Europe
British Isles
On a British Isles cruise, fairytales come to life as you explore storybook castles and enchanting countrysides. Admire the stained-glass windows of Glasgow Cathedral. Uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge in England, and ascend the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And legend has it, you'll get the gift of gab after visiting the Blarney Stone at Ireland's iconic castle. With Princess®, feel like royalty amidst noble landscapes.
Your British Isles cruise will take you to England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, France, Scotland and fabled lands beyond. Encounter age-old traditions during a performance from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Mosey down cobbled pathways in Dublin that tell tales of civilizations past. Or walk along Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, and keep your eyes peeled for mythical creatures that call these waters home.
Castles are the emblem of these regions. Between the chandeliers and tapestries, step into luxury when you visit the British Isles. Cruise to Dublin and parade through the 13th-century halls of the city’s fortress. Experience the grandeur of Urquhart Castle, and search for legendary ghosts in Glamis Castle. Or visit Edinburgh Castle, where kings, queens and nobles once lived and medieval secrets continue to linger.
As the birthplace of many music icons, the British Isles invite you to sing, dance and raise a glass to songs played around the globe. Visit Liverpool to walk in the footsteps of a beloved boyband, and head to a local pub to hear the boys at their best. Cruise the British Isles for an evening of Irish song and dance in Dublin, or watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo assemble bands, bagpipes and drums for a soul-stirring show.
The British Isles are a mecca of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise from Southampton to Liverpool, and walk along the Royal Albert Dock, the first structure in Britain to be constructed without wood. Shop along Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. Or travel to Brú na Bóinne in Dublin and get up close to Europe’s largest collection of prehistoric megalithic art.
In lands famous for their stouts and ales, pubs are the cornerstone of tradition. Cruise the British Isles and step into age-old establishments that are bustling with spirit. In Dublin, get a taste of true pub “craic” — an Irish term that equates to an atmosphere of fun, entertainment and good company. With festive music playing in the background, sip on world-famous beers that originated nearby while sharing a laugh with locals.
Discern fact versus fiction on a British Isles cruise, where mysteries and mythologies abound. In Portland, learn about the 5,000-year-old stone circle that displays an advanced understanding of arithmetic and astrology. On itineraries that sail to Cork, search the sea for the Bioluminescence beams created by the region’s gleaming plankton. Or hunt for Invergordon’s legendary monster in the waters of Loch Ness.
No cruise to the British Isles is complete without a visit to Paris. See “Venus de Milo” and da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” or tour Notre Dame, a work of art in and of itself. Visit the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, where interactive galleries invite you to explore. Those departing from London can also stop by the Victoria and Albert Museum which houses over two million artifacts.
Our award-winning shore excursions bring you up close to beautiful coasts, monuments and historical wonderlands. On a British Isles cruise, snap photos of Dublin’s iconic sites — like St. Stephen’s Green and Christ Church Cathedral — and taste a world-famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse. Or ride through quaint villages in Belfast on your way to Giant’s Causeway, and revel in the natural structures that surround you.
When you cruise the British Isles, meet the diverse personalities that call these lands home. In Dublin, head to a countryside bed and breakfast where a local chef invites you to savor homemade scones and jam. Or set out on a day-long tour in Cork with your loved ones and visit the city’s most iconic sites. Stop by the 18th-century village of Kinsale, and then continue to Blarney Castle, where legends and landmarks await.
Enjoy even more history and culture during your British Isles cruise with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Visit several pubs during an evening tour in Belfast, and hear stories from locals over a pint of local brew. Savor a traditional Scottish dinner in Edinburgh, and see the Royal Mile illuminated by street lamps and the evening light. Or explore Dublin by night, and indulge in Irish entertainment.
Begin your 16-day British Isles cruisetour in Limerick and spend the first four days ashore exploring Killarney, Cork and Southampton. Expert guides, hotel stays and daily meals are included in the land portion of your trip. Enjoy seamless transportation from land to ship before visiting classical cities like Cork, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Enjoy the best of land and sea on a cruisetour with Princess.
Teeming with rural villages and vast countryside, Belfast is an explorer’s playground. Cruise to the British Isles and walk through the basalt formations of Giant’s Causeway. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens and observe the park’s Victorian heritage. Or experience true country living in the cottage of a breadmaker, where you can make fresh-baked goods to accompany your afternoon cup of tea.
MoreThe capital of Northern Ireland - part of the United Kingdom - Belfast has experienced a renaissance since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 that promised an end to the decades-old "Troubles" between Catholics and Protestants. Stretching along both sides of the River Lagan, this graceful city of Victorian and Edwardian buildings has become a cosmopolitan tourist destination. Once a major industrial center, Belfast is also your gateway to the rich, Irish countryside of Counties Antrim and Down.
Belfast was an industrial giant in the 19th century, famed for its linen and its shipyards. Explore this exuberant city, marvel at the Giant's Causeway or shop for superb Irish linens.
Along the Antrim Coast is the world-renowned Giant's Causeway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The Antrim Coast in the north of Northern Ireland, is one of the most scenic coastlines in Britain and Ireland, with breathtaking landscapes, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the dramatic cliff-side ruins of Dunluce Castle.
The Titanic Memorial, located on the east grounds of Belfast City Hall, honors those who died in the RMS Titanic disaster, and includes a list of all those who perished on April 15, 1912.
Belfast Pubs have been the cornerstone of Belfast life for centuries. Some have music, many have good food and all offer a great pint or a comforting hot whiskey and loads of craic (the term for fun and conversation in Irish).
The Botanic Gardens reflect Belfast's Victorian heritage, boasting two notable period buildings, a children's playground, a bowling green, a rose garden and assorted tropical plants and trees.
Originally named Derry, Londonderry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and lies on the west bank of the River Foyle. It features an almost completely preserved circuit of medieval walls.
The town of Downpatrick in County Down, Northern Ireland has a strong connection to St. Patrick. It is here that St. Patrick began the conversion of Ireland and built his first church.
Considered the first real Irish Castle, Carrickfergus was built in 1180 by the Norman John de Courcy to guard the approach to Belfast.
In a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, Cork is a beacon of romance among Ireland’s iconic cities. On a British Isles cruise, see the city’s emerald terrains reflected in the lakes of Killarney National Park. Savor an Irish coffee in the 18th-century village of Blarney. Or enjoy a lunch on the hills of Cashel, with the Romanesque architecture of St. Patrick’s Rock as your backdrop.
MoreFounded in the 7th century by St. Fin Barre, Cork is your gateway to romantic Ireland. Stroll down narrow country lanes or see the Lakes of Killarney. The intrepid visitor may scale the narrow passages of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. The region around Cork is also home to one of the densest concentration of prehistoric monuments in Western Europe. And, in a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, it was near Cork that the great Tuatha De Danaan, a race with magical powers, was driven underground by the conquering Celts.
Cobh was the single most important port of emigration from Ireland.
Note: Your ship will dock in Cobh which is about 15 miles from Cork.
Set in a sprawling park, this romantic ruin was the stronghold of the McCarthy clan, and features thick stone walls. Those who kiss the Blarney Stone are said to be gifted the power of eloquence.
This converted mill is Ireland's largest Irish gift store selling traditional Irish goods, including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
Kinsale is a historic fishing port featuring a pretty harbor, along with many well-preserved, 18th-century houses. It was off the coast here that the Lusitania was torpedoed by a U-boat during World War I.
This French, Gothic-inspired cathedral designed by William Burgess was built on the site of Fin Barre's 7th-century monastic settlement. It boasts mosaics, rich carvings and medieval gargoyles.
The manufacture of glass has a long history in Ireland. Ireland's famed Waterford Crystal dates from 1783.
Built in 1868 and completed in 1915, ornate St. Colman's Cathedral is made of granite and limestone, and features elaborate stained glass windows. It boasts views of Cobh harbor and also has 49 bells.
Killarney National Park boasts stunning views of the countryside set against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks, and covers 26,000 acres, while the lakes of Killarney are famous for their beauty.
This delightful 19th-century manor house features a gorgeous sunken garden, folk museum and crafting workshop. The interior of the house features beautiful hand-made Victorian furnishings.
Experience the best of Irish hospitality on a British Isles cruise to Dublin. Stop by a pub and hear stories of the city from the people who call it home. Tour Trinity College, one of the world’s most famous universities. Or discover the secrets to brewing a stout at the Guinness Storehouse, and sip on a complimentary glass just a few hundred yards from where it’s made.
MoreDublin has experienced a renaissance. Today, this gracious and cosmopolitan city on the Liffey is one of Europe's premier destinations. The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is an intimate place that is easy to explore. Stroll past St. Stephen's Green or survey the gray, stone façades of Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. The city is also remarkably well-preserved - every June 16, scholars retrace the paths of James Joyce's characters in the novel "Ulysses," set in Dublin on June 16, 1904.
Dublin possesses a storied history. A settlement has existed on the banks of the River Liffey for at least a millennium and a half. Succeeding waves of Gaelic, Viking, Norman and English invaders have left their mark on the city.
Built in honor of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland. It is said to be one of the earliest Christian sites in Ireland where St. Patrick baptized converts.
Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and one of the great universities of the world. Trinity College Library is the home to the Book of Kells.
Dublin has over 1,000 pubs and several hundred types of beers. St. James's Gate Brewery, a brewery founded in 1759 in Dublin by Arthur Guinness, is today the largest brewer of stout. The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's number one visitor attraction and tells the story of the "black stuff".
Dublin Castle represents some of the oldest surviving architecture in the city, with its 13th-century record tower and State Apartments, once the residence of English viceroys.
From 1185 until 1973, Malahide Castle was the home of the Talbot family. Today, it's one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland.
A monastery set in a spectacular natural setting, Lonely Planet Ireland calls Glendalough "truly one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and a highlight of any trip to the island."
Powerscourt is set in the graceful Wicklow Mountains. As one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland, its grounds boast the highest waterfall in Ireland.
Located near Navan in County Meath, this family-owned farm is in the heart of Ireland's rich grasslands. Causey Farm raises sheep and cattle as well as a small herd of Connemara ponies.
With centuries of cultural change, Edinburgh is home to a diverse landscape of design. Cruise the British Isles and follow the Royal Mile to the top of Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle sits overlooking the city below. Marvel at the expansive collection of artwork in the Royal Yacht Britannia, or shop for souvenirs on Princes Street while admiring the Georgian architecture of New Town.
MoreSouth Queensferry is the gateway to Edinburgh, the political, commercial and cultural heart of Scotland. 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. The streets of the elegant New Town are lined with graceful Georgian buildings, many designed by the great architect Robert Adam. Edinburgh has also exerted a tremendous cultural force on Europe and the English-speaking world. The International Festival has been one of the premier European cultural events for over half a century. Among those who have called the city home are the writers, Robert Burns, James Boswell, and Sir Walter Scott and the philosophers, Adam Smith and David Hume. To stroll the streets of Edinburgh is to experience one of the world's great cities.
Note: South Queensferry is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender.
This imposing castle dominates the cityscape from atop its rocky perch. Situated at the end of historic Royal Mile, its dramatic, medieval design remains largely unchanged since the 18th century.
Delight in the lively atmosphere and scenic beauty of Edinburgh's most popular thoroughfare in the "New Town" area. Browse the colorful shops and fashionable boutiques and enjoy the many sidewalk cafes.
Explore the fine art and ancient artifacts at Edinburgh's exceptional museums and view the monarch's personal possessions on the Yacht Britannia, the Royal Family's former seagoing palace.
Dominating the end of Edinburgh's famed Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace is the official home to the monarch while in Scotland. Its hallowed halls have witnessed some of the most turbulent times in Scotland's history.
Located at the crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling has seen much of Scotland's tumultuous history. Tour its famous castle and battlefields and view royal memorabilia and military artifacts.
Known worldwide as the birthplace of golf, this charming medieval town is home to the legendary Old Course, the venerable Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the exceptional British Golf Museum.
Travel south from Edinburgh to explore the Lowlands, the famed Border Country. Visit stunning Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, and explore the ruins of 12th-century Dryburgh Abbey.
A royal residence since 1372, the castle is thought to be haunted. Tour Duncan Hall, made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth, view the medieval royal rooms, and look out for the legendary ghosts.
Once an industrial giant, Glasgow is brimming with treasure. When you cruise the British Isles, wander the halls of Inveraray Castle to see a collection of royal portraits. Watch a kaleidoscopic display in Glasgow Cathedral as the sun pours through the stained-glass windows. Or spend the day admiring armor, weaponry and global gems in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
MoreGlasgow was Scotland's great industrial center during the 19th century. 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, including the stately City Chambers. Elegant Princes Square offers excellent shopping, and among the host of museums and galleries, the Burrell Collection features a superb treasure trove of paintings and art objects.
Note: Your ship docks in Greenock, which is approximately 45 minutes from Glasgow.
This stunningly beautiful and popular leisure destination has been featured in song and is Scotland's second largest freshwater lake, dotted with many islands.
The only cathedral in Scotland to have survived the Reformation intact, this 12th-century medieval church houses one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain.
Take the opportunity to climb aboard some of the exhibits to get a real feel of public transport or take a stroll along one of the museum's recreated streets dating back to the early 1900s.
Featuring four imposing conical spires, this 18th-century Scottish castle is the seat of the Duke of Argyll and houses a stunning collection of family portraits, artifacts and English china.
Known as Scotland's crossroads, this charming city is home to the popular and historic Stirling Castle, scene of royal coronations, weddings, baptisms and even murders.
Converted from a fortress by great Scottish architect Robert Adams in the 18th century, this splendid storybook castle is filled with architectural marvels and memorabilia.
This imposing Victorian red sandstone structure is one of Glasgow's landmark building and houses ever-changing exhibits highlighting dinosaurs, suits of armor, weaponry and treasures from around the world.
Scotland's capital boasts 1,000 years of history, culture and tradition. Majestic Edinburgh Castle dominates the Royal Mile from atop its volcanic crag.
Orkney is home to some of the oldest Neolithic sites in Europe. On a British Isles cruise, history buffs can hear World War II stories at the Italian Chapel. Or travel along Scapa Flow for an even deeper look into the region’s history of naval travel and trade. For those seeking mysteries, uncover secrets of the Ring of Brodgar, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MoreJust north of Scotland lay the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.
Vikings - Norsemen - ruled the Orkney Islands from the 9th to 13th centuries, leaving in their wake such monuments as St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. This hint of Scandinavian influence can be heard in the lilting accent with which Orcadians speak.
This Neolithic village dates back 5,000 years and has such well-preserved features, including beds and dressers in the houses. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
A lovely chapel simply constructed with two nissen huts during World War II, is a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Built by Italian prisoners of war, among them, an artist and sculptor named Domenico Chiocchetti who stayed to finish it once the war ended.
This stretch of water links the North Sea to the Atlantic and is famous for its role in both World Wars as a natural harbor offering shelter for the British naval fleet.
Known as the "Light in the North," this cathedral was founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald in honor of his uncle St. Magnus.
Perhaps, once used to study the stars, this perfect circle of immense standing stones is an impressive vision and one of Orkney's most a popular attractions. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Dating back to prehistoric times, this chambered tomb hidden beneath a grassy mound is a marvel of ancient architecture. It also contains the largest concentration or runic writing (Viking "graffiti") outside of Scandinavia. This monument is part of Orkney's World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Highland Park is the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in Scotland and produces arguably the most respected single malt in the world.
Britain's most northerly inhabited castle and its two-acre Victorian gardens form part of the private Balfour Estate on the Island of Shapinsay. Magnificent Balfour Castle has stood overlooking Kirkwall Bay for more than 160 years.
In a land that inspires love stories, reconnect with loved ones on a British Isles cruise to France. Dock in Le Havre and enjoy a breakfast crepe at a sidewalk cafe. Or embark on a day-long adventure in one of two directions. Visit Paris, where famous artwork awaits, or head to Normandy and see the D-Day beaches or the tidal island of Mont Saint Michel. From the painted portraits to the real-life scenery, revel in it all with Princess.
MorePerhaps no other place in France holds more associations for English-speaking visitors than Normandy. The historic Allied landings on D-Day - 6 June, 1944 - live on in the memories of British and Americans alike. Nor has Le Havre forgotten the dark days of the war. The port was nearly completely destroyed during the Normandy campaign. Today, Le Havre is France's second largest port and the gateway to Paris, "City of Light," the Norman countryside, and the historic landing beaches.
Travelers usually head for the historic landing sites or to Paris. Yet Le Havre was designated a World Heritage Site in 2005. The Musee des Beaux Arts Andre Malraux boasts one of the finest collections of Impressionist painting in the world.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the tallest structures in Paris, located on the Champ de Mars. Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.
Known as "La plus belle avenue du monde" ("The most beautiful avenue in the world"), the Champs-Élysées boasts luxury specialty shops, cafés and the Arc de Triomphe, the world's largest triumphal arch.
The Musée d'Orsay houses the most comprehensive collection of Impressionists in the world. Across the Seine is the Louvre with such works as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris ("Our Lady of Paris") was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and in Europe.
The Normandy American Cemetery honors the soldiers who lost their lives in WWII, most of whom died in the D-Day landings on five beaches on the coast of Normandy.
The capital of Upper Normandy is home to the highest spire in France, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral immortalized by Claude Monet in his paintings.
The small town of Honfleur surrounds a little 17th-century harbor in Normandy, and is known for its old, picturesque port, houses with slate-covered frontages, historic buildings and churches.
Versailles was designed as a palatial center of government for Louis XIV. Its garden is the most famous in the world featuring huge parterres, an orangery, and grand fountains.
Used to build Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the stone extracted from Portland’s quarries has changed history. But there’s more to the city than it’s commodities. Cruise the British Isles to investigate the mysteries of Stonehenge, and learn about the grape-to-glass process at Langham Wine Estate. Or see hundreds of baby swans parading through the grounds of the 600-year-old Abbotsbury Swannery.
MoreSituated along the southernmost part of the Dorset Coast site lies the fabled island of Portland. This natural harbor was used for over 500 years by the British Royal Navy, and when breakwater construction was performed between 1848 and 1905, it created one of the largest man-made harbors in the world. An important launch site during both World Wars, the harbor was used for naval exercises until 1995, after which the waters became popular for tourism and were used for the sailing events during the 2012 Olympic Games. The tiny limestone island is home to the Abbotsbury Swannery, the only place in the world where you can walk freely through colonies of nesting mute swans, and is a perfect jumping-off point to visit the stone ruins of Corfe Castle, built by William the Conqueror. Take in the nearby magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, and experience the ancient mystery of the somber plinths of Stonehenge. Just four miles long by a mile and a half wide, Portland is ruggedly beautiful, with endless vistas and wild, natural landscapes.
The mythical stones, about 24 feet tall, have captivated the imagination through the ages. A pathway around the 5,000-year-old monoliths offers up-close views, and an audio guide details the genesis of the site.
'The city in the countryside,' this cathedral city is built around its 13th-century Gothic-style cathedral. A walk around the cathedral close is an opportunity to observe the black-and-white, half-timbered houses that add charm to this quaint enclave.
This 600-year-old swannery is home to the only managed colony of free-flying mute swans in the world. Walk through the heart of the colony and, from mid-May to late June, marvel at the hundreds of tiny cygnets born on the pretty grounds.
Follow in the footsteps of kings, queens and knights at the 1,000-year-old ruins of Corfe Castle. With its medieval architecture, its importance as a stronghold since before the days of William the Conqueror is only a small part of its ancient history.
This stunning example of Tudor architecture, built in 1485, consists of an antique-filled manor house and a parish church. Award-winning gardens, designed in 1891, are resplendent with fountains and statuary.
The former site of a tank crew training area during World War I, today this world-famous armored vehicle museum showcases almost 300 vehicles, amassed from 26 countries, ranging from the WWI era to the present.
This picturesque 30-acre vineyard, planted solely with the classical Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier, welcomes visitors for tastings and an insider's look at the grape-to-glass process.
Set within 30 acres of formal gardens lies the remarkable Forde Abbey. Founded over 800 years ago by Cistercian monks, the abbey is home to the ornate Mortlake Tapestries, which were woven around 1520.
