Whilst the vast majority of cruisers usually opt for cruises in Europe and beyond, there are a growing number of holidaymakers that are choosing to take in the many highlights that Britain and Ireland have to offer. You'll soon find that the only way to sample all of the charm, vibrancy and history that is to be found in the UK is to take a cruise.

You'll be simply blown away as you're able to cram months of driving and sightseeing into a two week itinerary that perhaps offers far more to see than cruises further afield. British Isles cruises are a surprisingly excellent option for any traveller who is looking to combine the history and culture of London with the liveliness of Liverpool and the Irish charm of Dublin, as well as the chance to stop at some less visited gems along the way.

The British Isles are so compact and densely populated that time-on-board your ship is minimal, leaving guests to explore the culture, monuments, history, nightlife and breathtaking scenery that Britain and Ireland offer in abundance.

Where else could you find it possible to combine the fantastic Eden Project in Cornwall with the beauty and mystical charm of the Orkney Islands or Outer Hebrides, along with trips to the buzzing party cities of Dublin and Londonderry? You'll also no doubt begin your cruise holiday in London, which as we all know is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the world.

It's unsurprising that London features on almost all British cruise itineraries as there is so much to see and do that you'll no doubt need more than one visit. It's a city of contrasting environments from the political and regal monuments of Westminster to the charm of Hyde Park and the buzzing nightlife of Soho and Camden, it's a must visit even if you have been there before.

Even as you're transported around the coastlines of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in ultimate style and comfort, you'll be treated to some stunning sights such as the epic White Cliffs of Dover and every port you find yourself in will be different from the last.
If you're cruise is heading to Ireland your first port of call will almost always be the magnificent capital city Dublin where it's quite simply impossible not to have a good time.

As you head into Scotland you'll no doubt visit the friendly, cosmopolitan city of Glasgow as well as the enthralling city of Edinburgh, which is filled with fascinating historical and cultural sites. Cruisers are also able to head further north to marvel and absorb the beauty and magnificence of the Scottish countryside.

There are a astonishing number of places that cruises in the British Isles have to offer, and whether you visit Belfast, Liverpool, London or the Lakes, there's more than enough to fill your time and make your holiday a memorable one.

Activities & Excursions

Taking a cruise around the shores of Great Britain and Ireland proves that you don't need to travel far for a cruise holiday experience that offers a whole host of fantastic activities and excursions and there is perhaps no better place to spend a day sightseeing than in London.

Holidaymakers from all over the world travel to England's capital to see some fascinating historical landmarks such as the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and of course Buckingham Palace. If it's cultural enrichment that you're looking for then why not take a trip to the Tate Modern or the Saatchi Gallery? Failing that you could simply soak up some of the city's atmosphere and watch the street entertainment in one of Covent Garden's cafes.

North of the border in Edinburgh you can see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle complete with crown jewels as well as the Royal Mile or the grandeur of Edinburgh Old Town. Elsewhere in Scotland you'll be able to take a walk in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow as well as stop at the Ibrox Stadium or Celtic Park, home to one of football's fiercest rivalries. Arguably the highlights of Scotland are the fantastic Shetland and Orkney Islands where you can see a more traditional Scotland and delve into the country's heritage.

Heading into Ireland you'll get chance to enjoy a pint of Guinness in Dublin and sample the city's fantastic nightlife. As well as this many cruises also take a not to be missed trip to the port of Cobh, which was the Titanic's last port of call before her fateful journey into the Atlantic Ocean.

From the naval port of Southampton to the most northern point of Britain John O'Groats, there are so many fascinating ports to see around the British coastline, and there is no better way to see so many than on a British cruise.

Culture

On-board a cruise around Britain and Ireland will give you a fascinating insight into a nation that boasts a rich cultural heritage that is ready to be explored. From the widely multicultural yet deeply historical capital city of London, to the Gaelic heritage of Dublin and the pagan roots of northern Scotland, you'll see that centuries of cultural development have made Great Britain and Ireland a fascinating and contrasting place to visit.

Weather

The British weather can be notoriously unreliable however with some pleasant and sometimes very hot weather in the summer months, Britain and Ireland cruise holidays are best enjoyed in the summertime. There are some simply fantastic seaside towns and even some stunning beaches where you can enjoy this sunshine but with so much to see and do in every port you'll hardly notice the weather.

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