British Isles Brilliance

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.

Your cruise is about to begin! It's time to make your way to Southampton, if you haven't already. To reach Southampton from London, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours - that's approximately 128 km's (80 miles). Alternatively if you're travelling by coach or have arranged a private transfer, please allow around 2 hours for the journey. Once in Southampton, the cruise terminals are within a short taxi ride from the station.

A delightful blend of ancient and modern, Newcastle is one of the liveliest cities in northern England. Situated on the River Tyne, this diverse city is known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. Ships will dock in the River Tyne at the Royal Quays Marina.

Top Things to Do in Newcastle:

• explore Chesters Fort and Hadrian's Wall
• stroll through the Grainger Town district
• tour the UNESCO listed Durham Cathedral
• enjoy a scenic drive into the Durham Dales
• explore the 12th century Blanchland village
• tour the Alnwick Castle and parklands

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

Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers visitors a charming blend of history and natural beauty. Overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. The city's historic center features attractions like the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases Highland heritage and art.

A short drive from Inverness, you can explore the legendary Loch Ness and its famous monster lore. Visit the impressive Urquhart Castle on the loch’s shores, and enjoy scenic boat tours. The city is also a gateway to the stunning Highlands, offering numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities. Inverness’s warm hospitality and unique cultural experiences make it a must-visit destination.

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.

Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Lerwick:

• explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
• hike on Mousa Island
• visit the Shetland Museum
• admire Fort Charlotte

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, it is considered one of the most charming and well preserved small towns in Scotland. The islands offer dramatic landscapes with cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Small ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Kirkwall:

• explore Skara Brae, a Neolithic village
• admire the St. Magnus Cathedral
• visit the Ring of Brodgar
• ponder the Standing Stones of Stenness
• stroll the Viking Capital Walking Trail

The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool nestles on the shores of Loch Broom, in the Scottish Highlands. Its location is one of the more pristine natural environments in Britain. Ullapool offers a row of whitewashed cottages arrayed along the harbour and special views of the loch and its flanking hills. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the dock.

Top Things to Do in Ullapool:

• hike the beautiful trails of Knockan Crag
• drive through Scotland’s western Highlands
• visit majestic Corrieshalloch Gorge
• skim the waters of Loch Broom on a RIB
  

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
  

The largest town on the isle of Anglesey in Wales, Holyhead is all about outdoor adventures and ancient history. Holyhead and Anglesey are your gateway to Wales, a land with a strong and proud Celtic tradition and with some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles. Ships will dock or anchor offshore at the Port of Holyhead.

Top Things to Do in Holyhead:

• explore Breakwater Country Park
• visit Caernarfon Castle
• drive through Snowdonia National Park
• ride the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog
  

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