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Princess Cruises - British Isles Cruise

During one of Princess Cruises' British Isles itineraries, you'll have the opportunity to take in some of Europe's most spectacular natural beauties. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of adventure and exploration opportunities in the British Isles. Take an invigorating hike through the Lake District, explore the Scottish Highlands on a guided tour, or kayak along the serene Irish coastline. Off-board activities might include biking through quaint countryside trails, exploring the picturesque Isle of Skye, or even indulging in a round of golf at one of the many world-class golf courses the region boasts.

Onboard a Princess Cruises ship, you'll discover a wealth of amenities and services that cater to every interest. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at specialty restaurants, unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments, or relax by the pool while admiring the stunning views. The ships offer a range of entertainment options, including live performances, music shows, and enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations and art classes. Fitness enthusiasts can stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness centers, and those seeking relaxation can find tranquility in the onboard retreats and lounges. Enjoy the independence and flexibility that comes along with traveling with Princess Cruises as you make your way through British Isles region , where you'll get to see a wide range of different cultures, magnificent palaces, historical sites, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The British Isles are a tapestry of cultures and history, each with its unique charm. Delve into the rich Celtic traditions of Ireland and Scotland, discover the influence of Viking and Roman invasions on the region's culture, and learn about the profound impact of the Industrial Revolution on these isles. Each port of call offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, whether it's enjoying a traditional music session in an Irish pub or exploring the works of the literary giants who found inspiration in these lands.

Princess Cruises British Isles Cruise Schedule

British Isles cruises are the ideal way to see the world and you can see a selection of these cruises from Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises have an exciting range of cruises from the British Isles to incredible Northern Lights and the magnificent Norwegian fjords and Scandinavia, via the Baltic States and Russia, all of which can be enjoyed without having to travel too far to join your cruise ship.

12-day British Isles cruise from Southampton

Regal princess, princess cruises.

Date: May 3, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Greenock, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: May 15, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Belfast, Greenock, Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: May 27, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Isle of Portland, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, Greenock, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: June 8, 2024

Date: June 20, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Greenock, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: July 2, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Isle of Portland, Cork, Dublin, Greenock, Kirkwall, Inverness, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: July 14, 2024

Date: July 26, 2024

Date: August 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, Greenock, Greenock, Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: August 19, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, Greenock, Greenock, Inverness, Edinburgh, Le Havre, Southampton; View Itinerary

14-day British Isles cruise from Southampton

Caribbean princess, princess cruises.

Date: August 29, 2024

Ports of Call: Southampton, Falmouth, Cork, Holyhead, Belfast, Greenock, Isle of Lewis, Inverness, Edinburgh, Isle of Portland, Southampton; View Itinerary

Date: August 31, 2024

Date: September 12, 2024

Date: September 24, 2024

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Princess Cruises website.

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British Isles

The British Isles, also referred to as the British and Irish Isles, is a collection of islands off the mainland of Europe consisting of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and Ireland, and a number of adjacent smaller islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Cruises to the British Isles allow travelers a wonderful opportunity to explore in depth the region's beautiful countryside while visiting notable European cities and famous historic sites along the way.

Tour famous cities like London, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow, featuring extraordinary castles, unique architecture and world-class museums that showcase some of the world's most amazing art and historical artifacts. Dock in Invergordon, the gateway to Inverness and legendary Loch Ness, or become acquainted with the lesser-known islands like the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, and Shetland and Channel Islands.

• British Isles cruises sail from April through October.
• British Isles cruises are typically 5 to 14 nights in length, but longer cruises are offered.
• London is the most common departure port for a British Isles cruise, but you may also sail from Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, and other European cities. If you must fly a very long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your British Isles cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

British Isles Cruise with Princess Cruises (Review) Experience

British Isles Cruise – The UK and Ireland are known for their beautiful landscapes that are picture-perfect. I recently went cruising with Princess Cruises onboard the MS Royal Princess on a British Isles cruise. I still consider myself a newbie to the world of cruising .

I will tell you one thing, it’s a different world travelling on the sea and Princess Cruises just gave me a wonderful experience for a first-time cruiser to make it more relaxed and fun!

I keep telling my friends from abroad that when they want to visit the UK that there is more to see and experience in the UK than just London. Another way of exploring the UK is through the sea on the best cruise lines with the best cruise ship packages onboard. 

Read More:  Best UK Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks

The British Isles are composed of Great Britain and Ireland and little tiny islands dotted around the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea and the English Channel. Seeing the British Isles from the sea (cruising) will give you a different sense of perspective on travelling.

Princess Cruise Lines has 18 cruise liners in its fleet that offers a variety of premium and luxury services for different clientele and markets. Princess Cruises serves a wide array of cruising experiences that deliver the best cruise lines for couples and families, there is always something to do for all ages.

Read More:  Things to do on a Cruise Ship Especially on a Sea Day (Royal Princess)

Royal Princess is the Princess Cruises flagship and it embodies the Princess Cruises style and elegance, as well as British culture . The ship’s godmother is the Duchess of Cambridge, thus you can see find a commemoration nook about the ship’s christening near the reception.

• British Isles Cruise itinerary

Ports of Call

My balcony cabin, fun facts about royal princess:, all day dining and specialty restaurants, our bridge tour.

• Entertainment and Shore Excursions

Pool, Sports and Spa

• Does Princess Cruises have hair dryers?

Can you smoke on Princess Cruises?

• Does Princess Cruises offer drink packages?

Does Princess Cruises have Wi-Fi?

• What are Princess Cruises prohibited items?

Do you have to pay gratuities on Princess Cruises?

• Princess Cruises laundry prices

British Isles Cruise itinerary  

Appreciating the beautiful landscape that is just on my doorstep is often something overlooked. I was invited by Princess Cruises to go onboard the Royal Princess around the British Isles.

I was super delighted with this offer and excited to experience everything first-hand. As a first-time cruiser, I had a mix of emotions and excitement not knowing what to expect. As I’m not familiar with the cruising drill yet! I find it so convenient to ease me into cruising because it is one of the popular cruises from UK .

We were also very lucky with the weather. The sun came out to greet us for the whole duration of our cruise. Yes, it was so sunny in Scotland!

English weather has its reputation for being erratic and miserable, however, during our cruise, it was a completely different story!  The sun was out and it was blissful sunny weather in each port of call.

During our British Isles cruise, I saw the rugged limestone cliffs that paint the picturesque beauty of the British landscape. Each port of call opens up another window to show us a glimpse of their heritage and culture.

Living in the UK for a decade and actively travelling around the country made me realise that there is more to see in the British Isles and it’s just on my doorstep.

Here are the ports of call for the British Isles cruise that I did with Princess Cruises. I joined the Royal Princess and embarked on my 6-day cruise from Dublin to Edinburgh .

• Southampton (England)
• Cork (Ireland)
• Dublin (Ireland) — This is where I joined the cruise.
• Belfast (Northern Ireland
• Greenock (Scotland)
• Inverness (Scotland)
• Edinburgh (Scotland)

Here is the screenshot of my cruise personaliser where you can manage all the things you might need to enhance your cruise experiences like getting your drinks packages, shore excursions, spa appointments and Wi-fi.

Passenger Life onboard Royal Princess

The Balcony cabin where I stayed in Royal Princess exceeded my expectations and more.

My cabin was like a proper land-based hotel room. The cabin is spacious with a double bed, dressing table, cabinets, fridge, TV, shower and toilet. See more of the photos below:

The balcony is equipped with seats and a table and is just enough size for two people.  It was my favourite part of the cabin. The mattress is so comfortable and spacious. It definitely helped me sleep like a baby this bed certainly made me feel at home in my cabin.

For a first-time cruiser on this type of ship, the premium top-class quality of service that I received during my cruise with Princess Cruises really converted me to how I see cruising and life onboard.

Royal Princess is like a floating city and it’s more than just a hotel or merely a cruise ship!  I now understand why people see cruise ships as their second home. People on board from staff to your fellow passengers will make you feel at ease and relaxed. Everyone has cheerful vibes and smiles!

To construct Royal Princess it took:

•   3 million man hours
• 37,000 tons of steel More than 3 times the amount of steel in Los Angeles’ Disney Concert Hall
• 4,000 km (2,484 miles) of electrical cable Enough to travel between the company’s offices near Los Angeles, Calif. and New York City
• 360,000 liters (95,000 gallons) of paint More than twice what is reportedly used per year on the Golden Gate Bridge
• 200 tons of marble More than 30 times the amount of marble in Michelangelo’s famous David statues.

There are 16 food outlets onboard that range from all-day dining, buffet, snacks bar and speciality restaurants. You will never be hungry onboard!

The delightful treats, food and drinks are just within your reach in every corner of the ship. Everything is made fresh on board by the skilled hands of the chefs that work tirelessly to deliver these yummy delectable delights onboard. All the main meals are included in the price of your cruise, and that is pretty much the majority of the restaurants onboard.

If you want to have a little fancy evening meal, you can then book a sumptuous dinner in any of the speciality restaurants onboard with an additional cover charge on top of your bill.

You can pre-book this in advance before your cruise, or book on the day of your embarkation. Book it as soon as possible, as they can get pretty full and busy.

I highly recommend the steakhouse onboard – Crown Grill . Oh, their steak is definitely the best I have ever had in my life! Food outlets onboard typically serve the most popular British food to give the passengers an extra taste of the British Isles.

On the beverage side, the bars onboard are particularly lively in the evening with the live band and the passengers are looking their best with their fancy frocks.

Drinks are overflowing with your favourite ale, fancy wine and refreshing cocktails and at the Sea View bar, you can also enjoy the talented bartenders with their cocktail-making flair show!

We were honoured to have the chance to visit the galley, where all the food magic happens.

Welcomed and escorted by the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Manager of Royal Princess, they showed us around the galley and explained how the food preparation flows from the soup kitchen, pastry kitchen, main kitchen and up to the food service stations.

Everything works like clockwork and is meticulously planned months in advance and executed with precision from the sourcing of the fresh produce, preparation, cooking and serving of the food.

This is one of the great tours that we did onboard Royal Princess during our British Isles cruise.

It was not my first time visiting the bridge of a ship, however, it was my first time checking out the bridge on a gigantic cruise ship like Royal Princess. The officers explained to us how they manoeuvre the ship and how to dock it. If you are into technical nautical stuff this is pretty interesting!

The ship uses a lot of very sophisticated radar technology to make sure the optimum safety and precision of everything onboard. The officers also briefed us on different cruise ship drills and procedures on how they run things on the cruise ship.

Royal Princess has:

• A top speed of 23 knots Equal to 26.5 miles per hour
• 15,000KW of transverse (sideways) thruster power The original Love Boat,  Pacific Princess  had a forward propulsion power of about 13,500KW. So Royal Princess can go faster sideways than that ship could travel forward.
• An anchor that weighs 14 tons
• The Sea Walk glass is 28mm (1.1 inches) thick More than 4 times thicker than the average car windshield glass

Entertainment and Shore Excursions  

You can never run out of things to do on a cruise ship and onshore!

On-Board Entertainment

Royal Princess has a wide variety of onboard entertainment that will surely keep you engaged and entertained, whatever your interests or age might be!

At first, I was a bit sceptical about the activities onboard.  The silly naïve me thought that cruising can be boring and not for an outgoing type.  Well, I was wrong!

The ship is massive and still can’t believe that I can manage to clock in around 10,000 steps just by walking around the ship and checking out different venues of activities and entertainment.

I honestly can’t fathom how many events and activities were going on onboard, especially on a Sea Day where everyone is on board!

In Royal Princess, the majority of the entertainment and activities can be found in the midship atrium area from Decks 5 to 7.

You can find the various activities and entertainment on board of Royal Princess here.

And if you fancy just staying in the comfort of your own cabin, the entertainment can be your great selection of films on your tv.  Wi-Fi is also available onboard, but it can be pricey, so use it wisely.

Shore Excursions

Everyone is looking forward to some great shore excursions when the cruise ship docks at a new port. It is one of the main activities when you go cruising unless you are a DIY person who prefers to do everything at your own pace and arrange it yourself.

Joining Shore excursions are fun and convenient and it can be arranged in advance or just head to the Shore Excursions desk. The group tours tend to be a bit cheaper than the private ones and of course, groups tend to go at a slower pace due to the volume of fellow passengers that are travelling with you during the excursions.

The private tours, on the other hand, are on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. The flexibility and convenience are definitely worth the price not to mention that you can also personalise your shore excursions if you have decided to go for a private tour (as long as you have enough time to do so).

During the British Isles cruise, all our shore excursions are on private tours so we managed to beat all the queues. So if you have the extra cash, I would recommend the private tours but it doesn’t mean that group tours would be less appealing as you will be visiting the same tour highlights.

Read More:  Shore Excursions: Cruising Tips for First Time Cruisers

If you want to hide and relax from it all, “The Sanctuary” on Deck 17 of Royal Princess is the best place to be.

It’s like having your own private nook with a few fine touches. You can either have your own sunbed or even have your own private cabana for the whole duration of your cruise or for a day! Best of all, it’s only for adults.

Just make sure to keep the noise down, relaxation is going on!

Royal Princess recreational facilities (gym, swimming pool, jogging track, lawn court and much more) are located on Decks 16 to 19 of the ship and the Lotus Spa is located on Deck 5 near the reception and shore excursion desks.

While onboard I tried a superb relaxing spa service from Lotus Spa, I opted for the 1-hour Bamboo Massage.

It was my first time trying the bamboo massage as I thought it was something different and I had never tried it before. I made a little research to make sure that I won’t be getting any surprises during the spa session.

On the day of our spa appointment, we filled out a standard assessment form and then chilled out in the waiting lounge while waiting for our therapist.

The Lotus Spa has its own bathrobes, towels and locker room so if you have to change your clothing or use your own bathrobes, that is perfectly fine. The spa treatment can be summed up in a few words, it is so relaxing and wonderful!

I must say that it is one of my most awaited onboard experiences.  I love being pampered and of course, while onboard will be the best time to do it, maybe during a sea day, just like ours.

Typically, my back gets so tender after a massage but thank goodness for the anti-inflammatory gel that they put on my back after the session, it does make a big difference.  No aching and tenderness for me! I’m such a happy girl after my massage session.

Our pampering session didn’t stop there, we also tried “The Enclave”, a thermal suite after our treatment.   It has some neat heated and water beds, a sauna, hammam, thermal pool and sensory showers.

It’s a great place to wind down after the relaxing spa treatment at the Lotus Spa.

FAQ on Royal Princess and Princess Cruises

Does princess cruises have hair dryers .

Yes. It is located on the right-hand side drawer of the dressing table.

Yes. The Churchill Lounge is the specific area where you smoke on board.

Does Princess Cruises offer drink packages? 

Yes. Princess Cruises has various drinks packages to offer onboard.  From different wine, whiskey and cocktail masterclass tasting experiences up to daily charge beverages are all available.

The most common packages are the: New Grounds – $36USD per card, for all the coffee lovers. Unlimited Soda & More – $8.05/person/day, for unlimited soft drinks, mocktails, juices and complimentary hot chocolate on board. Premier Package – $59.99/person/day, for cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, varieties of tea , soda, specialty coffees, and more. You can pre-book these drink packages on your cruise personalizer.

Yes. There is chargeable Wi-Fi access onboard.  Various satellite Internet packages are on offer on various plans: 600 Minutes – $199.00 400 Minutes – $159.00 200 Minutes – $99.00 100 Minutes – $69.00 Pay as you go Plan (Per Minute) – $0.79 Wi-Fi signal can be temperamental. It can depend on where you are onboard, plus it can depend on where you are at sea. So make sure to turn off your network data on your mobile to avoid an unnecessary hefty bill. The maritime internet is so expensive! Just keep your phone in aeroplane mode.

What are Princess Cruises prohibited items? 

Here is the list of the prohibited items on board .

An optional gratuity will be automatically charged to your account per person on a daily basis depending on your cabin. You can check this on your cruise personaliser.

Princess Cruises laundry prices 

Yes, there are laundry services on board. You can also use self-service laundrettes and iron and ironing boards are also available and can be found on each cabin deck.

The rates for the self-service laundry are: $3 for washing, $3 for drying and free of charge for using the iron and ironing board.

Overall, I had a truly wonderful experience on our British Isles cruise onboard Royal Princess. The Premium services of Princess Cruises really made the trip special and matched an incredible itinerary around the British Isles. They are truly true to their word that you will “Come Back New” .

Have you cruised with Princess Cruises or been on British Isles Cruise before? Would love to hear about your experience too!

Special thanks and disclaimer: I have been invited to join and experience the British Isles Cruise of the Princess Cruises UK PR Media Team to share my personal experience onboard. All opinions and words in this post are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryazan Tristram

Ryazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.

20 thoughts on “British Isles Cruise with Princess Cruises (Review) Experience”

Looks like an interesting itinerary and ship. Although I’ve sailed on several different cruise lines, I’ve not yet been on Princess. Bridge tours are definitely fascinating; on Celebrity Eclipse, they showed us how there’s a glass floor on the wing of the bridge to help them check things out when berthing. I’m not surprised at all with your step count; despite all the great food onboard, I always seem to come home lighter – probably due to mainly sailing big ships, the gym, and plenty of walking ashore.

Yes, it was a great cruise around the British Isles. Surprisingly we had plenty of sunshine as well. It was totally exciting to visiting the bridge and getting new maritime knowledge from the officers.

A great experience you had there! 🙂 I’ve never been on any cruise in my life, yet. Love how you makes your writing interesting. But the Wi-Fi charges are quite expensive, or those are standard charges on cruises?

Yes, the wifi onboard are pretty reasonable compared to the hefty maritime internet.

Cruises are not my type of vacations, I get seasick almost instantly and it makes the whole trip a nightmare. 🙁

Oh dear! So sorry for you. Have you tried taking some seasick tabs they are pretty effective.

Cruises are not my type of vacation since I get seasick almost instantly. The spa section looks great!

I have never been on a cruise (I think, if a high school trip on a boat to Greece doesn’t count as a cruise), and I am not a fan- but the circle you did goes around all the regions I want to visit! Especially Scotland in the sunny weather (and I don’t know why everyone accuses British weather to be miserable, I’ve been to England twice in October, and the weather was pretty nice actually!). Also, didn’t know that the maritime Internet was so expensive, which is maybe a good thing, to completely switch off during your 6 days of cruising.

Oh! You should try it once. It’s a great fun. The British weather is very temperamental, but we were so lucky to have a glorious weather on this cruise.

It sounds like you had a fabulous cruise. Imagine Scotland being sunny! I spent 18 months in the UK and can practically count the number of sunny days on both hands haha. I have never been on a cruise before but this looks like a perfect one, docking at some beautiful places. I also like how you included lots of facts throughout your post. It made it really interesting to read.

This itinerary looks amazing. It literally hits every spot! I’ve only been to London so far (simply because of time restraints every time) but would LOVE to see more (especially the Channel Islands). Definitely adding this to my bucket list. P.S. I originally hail from Ryazan! How did you end up with this name??

I have never been on a cruise but it is something that I have always wanted to try at least once. Royal Princess and Princess Cruises sounds ideally to me. I could definitely do the British Isles and go through the English Channel. I also love the idea of the different drink packages that they have available.

We’re not fans of cruises because we prefer to be on land than on water, but I must say that the itinerary seems interesting! Also I’m surprised to see how large the rooms are on the Royal Princess!

I’ve never really considered the British Isles as a place for a cruise, but that itinerary really peaked my interest! And you’re so lucky you got some sunny days out there. Your balcony room looked so lovely and comfy – between that and the spa it seems like you could be content even if you weren’t blessed with such great weather! I’m not big on cruises, but I do definitely prefer the DIY route for onshore excursions, what about you? What was your favorite stop on the itinerary?

Sounds like a wonderful trip and a unique way to see the British Isles. No better way than on the ship that’s godmother is the duchess, herself. I have not cruised before, but these pictures makes me wan to change that. It looks like a luxury hotel.

Looks like a wonderful trip ; and no better way to see the British Isles than on the ship whose godmother is the duchess herself. I have not cruised before, but this makes me want to. It looks like a luxury hotel.

WHAT TIME OF YEAR DID YOU CRUISE?

Hi Debra, We cruised the British Isles around May. 🙂

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10 Night Ireland & Scotland

Find out how crowded are ports - cruise ship traffic during this voyage. Click on each port for more details.

Southampton, England

Portland, England

Guernsey, Channel Islands

Cork, Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

Liverpool, England

Holyhead, Wales

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CASTLES, COTTAGES, & COUNTRYSIDES

British isles cruises.

Experience urban adventure and rural beauty with a cruise to the British Isles.

History is everywhere you look in the British Isles. The region is home to legendary villages, thatched-roof houses and scores of castles, churches and colleges from centuries past. Cruise to the British Isles to check out the Titanic Belfast monument in Northern Ireland, with its interactive galleries and impressive structure on the old shipyard. Find your craic (Gaelic for "fun") in Ireland amid rolling green hills and local pubs. See the Scottish Highlands, home to the mysterious sites of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom's highest peak. If you enjoy city buzz more than country charm, make your way to the Isles' metropolitan epicenter of London and see Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge. Discover the magic with a British-isles cruise.

Save Big With These British Isles Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with British Isles cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.

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Country Charm

The British Isles are known for their gorgeous green countryside, which is home to world-renowned natural attractions, historic towns and a plethora of castles. Step outside the city and see what else these countries have to offer during your vacation onboard the best British Isles cruises.  

Say Yes to Loch Ness

Get your ocean views at the coastal Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, spot the notorious Loch Ness Monster in the Scottish Highlands, and hike through the mountainous Lake District in England's countryside.

A Royally Good Time

Transport yourself to the era of knights and ladies by exploring the many medieval castles of the British Isles. Visit the British Isles to see Scotland's Edinburgh and Eilean Donan Castles, Ireland's Blarney Castle and the royal Windsor Castle in England.

The Grass is Greener

For a taste of local country life, visit the Cotswolds in England, Portree on the Isle of Skye and Ireland's colorful Cobh, which are home to medieval cottages, stunning landscapes and locally owned pubs and shops.

City Slicker

If you're seeking an adventure that includes quiet countrysides, vibrant cities and cultural hubs, explore Ireland, England and Scotland on a British Isles cruise.  

From Pints to Palaces

Each capital city is home to many unique sites, such as The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, which stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace (with many shops and restaurants in between), and Dublin's Guinness Storehouse, where you can sip on a pint of Ireland's famous beer while sitting on a rooftop.

Try one of the walking tours operating daily in all capital cities. These are some of the easiest ways to see the top sites in London: Stroll from the medieval Tower of London to nearby St. Paul's Cathedral in all its Baroque grandeur.

This culturally rich area offers a variety of museums, including the National Gallery, the British Museum and the National History Museum in London. In Edinburgh, check out the National Museum of Scotland, where you can see everything from giant T.Rex fossils to medieval tapestries.

BEST BRITISH ISLES CRUISES

A cruise to British Isles is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the British Isles onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

ENCHANTED BY IRELAND

Arriving in Ireland, you'll fall in love with the endless green hills, friendly local pubs and historic attractions of cities like Dublin .

ENAMORED WITH ENGLAND

There's something for everyone in England — whether you prefer metropolitan meccas like London or the quiet countryside of the Cotswolds.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO British-Isles Cruises Insider

Because of its island climate, the British Isles don't get quite as warm in the summer or quite as cold in the winter as elsewhere in Europe. People love to visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is usually warm and dry.

Of course, British weather is known to be temperamental, and rain is frequent. Pack layers even if you're visiting in summer, as the evenings can get cool, and bring a waterproof jacket and outerwear regardless of the season.

You can find longer 12 night sailings around the British Isles from Amsterdam, Netherlands and shorter sampling sailings out of Southampton, England .

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FOR FOODIE'S A CUISINE OF COMFORT

Each country in the British Isles is known for its signature pub grub and comfort food dishes. These hearty and predominantly meaty meals keep locals warm in a region known for its bracing weather.

Stir the Pot

Made from slow-cooked meat — typically lamb or beef — and root vegetables such as potatoes, onions and carrots, a bowl of Irish stew with a side of crusty bread is only made better when washed down with a pint of Guinness.

The Proof's in the Pudding

Typically served on Sundays, a traditional British roast usually includes roast beef, roast potatoes, a side of vegetables and Yorkshire pudding, a baked pudding often served with gravy. Head to a London pub to tuck into this English tradition.

The O.G. Fish and Chips

Across the British Isles, you'll find thousands of restaurants and shops exclusively serving fish and chips, which first appeared in England in the 1860s. Flaky, tender white fish is deep-fried in a thin, crunchy layer of batter and served alongside thick-cut fried potatoes and "mushy" peas, as the locals call them, which are blended with cream or occasionally ultra-rich bone marrow.

RELATED PORTS

There are many ports to visit across the British Isles, from Holyhead in Wales, to Lerwick in the remote part of Scotland, to bustling Belfast in Northern Ireland. Fortunately, the British-isles cruise ports are a combination of both urban and rural destinations, so you can choose whatever suits your cruise style.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Holyhead, Wales

Dover, England

Dublin, Ireland

Edinburgh (S. Queensferry), Scotland

Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland

Inverness / Loch Ness, Scotland

Lerwick / Shetland, Scotland

Edinburgh (Newhaven), Scotland

St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Southampton, England

Waterford (Dunmore East), Ireland

Liverpool, England

Related Destinations

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Cruises to Ireland and Scotland

Fascinating history and pastoral landscapes await.

On a cruise to Ireland and Scotland, take in the wonderfully contrasting scenery, from Ireland’s lush, rolling countryside to Scotland’s much starker beauty, where mountains slope down to serene lochs, inlets from the sea carved by ancient glaciers. 

This corner of Europe is packed with culture and history, both ancient and more recent. In Scotland, you’ll come across grand, turreted castles and atmospheric ruins, as well as cosmopolitan cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh, each with world-class art galleries. In Ireland, you’ll find history shaped by everything from the Vikings to the golden age of shipbuilding. Don’t forget those famously cozy pubs—the perfect setting for sampling a pint of Guinness.

Itineraries

Featured ports of call, belfast, ireland.

Dynamic Belfast, once famed as a community divided by “The Troubles”, has reinvented itself as a thriving, modern city with a bustling waterfront, grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a lively pub scene. Take a city tour to see the vivid street art on the Peace Wall, and explore the superb Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner. Or head to the Giant’s Causeway, an expanse of 40,000 basalt columns on the wild Atlantic coast, created by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Glasgow, Scotland

As well as being a center of imposing Victorian architecture, the buzzing university city of Glasgow is rich in culture, from the priceless art of Kelvingrove to the archaeological treasures of the Burrell Collection. Edinburgh is just over an hour away, and you’re also close to serene Loch Lomond and the forested mountains of the Trossachs National Park. The shopping in Glasgow is superb, whether you’re in the market for tartan, Scottish whisky and craft gin, or your own set of bagpipes.

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Immerse yourself in the medieval history and Gothic architecture of enchanting Cork. Visit romantic Blarney Castle, a 15th-century fortress with beautiful gardens, and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone to be granted the “gift of the gab”. Sample the famed Jameson Irish Whiskey, shop for exquisite Waterford Crystal, and get a taste of life in Victorian times on a tour of the imposing Muckross House, located deep in the verdant countryside.

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