultural expeditions to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and South America. The company's "Always Included" promise means you won't pay on board for dining, specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and much more!
An award-winning river cruise line, Avalon Waterways offers luxury river cruises throughout the rivers of Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and South America, including the Galapagos Islands. Their ships are among the youngest and most innovative in the river cruising industry. They feature spacious accommodations, fantastic cuisine, and captivating itineraries. As a part of the Globus family of brands, many of Avalon's cruises can be combined with a Globus land package, creating a truly unique vacation package. Thanks to Avalon Waterways' relationship with Globus, they can offer inspired enrichment on their cruises through guided sightseeing tours, daily port lectures, and VIP access to key destinations.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are now available on most Celebrity ships. Canyon Ranch, one of the world’s leading spa and wellness brands, has partnered with Celebrity to bring you the indulgent Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard ten of their state-of-the-art ships. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Cunard's glorious ocean liners are floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They are the quintessence of luxury travel. With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination. There are currently four vessels in the Cunard fleet: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and their flagship, Queen Mary 2. Regardless of which one you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel with fabulous food, entertainment & service.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demonst
For nearly 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been taking their guests on expedition style trips around the world. Through their alliance with National Geographic, they're able to provide a unique variety of special features on their cruises. For instance, all Lindblad expeditions are joined by National Geographic experts, and their guests may be able to use state-of-the-art equipment including bow cameras, ROVs, kayaks, undersea cameras, hydrophones, video-microscopes, crittercams. Some of the destinations offered by Lindblad Expeditions are the exotic Galapagos Islands, Egypt, Alaska, South America, Antarctica, the Mexican Riviera, and Europe.
MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise line with a strong and growing presence in North America and is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With 23 ships and over 250 destinations to choose from, guests can enjoy beautifully designed ships with a diverse guest mix. MSC Cruises sails year-round from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City, and Galveston starting November 2025. Many itineraries include late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas. For guests wanting privacy and luxury, most U.S. ships offer the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive sanctuary at the top of the ship only accessible by key card. MSC Cruises is a great vacation choice for families, with many activities and expansive kids' clubs for kids of all ages. In April 2025, MSC Cruises' newest flagship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. Beauty and discovery await with MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising, aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a slew of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages, and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations, designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a 5-star luxury cruise line, providing all-inclusive river and ocean journeys through Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Scenic Luxury provides award-winning service and exceeds expectations of comfort and luxury with a small ship experience. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has a diverse selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you want to explore land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included aboard their Space-Ships. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Seabourn is one of the world's most luxurious cruise lines, offering state of the art amenities such as complimentary welcome champagne, open bars, complimentary gourmet dining and personalized service. Since its founding, Seabourn's ultra-luxury ships have consistently ranked among the very best vacation experiences in surveys, polls and the annual honors lists of international guidebooks and travel critics. New for Seabourn in May 2018 was Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to the innovative Seabourn Encore.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
For those seeking to combine the best of both luxury and adventure cruising, look no further than Silversea's expedition ships. These magnificent vessels sail to some of the most exotic locales in the world. Guests can enjoy 5-star service, as they view penguins in the Arctic, sip on champagne while searching for humpback whales in the Pacific Northwest, or even get professional hot stone massages while discovering the untouched nature of the Galapagos. Silversea Expeditions will help you see the world in a whole new way, without having to compromise comfort and service.
One of the world's leaders in premium land tours also offers fantastic river cruises in Europe, as well as small ship cruises. Their luxurious Tauck River Cruising fleet sails in some of the most famous rivers in the world, such as the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Seine. Tauck Cruises' small ship fleet provides expedition and cultural journey cruises worldwide. Every one of their river cruises is all-inclusive, providing guests with a great value, pairing fantastically with their intimate, club-like onboard atmosphere and the uncommon access they get their guests via exclusive cultural experiences on their included excursions ashore.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and now consists of 11 vessels, with 2 more sister ships to follow in 2025-2026. Itineraries include 8- to 32-day adventures all over Europe and the Mediterranean all year round and exclusive voyages to China and Japan in the fall plus World Cruises that can last 121 to 138 days. All staterooms on Viking ocean ships have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the p
Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line by Sir Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group companies Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines. This adults-only (18+) cruise line sails to unique ports in the Caribbean, including Miami, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, and Virgin's privately-owned beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, as well as Europe. Virgin Voyages showcases offbeat entertainment, high-tech environments, and inclusive fares that make vacationing easier than ever.
Windstar was created with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path and pampering without pretense, they sail to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships can't access. Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts and three power yachts throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
View
cruise deals on Windstar Cruises to Edinburgh
Things to do near Edinburgh
These are just a few of the more popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh, along with a brief description:
♦ Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most scenic and highly-rated attractions in the city. Among some of the highlights of this iconic landmark include The Great Hall, Royal Palace, Stone of Density, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Half Moon Battery, and National War Museum. You can also see original weaponry, such as the Mons Meg siege gun and the One o’Clock Gun (still fired daily at 1PM except on Sundays and select holidays, subject to change). You can also tour the recreated Prisons of War, where pirates and prisoners were once held during the 17 and 1800s. You can choose to explore Edinburgh Castle on your own or sign up for a guided tour to ensure that you don’t miss any of the best highlights. Additionally, you can enjoy a meal in the on-site café, or experience Afternoon Tea in the castle’s tea rooms (reservations are required).
♦ National Museum of Scotland
Another top-rated attraction Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is where you can get the best dose of Scottish history. You can view over a thousand artifacts and memorabilia in this museum’s many galleries. It’s a great way to learn about numerous aspects of Scottish history without having to jump from one museum to the other! Discover artifacts from the times of the Celtics, Romans, and Vikings, as well as preserved animal skeletons, jewelry that once belonged to the Queen, and even meet Dolly the Sheet, the world’s first cloned mammal. Kids will love the many interactive exhibits, such as the Energy Wheel (also known as a human hamster wheel), an F1 racecar simulator, and chance to dress up in historical clothes. Guided tours of the museum are available, or you can choose to explore the many exhibits yourself.
♦ The Scotch Whisky Experience
If you’re fond of whisky or simply interested in a unique experience, then consider paying a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience! A tour will not only grant you the ability to discover the many different kinds of whisky, but you will also learn much about the drink’s history through its success today. Among some of the highlights include a barrel ride (where you can learn about the whisky-making process), a chance to see the world’s largest Scotch Whisky vault, and curated tastings. If you’re looking for an interactive experience that captivates all of your senses, this is it!
Average Monthly Weather for Edinburgh
Temperature
Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
View All Tour Deals
