From ancient ruins to a thriving modern culture, British Isles cruises offer a little bit of everything. Visit iconic sites like the White Cliffs of Dover and discover Beatles history in Liverpool.
Shoppers will find plenty of opportunities to score some local treasures, from upscale boutiques in London to quality woolens and tweed in Edinburgh and Dublin. For those who enjoy a touch of the exotic, explore the remote Scottish islands of Shetland and Orkney.
Portrush
Enjoy the island lifestyle on British Isles cruises, where urban adventure meets rural beauty. Retrace Titanic history in Belfast, find your craic (Gaelic for fun) among Ireland’s rolling green hills, and discover Scotland’s imposing castles.
Visit East Strand, also known as Curran Strand, a two-and-a-half mile stretch of beach that reaches toward Royal Portrush golf club. It’s the perfect place to admire the arcing shoreline while enjoying a dip in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Aboard a British Isles cruise, you’ll explore coastal villages of England, high Scottish castles and awe-inspiring Irish landscapes from a serene vantage point. From culinary discovery tours to insider tours of historic wonders, the unique shore excursions let you experience the UK like never before. Discover the best of the British Isles on a British Isles cruise with Princess.
Tobermory
Experience the vibrant community of Tobermory on a guided tour. Stroll through its multi-coloured seafront houses, which earned the island a starring role on the award-winning children’s show Balamory.
Afterwards, take a scenic coastal walk from Tobermory Harbour through the enchanting Aros Park. Here, discover the Celtic rainforest’s diverse flora and fauna as you hear intriguing historical insights.
Join small ship Lord of the Glens for a cruise along the dramatic Caledonian Canal, passing the majestic lochs of the Great Glen including Loch Ness, under the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.
Alternatively, explore the Isles of Mull, Skye and Iona aboard Hebridean Princess. During your journey, visit imposing Duart Castle on Mull and the ancient abbey at Iona.
Then enjoy a visit to the famous whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye.
Skye
Skye, known as “Cloud Island” in Old Norse, has a nature-inspired charm all its own. Explore Tobermory’s rainbow-hued buildings along a peaceful harbor, tour an iconic whisky distillery, and see awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Sail past the ethereal beauty of the Scottish islands and meet the locals in a land that inspires romance. Embark on a day-long tour in Cork and discover the city’s emerald terrains, then head to the 18th-century village of Blarney.
Several itineraries include a visit to Skye. One popular 6-night cruise, “Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean Horizons” island-hops through the ‘Small Isles’ of Eigg, Muck, Canna and Rum, offering a stunning panorama of constantly changing scenery and wildlife.
Alternatively, an 8-night itinerary, “Cruise Around Skye: Secret Coastlines” circumnavigates the entire island, exploring many of its iconic landmarks as well as a number of lesser-known ones.
Mull
On a cruise to Mull, sail past Calgary Bay and its rocky coastline that is a haven for wildlife, including otters, sea birds, and sand martins. Discover the island’s unique natural history by touring its rugged landscape.
British Isles cruises are a great way to get a taste of the culture, from discovering Irish cities seeped in heritage to tasting whisky at renowned distilleries.
During the shoulder seasons of spring and summer, you can also experience a bounty of wildflowers in the Irish countryside.
Feel like royalty amid noble landscapes as you explore storybook castles and enchanting countrysides on a British Isles cruise. Uncover mysteries at Stonehenge in England, or admire the stained glass windows of Glasgow Cathedral. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork to receive the gift of gab on a British Isles cruise.
Orkney
A world away from the sunny beaches and swaying palm trees of the Mediterranean, this Scottish archipelago is full of natural wonders and historic treasures. Discover the islands’ storybook castles and enchanting countrysides, or explore the vibrant history of Scotland’s capital cities.
In Kirkwall, marvel at the red sandstone splendor of St Magnus Cathedral. And on the western Mainland, hike along a winding path that offers incredible views of the churning North Sea and those ominous-looking “sea stacks.”
A British Isles cruise also provides the opportunity to discover Ireland’s enchanting landscapes, Dublin’s quaint villages and England’s legendary attractions.
Snap photos on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, taste a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse and admire edifices like the Tower of London.