Cruises to the British Isles
From legendary landscapes to a rich history, there’s so much to explore on British Isles cruises. Discover iconic sites like the White Cliffs of Dover and the dramatic Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Follow in the footsteps of the Beatles in Liverpool and admire royal palaces.
Shop for Waterford crystal in Ireland, and kiss the famous stone at Blarney Castle. In Scotland, learn the secrets of whisky, cruise the still waters of beautiful Loch Lomond, and explore the imposing Inveraray Castle. Wherever you visit, you’ll discover green, rolling landscapes, enchanting rural villages, dynamic cities, and layer upon layer of history.
British Isles Cruise Highlights
Majestic Castles
Experience the storied history of the British Isles through the region’s famous castles. In Kent, see dreamy, 900-year-old Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon lived. In Holyhead, Wales, you’ll be in awe of the vast, 13th-century Caernarfon Castle, built by King Edward I. Perched imperiously on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must, while 15th-century Stirling Castle, near Glasgow, whisks you back to the time of the great Scottish kings and queens.
Pub Culture
Traditional pubs are intrinsic to British culture, and every village has at least one. You’ll find a bucolic garden, a roaring fire in the cooler months, a fine array of beers on tap, and often, gourmet pub grub. Listen to live music and chat with locals in Ireland over a pint of Guinness, or sip cider in the sunshine in Kent, a region famed for its apple orchards. You’ll always find a friendly welcome.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The British Isles are packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both natural and manmade. From Belfast, explore Giant’s Causeway, a phenomenal natural wonder comprising thousands of basalt columns. In Scotland, Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town are UNESCO protected and a joy to explore. The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the spiritual seat of the Church of England for some 500 years, is an easy day trip from Dover.
Featured British Isles Cruise Ports
Liverpool, England
Liverpool is rich in maritime history and popular culture. If you’re a Beatles fan, you can visit the humble childhood homes of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. See Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, both of which inspired songs, and the Cavern Club, where it all began. Other Liverpool sights include the Three Graces, three iconic buildings on Pier Head, from where early emigrants to the United States departed. Visit Liverpool Cathedral, the largest in Britain, with soaring Gothic arches.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dynamic Belfast, today a thriving, modern city, is famed as the epicenter of the “Troubles” that spanned three decades from the 1960s. Visit the Peace Wall that separates Catholic and Protestant areas, daubed with poignant murals, as well as the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol, operational until 1996 and believed to be haunted. Titanic followers shouldn’t miss the superb Titanic Belfast exhibit, which tells the story of the world’s most famous ship built here.
Glasgow, Scotland
Defined by its industrial past, its grand Victorian architecture, and creative, contemporary buzz, Glasgow is the cultural and artistic epicenter of western Scotland. Gaze at the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral and browse the impressive collection at the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. You’ll find a thriving culinary scene, great shopping, and cozy pubs, as well as the wild beauty of the Highlands close by. Elegant Edinburgh, meanwhile, is an easy drive or train ride away.
British Isles Cruise Itineraries
Explore the British Isles on the contemporary Celebrity Eclipse, which offers a series of immersive cruises around the British Isles, including Scotland and Ireland, all summer long. Cruises last from 12 to 14 nights and depart from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Some circumnavigate Britain, while others head north to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and glaciers of Iceland.
Itineraries
Why Sail to the British Isles With Celebrity Cruises
Cruise the British Isles with Celebrity, and you’ll enjoy a thrilling, destination-intensive vacation that takes in history, dramatic landscapes, and the region’s diverse culture. Celebrity Eclipse is the perfect setting which to relax, unwind, and indulge after busy days exploring ashore.
Celebrity Eclipse features contemporary design, impeccable service, and an impressive selection of restaurants and bars. Gaze out at Britain’s towering cliffs and green coastlines from the al-fresco Lawn Club Grill as you savor sizzling BBQ classics, or feast on French cuisine with a contemporary twist in Murano. Taste authentic Japanese fare at Sushi on Five and marvel at the 3D animated antics of Le Petit Chef, a one-of-a-kind dining concept for the whole family. Elevate your vacation with The Retreat, which includes suite accommodation with butler service, access to a private sundeck and lounge, and dining in the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat.
