2 September 2026
Stornoway Port has welcomed SeaDream II on her maiden call to the Outer Hebrides, with Barra-born Captain Michael Macleod at the helm during the luxury yacht’s first visit to the UK.
The 4,333 GT, 104.8-metre vessel arrived in Stornoway on Tuesday, 25 August as part of a SeaDream Yacht Club itinerary through Scotland and the Faroe Islands. SeaDream II carries up to 112 guests in 56 staterooms and suites, supported by a crew of 95.
The visit reflects Stornoway’s growing appeal across different parts of the cruise market, including smaller luxury vessels looking to offer guests direct access to the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway Port provides visiting passengers with easy access to the town and a gateway to the landscape, culture and heritage of Lewis and the wider islands.
Captain Michael Macleod was welcomed to Stornoway by another Macleod, Stornoway Port Chief Executive Alex Macleod. Like Alex, Captain Macleod comes from a long line of Outer Hebridean seafarers.
He left the islands to go to sea at 16, and his career has taken him around the world, from oil tankers, LNG carriers and container vessels to boutique cruise vessels and yachts. He has worked with SeaDream Yacht Club for more than a decade, initially as chief officer and now as Captain of SeaDream II.
Following her Stornoway call, SeaDream II continues through the Scottish islands, including a visit to Captain Macleod’s home island of Barra.
Alex Macleod, Chief Executive, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome SeaDream II to Stornoway and to meet Captain Michael Macleod. There was a nice symmetry in two Macleods marking the yacht’s first visit here, particularly given Michael’s own roots in Barra and the career he has built at sea.
“SeaDream II is also a very good fit for Stornoway. The smaller luxury sector is an important part of the cruise market and we can offer operators a port in the heart of the Outer Hebrides, with passengers able to travel quickly from the ship into Stornoway or further into Lewis.
“That access to the destination is a real strength for us. Whether visitors are exploring Stornoway itself or travelling further afield, they can experience the islands within a relatively short distance of the port. We are very pleased to have welcomed SeaDream II for the first time and hope to see the yacht, and SeaDream Yacht Club, return to Stornoway in future seasons.”
SeaDream Yacht Club operates the twin yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II and specialises in small-ship luxury voyages. SeaDream II has traditionally operated itineraries across destinations including the Mediterranean and Caribbean prior to this maiden visit to the UK.