British Isles Cruises

Dublin’s exuberant spirit makes visitors to this Irish capital feel at home. Buildings like the 13th-century Dublin Castle bring a sense of grandeur, while its Guinness Brewery and Temple Bar entertainment district offer vibrant nightlife. Relax on St Stephen’s Green or tour the famous library at Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. The River Liffey runs through the city, framed by Georgian architecture.

Centuries of history greet you around every corner in Edinburgh, Scotland’s charming, walkable capital city. Explore the souvenir shops and museums of the Royal Mile, leading through the medieval Old Town all the way up to Edinburgh Castle. For sweeping views over the city and Firth of Forth, climb up Arthur’s Seat. Tour royal residence Holyrood Palace, or shop in the modern boutiques along bustling Princes Street.

Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its legacy as a hub for shipbuilding during the Industrial Revolution. Explore the Victorian city centre to see elegant buildings, modern art galleries and lively bars and eateries. There’s a sizeable student population in Newcastle, giving it a youthful energy. Highlights include the pedestrian-friendly Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Angel of the North statue and Beamish Museum.

Positioned off the Cornish coast of England, the Isles of Scilly feel miles away from the mainland with turquoise lagoon waters and white sandy beaches like Great Bay. Just five of the islands are inhabited. Tresco is known for its Abbey Garden and Valhalla Museum, and St Mary’s for its friendly pubs and museum of island life. St Agnes sits furthest out into the Atlantic, with deeper water and wilder landscapes.

Once a centre for shipbuilding, Glasgow is now a cultural hub, hosting the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. Stroll through the centre and you’ll spy art nouveau and Victorian architecture, alongside the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and modern Riverside Museum. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is another cultural highlight, while the shopping arcades feature a bevy of top brands.

Belfast is going through a period of regeneration, with former shipyards converted into the shiny new Titanic Quarter and modern waterfront eateries. Visit the Titanic Belfast Centre to learn all about the famous ocean liner, which was built here. The Ulster Museum gives you an overview of thousands of years of Irish history, or you can simply relax in the Victorian glasshouse at the lush Belfast Botanic Gardens.

This historically bustling port city sits at the meeting point of the Irish Sea and River Mersey. The regenerated Albert Dock has transformed the city’s hardworking Victorian past into a leisurely present, now home to the Tate Museum, shops and eateries. Fans of the Fab Four won’t want to miss a trip to the Beatles Story museum or legendary Cavern Club, while football fans can visit the iconic Anfield stadium.

Nestled along the southwest coast of Ireland, Cork is a pretty university city known for its Victorian architecture including the Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and covered English Market. The city centre is compact - traditional pubs host live music, while students gather in the area’s trendy bars and coffeeshops. Cork City Gaol could be mistaken for a stately castle, but it once held Australia-bound prisoners!

Once the home of French writer Victor Hugo, there’s a sophisticated ambience in Guernsey. It’s the second-largest Channel Island, known for its beachfronts at Cobo Bay as well as its historic forts. Visit the capital of St Peter Port to see highlights like the 13th-century Castle Comet with its military museums, or explore Hugo’s former home at Hauteville House. The island’s a hotspot rock climbing along its cliffs.

This famous port city has been the departure point for many transatlantic crossings, the most famous of which was the Titanic. Visit the SeaCity Museum to explore an interactive model of this ill-fated ship, or take in the impressive modern art collection at the nearby Southampton City Art Gallery. For a glimpse into yesterday’s Southampton, visit Tudor House and Garden with its 12th-century homes and gardens.