British Isles Cruises

British Isles Cruises

The British Isles is an ideal region to explore by ship - with so many intriguing cities along the coasts, sailing from port to port is easier than train, bus, or flight, and so much more relaxing. Travelers to the British Isles are greeted by gorgeous landscapes and welcoming, laid-back residents of the area, which includes England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and several other nearby islands.

British Isles Cruise Highlights

There is so much to see and do in the British Isles: stroll through the idyllic, green countryside of Ireland, behold the mysterious waters of the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, or navigate your way through the busy streets of London. History lovers will appreciate London's Victoria and Albert Museum and Dublin's Book of Kells and bog men, and music freaks will revel in the live bands dotting the pubs of Cork and Liverpool. Drink whiskey in Glasgow, cider in London or Guinness in Ireland, and don't forget to try local dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and corned beef and cabbage.

Popular British Isles Cruise Ports

The British Isles is made up of big, international cities and small, quaint villages, all charming in their own way. These are a few top destinations you are likely to see on a British Isles itinerary:

• Liverpool, United Kingdom: Made famous as the hometown of The Beatles, Liverpool is a lively port city in northwest England. Also home to the Liverpool soccer club, there is plenty to do in this city - visit Albert Dock, Cavern Quarter, one of the many beautiful cathedrals, or museums like the International Slavery Museum or Walker Art Gallery.
• Dublin, Ireland: Ireland's capital is a lovely mix of old and new culture. Historic buildings like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral mix with the trendy shops on Grafton Street. Post up at a pub and listen to live music, wander through the massive yet cozy library of Trinity College, or taste test whiskey at the Jameson Distillery.
• Edinburgh, Scotland: A center of literature, education and science, Scotland's capital is filled with so much history and culture that both its Old and New Town sections are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery; stroll through Leith Links, the public park that is also the birthplace of modern golf; or brave Gilmerton Cove's underground caverns.

When is the Best Time to Go to the British Isles?

While ships travel through the British Isles year round, the summer months tend to be the most popular, and May, June and September are the best months to avoid rain and extreme temperatures. If you are traveling with children, July and August are popular times to sail as those months fall in line with summer break; September is a bit calmer as most students are back in school.

What Cruise Lines Go to the British Isles?

Small and mid-sized ships frequent the British Isles; here are a few of the best to consider:

• Silversea Cruises: Sail in luxury to ports like Southampton, Londonderry, Cardiff and Glasgow on one of Silversea's 7-plus night cruises through the British Isles. Immerse yourself in destinations with shore excursions that range from a whisky picnic at The Vaults in Edinburgh to a tour of the Giant's Causeway in Belfast.
• Cunard Line: Cunard visits more than a dozen ports in the British Isles, and often pairs these locations with ports in North West Europe. Travel to Dublin, Cork, the Orkney Islands and Glasgow, and discover the distinctive cultures and histories of these neighboring cities.
• Princess Cruises: Explore the British Isles with Princess, which sails to all the major cities in the region, including Liverpool, Glasgow, Dublin and Southampton. Princess sometimes pairs these ports with ones in Iceland and Northern Europe, and offers Discovery at Sea shore excursions to must-see sights in each city.