Gaelic & Icelandic Sagas

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.

Falmouth, which boasts a superb deep-water harbour, shares the Cornish coast's colourful history of shipwrecks, smuggling, and privateering. Cornwall is blessed with superb seascapes, picturesque harbours and a countryside of green fields and quaint villages. Small ships will dock at County Wharf, while large ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Falmouth:

• visit idyllic St. Ives
• explore The Eden Project
• enjoy a scenic drive around Cornwall
• visit Lizard Peninsula

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.

Cruise ships docking in Dun Laoghaire typically use the Dun Laoghaire Harbour, located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Dublin. The journey to Dublin takes approximately 30 minutes by train or car. The port area itself is picturesque, featuring a beautiful harbor, Victorian piers, and the historic Dun Laoghaire Pavilion.

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.

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

Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial centre during the 19th century and today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Ships will dock in Greenock which is a 45 minute drive from Glasgow.

Top Things to Do in Glasgow:

• admire the famed Glasgow Cathedral
• stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Garden
• cruise Loch Lomond
• visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

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.

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Enjoy the colourfully painted wooden houses of the old town, some with turfed roofs, alongside modern counterparts such as the Norse House, built with gleaming glass.

Top Things to Do in Tórshavn:

• enjoy a boat tour of the Tórshavn fjords
• join a tour to see the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs
• hike up Streymoy mountain
• visit the nearby town of Saksun
• explore the island of Vagar

Iceland’s Capital of the North is the gateway to a thrilling land of roaring waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife. Situated at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord and with a backdrop of dramatic snow-covered mountains, Akureyri is Iceland's second largest city. Ships will dock at the pier.

Top Things to Do in Akureyri:

• visit Lystigardurinn botanical garden
• admire Godafoss waterfall
• visit the Akureyri Folk Museum
• take a mud bath at Lake Myvatn
• go whale watching

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Surrounded on three sides by remarkable mountains jutting upwards around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. Smaller ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Isafjordur:

• visit the Osvor and Maritime Museums
• look for Puffins on Vigur Island
• journey to the Dynjandi waterfall
• cruise through the Glacier Fjords
  

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, a Canadian province that borders the Atlantic on the east coast of Canada. Travellers can spend the day exploring the city’s many museums and learning about its rich history. It’s also fun to spend time walking around the waterfront and busy downtown area to take in the sights and sounds that include ship traffic, open-air cafes, tree-lined streets, statues and memorials, and even a waterfront casino.

Sightseers may also want to book a tour that includes a coastal drive to Peggy's Cove, a small community just north of the city that has long been celebrated for its scenic views of the Atlantic.

A visit to this one-of-a-kind cinematic city is a frantic, fascinating feast for the senses. Liberally scattered with familiar landmarks, world-leading museums, and with an atmosphere and infectious energy found nowhere else.

Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the stunning view of the New York skyline. There are three cruise ship terminals in New York City, the Manhattan cruise terminal located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Brooklyn cruise terminal located in the Red Hook neighbourhood and the Cape Liberty cruise port located in the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Charleston, South Carolina, offers visitors an enchanting blend of Southern hospitality, culinary delights, and historic landmarks.

Ships dock at the Union Pier Terminal in the Port of Charleston, just a 10-minute walk to the city’s French Quarter. Discover the iconic Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-coloured Georgian houses, and explore the historic market for unique crafts and local delights.

Take a taste of the region's Lowcountry cuisine, sampling dishes like shrimp and grits. Become immersed in Charleston's cultural tapestry with a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art, housing a diverse collection of works. Don't miss a visit to the poignant Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which showcases the city's colonial history.

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, family-friendly zoos and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants. Don’t forget about the white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, perfect for relaxing before or after your Caribbean cruise from Miami.