Scotland & Ireland Cruise: Aberdeen, Dublin & Belfast

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.

Sweden's second largest city and the largest port in Scandinavia is laced with a network of gracious canals lined with elegant buildings. Gothenburg is a cosmopolitan city with a wealth of cultural attractions, from its ancient University to its beloved pleasure garden at Liseberg Amusement Park. Ships will dock at the Port of Gothenburg.

Top Things to Do in Gothenburg:

• visit Tjolöholm Castle
• island hop in the Bohuslän archipelago
• cruise the canals
• stroll down Aveneyn boulevard

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course

Located on the northern shore of the Firth of Tay, Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city. It has evolved from an industrial city into a thriving cultural and arts centre and it is the UK’s first designated UNESCO City of Design. Small ships will dock in the Port of Dundee, while large ships will anchor in the river.

Top Things to Do in Dundee:

• climb aboard the RRS Discovery
  
• visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf
• enjoy a scenic drive to Balmoral Castle
  
• visit the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre
• tour Glamis Castle

Where the rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea, you’ll find the harbour city of Aberdeen. The city is famous for its stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments which shimmer in the sunlight and the warming tones of 'Doric', the local Scots dialect you'll hear in the streets.

Top Things to Do in Aberdeen:

• walk through the Winter Gardens
• visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery
• explore Craigievar Castle or Drum Castle
• play a round at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Located on the northern shore of the Firth of Tay, Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city. It has evolved from an industrial city into a thriving cultural and arts centre and it is the UK’s first designated UNESCO City of Design. Small ships will dock in the Port of Dundee, while large ships will anchor in the river.

Top Things to Do in Dundee:

• climb aboard the RRS Discovery
  
• visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf
• enjoy a scenic drive to Balmoral Castle
  
• visit the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre
• tour Glamis Castle

Invergordon, located in the Scottish Highlands, serves as a gateway to the region's stunning landscapes and historical sites. Ships dock at Invergordon Cruise Port, which is conveniently situated within walking distance of the town center. The port is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by car or train.

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Under the craggy, emerald peaks of the Scottish Highlands lies a tiny port town with a heart for adventure. Gaelic for 'little bay', Oban is a town of endless Victorian charm and elegance that fulfills your every dream of Scotland. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Oban:

• ride the Jacobite Steam Train
• take a gondola up Aonach Mor
• stroll through the Arduaine gardens
• enjoy a scenic drive to Glencoe
• tour the Oban scotch whiskey distillery
  

Greenock, the main port for Glasgow, is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Glasgow's city center, about a 45-minute drive. Ships dock at the Greenock Ocean Terminal, providing direct access to the town of Greenock.

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and folklore. This island captivates with its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and quaint villages. Although famed for the TT motorcycle race, there’s much more to explore here, from the ancient Celtic and Viking heritage at sites like Peel Castle to the tranquil beauty of the Manx countryside.

The island's extensive network of heritage railways provides a unique perspective on its scenic landscapes, while the Manx Museum in Douglas offers insights into the island's 10,000-year history. With its commitment to preserving its natural and historical sites, the Isle of Man offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that will charm and delight.

Cruise ships dock at the Victoria Pier in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. The terminal is located right in the heart of the town, making it convenient to explore on foot. The picturesque promenade and various shops, restaurants, and cafes are just a short walk away. For a unique experience, take the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to the historic village of Laxey, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, visit the Manx Museum, a 10-minute walk from the port, to learn about the island's rich heritage.

Start your exploration of Dublin with a visit to Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells. A stroll through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar reveals an array of lively pubs, quirky shops, and the fascinating Irish Film Institute.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the solemn beauty of Dublin Castle and the poignant exhibits at Kilmainham Gaol. For a taste of local flavor, visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's famous stout. End your day with a leisurely walk along the River Liffey, enjoying views of the Ha'penny Bridge and the city's charming Georgian architecture.

Cheerful Cork is set in one of Ireland's most stunning settings, the city sprawls about the River Lee with bridges crisscrossing the city and leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol. Large ships will dock in nearby Cobh, (pronounced Cove), while smaller ships may dock in the heart of Cork city.

Stroll along the scenic River Lee to reach St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic Revival masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. For a unique experience, visit the Cork City Gaol, a former prison turned museum, offering fascinating insights into 19th-century prison life.

Cruise ships dock at Cobh Cruise Terminal, located about 22 km (14 miles) from Cork city center. The journey takes around 30 minutes by train or taxi. The terminal is well-connected with frequent trains running directly to Cork.

Cobh itself is a charming town with attractions like the Cobh Heritage Centre and the Titanic Experience, both offering insights into the town's maritime history. In Cork, visitors can explore the English Market, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, and the lively streets filled with shops and cafes.

Bantry is situated at the head of ancient Bantry Bay, which is renowned for being one of the most breathtaking vistas along Ireland’s coast. The picturesque town’s narrow lanes are filled with old-fashioned shops and restaurants that offer a taste of the region’s history and culture. Ships will anchor in Bantry Harbour and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Bantry:

• visit Bantry House
• hike up to the Kealkill Stone Circle
• explore the Ring of Kerry
• stroll through the gardens on Garnish Island

The village of Foynes is situated on the southern bank of the legendary River Shannon Estuary and is surrounded by the lush, green hills of County Limerick. It is best known for its aviation history, especially from 1937-1945 when it became one of the world’s aviation hubs. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Foynes:

• visit the designated Heritage Town of Adare
• stroll through the Knockpatrick Gardens
• visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum
• view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher
• explore the city of Limerick

With its brightly coloured shops, excellent bars and restaurants, and traditional Irish music sessions, Galway may be one of Ireland’s most enchanting cities. Stone-clad cafes and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls. Small ships will dock at the Port of Galway, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Galway:

• view the Cliffs of Moher
• explore The Burren and Aillwee Caves
• spend the day in scenic Connemara
• visit the Aran Islands

The charming fishing village of Killybegs is the gateway to County Donegal. A place far from tourist hot spots with world-class golf, striking promontories jutting into the ocean, historic castles and charming coastal pubs. Ships will dock in Killybegs Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Killybegs:

• visit Glencolmcille Folk Village
• explore Glenveagh National Park
• walk through the Bluestack Mountains
• take in the view from the Slieve League Cliffs
• see how traditional Parian China is made in Belleek

Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Reborn as a cool, modern city, it has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Ships will dock in Belfast Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Belfast:

• visit the Titanic Belfast Museum
• see the basalt columns of Giant's Causeway
• explore the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
• take a famous Black Taxi Tour
• travel along Ards Peninsula to Grey Abbey

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savor inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Fowey, nestled on the Cornish coast of England, is a picturesque harbour town steeped in maritime history. Known for its deep-water harbour, Fowey has been a significant trading port since the Middle Ages and continues to charm visitors with its narrow, winding streets and medieval buildings. The town's literary connections, notably to author Daphne du Maurier, add a layer of cultural depth, with the Fowey Aquarium and St. Fimbarrus Church also popular with visitors.

A stroll along the esplanade reveals stunning views of the estuary and the surrounding hills, with nearby beaches, like Readymoney Cove, offering a tranquil spot for relaxation. Fowey also acts as a gateway to explore the South West Coast Path, providing ample opportunities for scenic walks with breathtaking coastal scenery.

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Portsmouth, a historic port city on England's south coast, is known for its significant maritime heritage. The city's key attraction for cruise travellers is the Historic Dockyard, showcasing the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering insights into naval history. Additionally, the Spinnaker Tower stands out for its panoramic views of the harbour.

For transport, Portsmouth is well-linked to London. Regular train services connect Portsmouth Harbour or Portsmouth & Southsea stations to London Waterloo, with journeys taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Coaches offer an alternative, often more economical route. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are readily available for direct travel. Portsmouth's blend of historical significance and easy accessibility to London makes it an intriguing destination for cruise visitors.