British Isles

Best 3 British Isles cruise destinations
1. Dublin
Don't miss visiting the visually striking Long Room and viewing the famous Book of Kells in the Trinity College Library. Other Dublin draws include savoring the architecturally gorgeous Georgian Houses and having a pint in one of the interesting Irish pubs.

2. Edinburgh
Top draw is the Edinburgh Castle, which dramatically overlooks the Old Town from its high perch. Be sure to explore the historic Old Town below where the middle class worked and lived. Shoppers will relish the Royal Mile lined with quaint stores, pubs, and more.

3. Scottish Islands
Over 800 islands reside in northern and north-western Scotland. To the untraveled soul, they feel bleak and remote. To seasoned travelers, they are beautiful in a different world way. Hebrides, Orkneys, and Shetland are the three major island groups.

Other popular British Isles cruise destinations include ...
These can be enjoyed without having to travel far from a port.

• Guernsey Island  Near French coast
  Peaceful, photogenic rural landscapes.
  
• White Cliffs of Dover  View from deck
  Historic and visually impressive.

These require lengthy shore excursions (main access port is italicized):

• Blarney Stone  Cork
  The castle venue is more than kissing.
  
• Giant's Causeway  Belfast
  The castle venue is more than kissing.
  
• Irish Countryside  Cork or Dublin
  
An amazing natural rock formation.
• Lock Ness  Inverness
  Will you spot the famous monster?

When to go on a British Isles cruise
June
PROS: Long daylight sightseeing hours.
CONS: Can be nippy.

July and August
PROS: Warm weather
CONS: Peak tourist crowds

September
PROS: Tourist crowds slacken.
CONS: Nippiest. Fewer daylight hours.

If you want to avoid children, cruise early June or during September.

What legally qualifies as a "British cruise"?
The ship does not have to sail around Ireland Island to qualify as a British Isles cruise as long as it visits at least one Irish east coast port (such as Dublin).

The ship can add a Continent port (such as La Havre, France) to its itinerary as long as the lion's share of its ports are in the British Isles.

More British Isles tips & insights
Cruise length and home port
The typical cruise last 12 nights and sails roundtrip for Southampton.

Cruise ships
You have a wide choice, ranging from small to large. Cruise lines are in the mainstream and upmarket (but not luxury) categories.

Passenger demographics
Cruises that circle the British Isles were once highly skewed to Brit retirees and semi-retirees. Today, the average passenger age is dropping. The number of families and professionally active passengers are increasing. So is the percentage of passengers who live beyond the British Isles.

British and Irish history
Onboard lecturers and shore guides make history come alive with their tales of castle, cathedral, and palace intrigues.