Portree on Scotland’s Isle of Skye is a popular British Isles cruise destination.
From the bustling streets of historic port cities to the raw beauty of the Scottish islands, a British Isles cruise is packed with cultural and natural diversity.
Depending on your itinerary, such a cruise could take you within a coach trip of historic sites such as Stonehenge or Skara Brae, or allow you time to appreciate the simple delights of British pub culture, or a plate of fish and chips.
Yet with so much choice out there and so much diversity in British Isles itineraries, booking the cruise that’s the best fit for you can be a challenge, even for experienced cruisers.
If you’re thinking about embarking on a British Isles cruise, here are five key aspects to consider before you make your booking.
Huge Diversity Of Cruise Lines
Compared to popular destinations like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, the British Isles might not immediately come to mind as a cruising hotspot. Yet most major cruise lines, and plenty of smaller ones, offer some form of British Isles cruise.
Major international cruise lines including NCL, Celebrity, and Princess all offer British Isles itineraries with an American-focused onboard experience. You should expect a diverse demographic onboard, with Americans and Australians making up a good proportion of the ship.
If cultural immersion is important to you, consider an itinerary offered by a British line such as P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, or Ambassador. Though there’s likely to still be a diverse guest list, the entertainment and dining options will be geared towards the British traveler.
The majority of British Isles cruises depart from Southampton cruise port but smaller lines such as Ambassador and Fred Olsen offer regional departures.
Port-Intensive Itineraries
One of the highlights of cruising the British Isles is the port-intensive itineraries offered by many lines.
Belfast in Northern Ireland is a popular destination on British Isles cruises.
Unlike sailings from the U.K. to Norway or to the Mediterranean that have numerous sea days, a British Isles cruise can explore a new port almost every day.
That being said, if the itinerary is a circumnavigation of Great Britain, there will usually be one or two sea days. Even so, such port-heavy itineraries are ideal for travelers looking for cultural immersion.
For example, this 10-day itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Line features nine ports of call and just one sea day. Even British Isles cruises that start elsewhere limit sea days. This 11-night itinerary from Celebrity that starts and ends in the Netherlands includes nine ports of call.
Such itineraries also mean beverage packages are unlikely to offer a lot of value, as you’ll spend relatively little time on board.
Non-British Ports
Most cruise lines have a fairly loose definition of the British Isles. It’s common for nearby ports such as Le Havre in France to be included. Although this may seem strange on the surface, the opportunity to visit the Normandy beaches, charming coastal villages, or even a day trip to Paris brings a new dimension to your vacation.
The term ‘British Isles’ doesn’t just mean the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland is also included in the definition, although the term isn’t favored in Ireland itself.
Ports in the Republic of Ireland like Cobh and Dublin—often included on a British Isles itinerary—offer a taste of Irish history, charm, and hospitality.
Tender Ports
Expect a more adventurous mode of disembarkation at several ports, particularly in the Scottish islands.
Cruise passengers return to the Fred Olsen Borealis from a tender boat in Kirkwall, Orkney.
These tender ports, where larger cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are ferried to land in smaller boats, often lifeboats, offer a unique start to your day of exploration.
Tender ports are particularly common in more remote locations, notably the islands of Scotland. Although it can be frustrating, tendering is the only option at some of the smaller ports, but it does allow guests to experience the natural beauty and history of places like the Hebrides.
Travelers with limited mobility should check the number of planned tender ports and contact the cruise line to understand any potential restrictions and what arrangements can be made.
Be Prepared For Rain
It’s fair to say that nobody chooses a cruise in Northern Europe, including the British Isles, for the weather. When cruising in Britain, be prepared for rain—it’s a quintessential part of the experience!
The weather can be unpredictable, with sunshine one moment and showers the next. This shouldn’t dampen your spirits, though. Rain adds to the islands’ charm, creating lush landscapes and dramatic skies, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
So instead of worrying about the weather, pack a waterproof jacket and enjoy the ever-changing scenery that comes with the territory.