A cruise around the British Isles may not be the first destination that springs to mind when dreaming of your next holiday. But don't dismiss it because I can testify a cruise is a wonderful way to take in some wonderful cities and explore some dramatic scenery and coastlines. And what better way to do it than from the luxury of a cruise ship?
I chose a 12-night cruise around the British Isles in June 2022with Princess Cruises on board the Emerald. My wife and I travelled with friends and had a wonderful time.
How much does a British Isles Cruise Cost?
If you're considering a British Isle cruise, then you may be wondering how much it will cost. Based on my own experience and research you should budget for approximately $100 per night per person for two people sharing an inside cabin. Of course, prices may fluctuate depending on the season, school holidays and demand.
Which cruise lines offer British Isles Cruises
During my own research, I considered cruises offered by Princess Cruises, Cunard, Carnival, and Fred Olsen. We chose to travel with Princess because their price was competitive, and the dates fitted well with our plans.
Are Princess Cruises a good choice for a British Isles Cruise?
Let me first caveat my answer and say that this was my first cruise with Princess and my first cruise around the British Isles, so I can't make any direct comparisons.
That said I had a positive experience cruising with Princess, and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. The food and entertainment were mostly very good, the staff polite and helpful and the ship was an enjoyable and relaxing place to be.
We opted to take the optional Princess Plus drinks package which costs around $40 per day. This is well worth it if you enjoy a drink in the evening and we found the wines, cocktails and spirits to be good.
Which ports do British Isles cruises sail from?
The most popular UK port for British Isles cruises is Southampton. Southampton is readily accessible by train or road and has an excellent choice of accommodation and parking near the cruise terminal.
We chose to drive down the day before embarkation and booked into the Moxy Hotel which is a short distance from the port and near to a large shopping centre and restaurants. The hotel provided breakfast on the morning of departure and arranged a taxi to get us to the terminal.
Which ports do British Isles Cruises visit?
Our cruise, which was typical, included visits to Guernsey, Cork, Dublin, Belfast Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Le Havre.
Comments