Why cruise around Britain………..

Over the last couple of years I have sent many passengers on cruises around Britain. Whilst booking almost every passenger has made a joke saying  ‘thought we’d try it but we’re not expecting much’ or ‘we’re so bored of cruising the Med, this is what it has come to’. On returning passengers have contacted me to tell me what a fantastic time they’ve had, and on many occasions it was without doubt ‘One of the best cruises we’ve ever done ‘.

I would definitely do this itinerary given the chance, having lived in many different Countries for 10 years I always planned to come back to settle in the UK, and love nothing more than exploring new places when I get a weekend off.

A customer recently contacted me as they were having trouble uploading their on-line review, they wanted to let cruisers know what a fantastic time they had on a recent cruise on the Emerald Princess. Having read their feedback It just confirmed once again that this itinerary should definitely be on the ‘Bucket list’ of all cruisers.

Here’s some of their best bits………

St. Peter Port…..We have called in here a few times ….so we decided to take the Tour to the Island of Sark.  No cars, horse drawn carriage transport. A stop at the wonderful garden in the middle of the island..WOW

Cobh…. Took a tour To Killarney via superb countryside and part of the Ring of Kerry. There was a suitable comfort stop for coffee and biscuits in the sweet colourful town Macroom. Lunch was in Killarney after our visit to Muckross House and garden. Back to the ship to the most wonderful send off by the people of Cobh their band and ladies in costume of Titanic era who were around most of the afternoon at the tea room by the ship.

Dublin…..What a perfect day. Blue skies, little white puffy clouds, reflections in the sea of the harbour and ships. We visited Powers Court House and Garden,  it was superb. Along with a tour by coach of Dublin with a real good guide. The 2 hours in Grafton Street to feel the atmosphere and take in a half of Guinness !!

Greenock….  Loch Lomond. Comfort stop here and time to take in the local village of Luss, it was quaint and lovely with small Church and gardens in cottages. We passed through lovely countryside stopped at the beauty spot “Rest and Be Thankful” and onto Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne we had time for quick look around town, time to visit the Whisky shop and then the coach took us to nearby venue for super lunch at a Hotel on the banks of the Loch. After lunch we had a tour of Inveraray Castle.  What a treat…it was homely seemed like I could live there too! It was the venue for the Christmas Special two years ago of Downton Abbey. The coach took us on a wonderful drive back to a ferry. The coach was driven onto this ferry and taken across the Clyde back to Greenock. Such a well-planned and interesting tour.

Belfast… “Giants Causeway”. A comfort stop and super harbour side village, the hotel had coffee tea etc. Homemade scones jam and clotted cream They like to cater for the inside person in Ireland.  Then a stop to see the “Rope Bridge” it was a very long cliff walk to do this. Onward past the turn to our main event for lunch at a Hotel in Portrush, FULL SILVER SERVICE  Roast, starter and dessert. All fantastic and on a day tour. How could we eat on board this evening! Another route back after the just wonderful “Giants Causeway NT”  Many visitors and well worth going.

Kirkwall….Tour to the Isle of Shapinsay by local ferry. There were gardens to see and the local harbour with lots of views. We could see our ship from the front of Balfour Castle. We had a guided tour this was like going back in time. It is lived in. We then all sat around the grand dining table and served a Highland Tea. This included hot just made scones with jam and cream. Homemade cakes and biscuits ! We returned via the ferry after walking through their garden to see the local village.

Invergorden…….We took a morning tour to Dunrobin Castle such a scenic drive. The gardens here very lovely. We loved it. Back to ship. Could not wait to explore the town as we had been told by others how unusual it was. Lots of Murals on walls all over the town and at the railway station.  The church there had a notice to come in for a coffee or tea. The local ladies were there to make all welcome.

Edinburgh… Took the shuttle to the City for the day.  Coffee stop Sir Walter Scotts Tea Room what a view from here…it’s up two floors above a shop. It is opposite the Burns Monument by the bus stops, many of them !!!! Then we walked to near to the railway station and took an open top bus ride around town. Just the best way to get photographs of this so interesting city. So much to see. You can get off and on so a good way to see a lot.

Le Harve….Giverny, do visit this lovely garden the village the water lilies and lakes…..so imaginative and planted in colour blocks.  Then we were taken for lunch at a Water Mill  Restaurant. That was special ! The rest of the tour was Rouen with walking and time on our own. Great day.

Thankyou Sue Hatcher…