British Isles

Although the whole concept of cruising for leisure was born in Great Britain, in the Shetland Islands in 1835, the idea of sailing round the British Isles is relatively new. American visitors, however, find the idea fascinating and British passengers wanting to learn more about their homeland are becoming increasingly interested in cruising at home.

The idea of not flying, no long periods at sea and no borders to cross is appealing to many and the ports of call are becoming well equipped for receiving hundreds of visitors on a day’s excursion ashore.

Most itineraries include a call at St Peter Port on the Channel Island of Guernsey, where tax free shopping is possible whilst at the same time giving the ship duty free status.

The islands off the coast of Scotland provide the chance to view wildlife such as otters, seals, dolphins and even whales. In addition, some of the British Isles’ most culturally rich attractions may be seen in Dublin, Edinburgh and Cobh.

Occasionally, an additional French port of call may be offered, usually Honfleur or Cherbourg. Fred. Olsen Line promotes itineraries from Greenock and Liverpool aboard Black Prince. These give passengers the opportunity to visit Cornwall, the Channel Islands, Ireland and London in one holiday. Such a small ship is able to dock in Greenwich or Chatham, in order to facilitate relatively short transfers to the capital.

Those interested in gardens and gardening are rarely disappointed on a British Isles cruise and there are often lecturers on board who provide lively introductions to the places to be seen.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of ships calling in at Belfast in Northern Island. From the port, Stormont Castle and the Giant’s Causeway are in easy reach, as is the magnificent modern shopping centre in the heart of Belfast.

Highlights:

• Canterbury Cathedral, Dover
• Buckingham Palace, London
• Eden Project, Falmouth
• Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith
• Edinburgh Castle, Leith
• Blarney Castle, Cork
• Trinity College, Dublin
• Auld Kirk, Greenock
• Tankerness House, Kirkwall
• Giant’s Causeway, Belfast