With mini cruise holidays starting from just 2 nights, short cruises are an ideal way to take time out from a busy lifestyle. With the same range of entertainment, dining options and leisure facilities that are found on our longer voyages, these mini cruises are designed to help you get the most out of your days and nights on board.
Enjoy a weekend with friends on a short cruise to Bruges, or spend a week with loved ones cruising the fjords. Either way, it’s an incredibly hassle free way to holiday as you don’t waste any precious time travelling - your break begins the moment you step on board. From 2 night Party Cruises to 7 night getaways, Cruise Breaks provide the perfect blend of ship time, shore time and sociable night time. Plus, they offer great value for money with your accommodation, meals and entertainment all included.
|
Port
|
Country
|
Port classification
|
|---|
| BrugesShow more | Belgium |   |
Bruges Understand that Zeebrugge literally means Bruges-on-Sea and you immediately appreciate why this ferry port is also Belgiums major cruise port. A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away. Sometimes called the Venice of the North because of the picturesque criss-crossing canals on which you can enjoy fascinating and romantic boat rides, Bruges actually has a character all its own. Although it has all the facilities of a modern city - smart shops, restaurants, bars and hotels - these are all found behind the centuries-old facades and weathered gables of the historic buildings at the citys heart. Bruges is rightly famous for its exquisite lacework, tasty chocolate and huge range of local beers while, from Zeebrugge, you can also visit another historic city, Ghent, the capital Brussels, and historic battlefield sites such as Waterloo and Ypres.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BrestShow more | France |  |
About Brest Set in one of Europe’s finest natural harbours, France’s main naval port Brest is steeped in maritime history and is also a gateway into the ruggedly scenic and proudly Celtic province of Brittany. The maritime museum is inside the city’s Motte Tanguy Castle and Tower, which perches on a headland overlooking the beautiful harbour. In keeping with its nautical traditions, Brest is also home to Oceanopolis, a massive new attraction dedicated to the sea and its many forms of marine life. It is quite easy to lose track of time and spend a whole day getting up close and personal with every species of fish imaginable in the 42 aquariums highlighting Polar, Tropical and Temperate oceans. The city centre is just across from the cruise dock and there you will find streets with evocative names like La Fayette and Bougainville and an array of shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and museums.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| La RochelleShow more | France |  |
About La Rochelle The 14th century twin towers of St Nicolas Fort and the Tour de la Chaine (named after the chain once drawn across the harbour to keep out night intruders) ensure a dramatic entrance when you cruise between them into the French Atlantic cruise port La Rochelle-Pallice. The medieval city of La Rochelle is just 10 minutes away and offers an intriguing mix of well preserved and restored historic buildings and marketplaces within a lively modern city full of bars and restaurants and with an excellent aquarium. Tickle your tastebuds with a visit to the small town of Cognac and its famous Courvoisier, Hennessy and Martell cellars. Along the way, you will pass through ancient towns like Saintes with Romanesque churches, arches and arenas.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Le HavreShow more | France |  |
 About Le Havre The bustling French port of Le Havre offers a selection of sights including Granville Abbey, St Adresse Fort and the Seine Estuary. Its position also makes it the perfect gateway to some of Normandy’s most picturesque towns and villages, including the pretty harbour of Honfleur and inspirational Etretet - characterised by stylish mansions, sheer white cliffs and soaring waves that crash below. Capture the life of Claude Monet in nearby Rouen, where you can wander around the graceful gardens of his home. In the town, half-timbered houses, churches and cafés sit alongside the great Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which is well worth a visit. Also nearby is the Old Marketplace were Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431. Alternatively take in the sights in stylish Paris – the country’s capital. Have lunch in one of the cities many cafes, look at the amazing art in The Louvre and meander through Montmarte where you’ll find the famed Moulin Rouge. And what better way to admire the views from the emblematic Eiffel Tower.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Le VerdonsShow more | France | |
 About Le Verdon A charming destination in beautiful countryside, this is your chance to soak up the unique ambience of the South-West of France. Situated at Point de Grave, where water from the Atlantic meets the gushing Gironde estuary, Le Verdon will appeal to you if you love the great outdoors or fine wines. Offering a beguiling mix of forests and beaches, dunes and hiking paths there’s plenty to do if you fancy an independent, active day ashore. The Fort of Verdon and the Cordouan Lighthouse (the oldest in France – visited by boat) are both local sights. Further afield, the Bordeaux wine region, covering some 270,000 acres, beckons. Home to over 5,000 wine chateaux and many famous vineyard regions including Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cotes de Bourg and Libournais, this is a great place to sample the local vintages and learn more about the wine-making process. From scenic drives through vineyard countryside to tours of the cellars, or a trip to the resort of Soulac, a city with 500 neo-colonial villas and a UNESCO-listed basilica at the tip of Médoc, Le Verdon acts as a gateway to many of the region’s delights.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HonfleurShow more | France | |
About Honfleur With its narrow cobbled streets and colourful window boxes of tumbling flowers, the picture-postcard Honfleur cruise port has been enchanting visitors for centuries. Artists, writers and musicians have all fallen under the spell of this medieval maritime town, taking inspiration from its pretty harbour bordered by narrow granite houses.
For those art enthusiasts, Honfleur cruises deliver a rich cultural experience. Works by Monet and Jongkind are on show at the Eugène Boudin Museum, named after Honfleur’s most famous painter, whilst Maisons Satie offers a quirky tribute to the composer, Erik Satie. The town is steeped in seafaring history and was the starting point for many great maritime expeditions. Embark on one of our cruises to Honfleur and take a voyage of discovery through streets lined with galleries and craft shops, stopping off at interesting sights such as the Lieutenancy, old salt stores and maritime museum. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| St. Peter PortShow more | Guernsey | |
 About St. Peter Port A busy port since Roman times and one-time home of Victor Hugo, Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, is the prettiest town in the Channel Islands with fine Georgian and Regency houses, tumbling terraced gardens, winding streets and hidden leafy alleyways. The best way to discover the true beauty of Guernsey is on foot, exploring the Ruettes – tranquil, quiet lanes that are dedicated to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And history lovers will be in their element exploring Castle Cornet, the last Royalist stronghold of the English Civil War and now home to several museums and theatrical events. Fort Grey was a bastion against Napoleon and is now a fascinating Shipwreck Museum while the German Occupation Museum gives a vivid account of island life during WWII. When you have finished sightseeing, do leave time for shopping, as Duty Free Guernsey offers some of the world’s best bargains on cameras and electrical goods, jewellery, perfume and wine (please note opening times might change during the weekend)View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BelfastShow more | Ireland |  |
 About Belfast Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Its name originated from the Gaelic ‘Beal Feirste’ meaning ‘mouth of the sandy fjord’. Founded in the 17th century, the city prospered becoming one of the world’s leading industrial names, and was home to Harland and Wolff – the shipbuilders who built the ill-fated Titanic. Despite its more recent political troubles, Belfast has emerged as a vibrant, alluring destination. Amidst its beautiful Victorian buildings you can shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness in one its charming old pubs or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park. The centrepiece is the City Hall, completed in 1906, with its domed roof and grand Italian marble staircase. Other points of interest on the city include Belfast Cathedral, which has the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland plus Celtic themed mosaics and stained glass, Belfast Castle, sitting on the slopes of Cave Hill, and Belfast Zoo.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CorkShow more | Ireland | |
About Cork Cork is Irelands second largest city. Here you can visit St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork City Museum and the 19th Century Cork Jail. Dont miss your opportunity to visit Blarney Castle, a short ride away, to kiss the Blarney Stone!View typical shore excursions for this port |
| DublinShow more | Ireland | |
About Dublin The Irish capital Dublin has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade with many modern buildings springing up to add to its historical and cultural appeal. Dublin’s pubs and bars are world-renowned from the city’s oldest, The Brazen Head, to the newest wine bar. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery provides an insight into the history of Ireland’s favourite tipple. Grafton Street is a shopper’s paradise with a stop at Bewley’s historic coffee house a must for people-watching. The library at Trinity College is home to the eighth-century Book of Kells, with the National Museum housing exhibits dating back from the Irish Bronze and Iron ages. The city’s literary heritage is celebrated at the adjoining National Library with works of famous Irish writers such as Beckett, Joyce, Swift and Yeats collected together.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| GreencastleShow more | Ireland | |
 About Greencastle There’s no denying that Londonderry has seen its fair share of conflict dating back to the 17th century when walls were built to fortify the city. They still stand today having withstood numerous attacks, including the Great Siege of 1689 by King James. The layout of the city remains relatively unchanged since the 17th century. You’ll find a historic centre with the gothic St. Columb Cathedral at its heart. The four main streets radiate out from the ‘Diamond’ and lead to the four gateways; Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher’s Gate. From the quay behind the Guildhall hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants sailed for a new life in the New World. Located just outside the walls is the attractive Town Hall or, if you want beautiful scenery, then the nearby Sperrin Mountains will provide a refreshingly energetic stroll. Alternatively, head for the famous Giant's Causeway, built, as the story goes, by 52 foot Finn MacCool to enable neighbouring giant Benandonner to cross the sea of Moyle and compete in a show of strength.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| AmsterdamShow more | Netherlands | |
About Amsterdam The beatiful city of Amsterdam, with its fine gabled houses, leafy canal walks, unusual boutiques and offbeat pavement cafés, is the last word in laid-back relaxation. Capture its true spirit by exploring the narrow winding streets, bustling bars and eclectic shops of Joordan, its fascinating old district. Other must-sees include the house of determined World War II diarist Anne Frank and the multi-level Vincent van Gogh Museum – where you progress, floor by floor, from the artist’s initial sketches to view the full glory of his completed works. Art lovers will also love the Stedelijk Museum – home to major works by Picasso, Cézanne, Matisse and Monet. And, if gardening is your interest, stroll around the daily Bloemenmarkt. This is the city’s only remaining floating market and its riotously colourful plant and flower-laden boats are a fragrant delight.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| AlesundShow more | Norway | |
About Alesund Because it was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1904, Alesund looks quite different to other Norwegian towns along the countrys west coast now better known as simply ‘Fjordland’. Stretching across three islands at the mouth of the magnificent Geirangerfjord, Alesunds architecture is now an eclectic mixture of mock-Gothic and neo-classical with more than a dash of Art Nouveau. Turrets and spires dot the skyline and you can trace the towns trend setting style development at the Art Nouveau Centre, one of several fascinating museums in the town. The pick is the open-air Sunnmøre while the Atlantic Sea-Park is also worth a visit as one of the largest aquariums in northern EuropeView typical shore excursions for this port |
| BergenShow more | Norway | |
 About Bergen A former ‘European City of Culture’ with a string of fascinating art galleries facing its Lille Lungedgardsvann Lake, Bergen cruise port nestles amongst the magnificent mountains strung along Norway’s western coastline and is a gateway to Fjordland. This 13th century Hanseatic – and now World Heritage - city was built on the site of an original Viking settlement and is full of historic sites, the best known of which is Bryggen. A collection of 11th century wooden buildings along the harbourfront, this is a World Heritage Site in its own right and has its own museum to tell its fascinating story. To enjoy the best views of this picturesque city, take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, which overlooks both Bergen and the surrounding region. Also the birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen is easily walkable and has a lively fish market and an even better general market along the harbourfront as well as many attractive bars and cafes.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| EidfjordShow more | Norway | |
About Eidfjord The Norwegian cruise port Eidfjord is just a small sleepy village but it stands on the edge of huge scale attractions including the largest high mountain plateau (Hardangervidda) and Norways largest national park. Eidfjord stands on the banks of the fjord, from which it takes its name, and has attractions of its own including a 14th century church and the largest collection of ancient graves in western Norway at its Viking Burial Place. A couple of miles away is the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, which is an unusual adventure centre with all kinds of interactive ways of illustrating the rich natural, cultural and historical heritage of the region. Equally unusual is the Troll Train, which travels through the Mabodalen Valley to Norways most famous waterfall - Voringsfossen, which free falls nearly 500 feet.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| FlaamShow more | Norway | |
About Flaam Sailing through Norways beautiful Sognefjord, the worlds longest and deepest fjord, is one of the most memorable cruise experiences. Overlooked by snow-capped peaks and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this is a sensational approach to the tiny village of Flamm, which nestles in the innermost part of Sognefjord. But the fjord is not Flamms only claim to fame, it also has the extraordinary Flamm Railway. A masterpiece of engineering, this rises more than 2,845ft above sea level in just 12 miles and the views are just as dramatic as the journey. There are a variety of other boat and road trips which promise more fantastic scenery along with visits to farms, mines, villages and isolated mountain lodges.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| GeirangerShow more | Norway | |
About Geiranger It is just nine miles long but the snaking Geirangerfjord is the most photographed of all Norways fjords because of the sheer beauty of its setting. As you cruise along to the ships anchorage off Geiranger cruise port, just marvel at the views as spectacular waterfalls with evocative names like Bridal Veil and The Seven Sisters cascade down from the steep rocky peaks that overlook the fjord from both sides. Geiranger welcomed its first cruise ship (carrying a group of Quakers from Scotland) in 1869 and its appeal for visitors has hardly changed since then. It is still just a small village resort which simply makes the ideal base for walking, boating, or motoring tours into a surrounding area full of natural beauty and magnificent scenery with snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, plunging waterfalls and age-old glaciers. There are superb views from the Dalsnibban mountain plateau overlooking the fjord.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| OldenShow more | Norway | |
About Olden The peaceful village of Olden has the perfect Fjordland cruise setting - nestling at the southern end of one branch of the beautiful Nordfjord and at the entrance to the gorgeous Oldedalen Valley. A lake in the valley has been turned a rich, deep green by the river pouring down the mountains from the vast, million-years-old Briksdal Glacier. Giant waterfalls also cascade down making the views even more spectacular as you travel through the valley to the foot of the glacier - one of the offshoots of the vast Jostedal Glacier now designated as a national park. Other tours head overland to the inner Nordfjord area with its wind-blown rocks, towering mountains and verdant valleys. Also in the area are folk and glacier museums, a skiing centre on the glacier plateau and northern Europes deepest lake - Hornindalsvatnet.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| SkjoldenShow more | Norway | |
 About Skjolden Surrounded by steep hills with spectacular falls, Skjolden is located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world – Sognefjord. As well as being situated in a breathtaking location, the town itself is host to a number of activities and attractions.
Once home to the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), he wrote some of his most important works here. Visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church found in Norway, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is an outstanding example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture, combing Celtic, Viking and Romanesque design. In the Jostedalsbreen National Park you can discover everything from fjords to green valleys, farms, barren mountains and glaciers, with peaks rising to 2000 metres. In the heart of these beautiful landscapes stands the Jostedal glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, where you can enjoy a thrilling walk on the blue glacier ice.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| StavangerShow more | Norway | |
About Stavanger The gateway to Norways spectacularly scenic fjordland, Stavanger is also a town with its own rich heritage as it is regarded as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. Your ship will dock right next to Gamle Stavanger, the old quarter, with its collection of 200-year-old white wooden houses (considered national heritage monuments in their own right), 12th century cathedral modelled on Winchester Cathedral, markets, craft stores and art galleries. Look out, too, for the Three Swords monument in the Hafrsfjord rock recalling the Viking sea battle won by King Harald the Fairhair to create Norway as one kingdom back in the 9th century. This is on the way to a recreation of an Iron Age Farm at Jernaldergarden. The other major landmark is a short boat trip away through the delightful Stavanger archipelago to the 2,000ft high Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen).View typical shore excursions for this port |
| LisbonShow more | Portugal | |
 About Lisbon Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as your ship cruises along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries with its statue of Henry the Navigator before arriving at the Lisbon cruise terminal.
Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts - Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style, making Lisbon cruises a must see.
Baixa has busy streets of inviting shops, cafés and restaurants while Alfama is the atmospheric old town with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval and Moorish-style buildings, wrought-iron balconies with trailing flowers and a mix of small shops and bars. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and is a steep climb from Baixa so look out for the 100-year-old lift (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square. With such a variety of destinations to explore, cruises to Lisbon bring to your holiday a balance of both modern and historical grounds.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BilbaoShow more | Spain | |
About Bilbao The Basque city and cruise port of Bilbao in northern Spain has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe following the opening of the imaginatively-designed Guggenheim modern art gallery, which is an architectural work of avant garde art in its own right. Until then, Bilbao was very much a working city but it has always boasted a lively old town dating from the 14th century. Through the winding alleyways of the Casco Viejo you can stop to sample tapas at the many exceptional local bars and restaurants. Other sights include the arcaded Plaza Nueva and the Gothic Cathedral de Santiago. One of Spain’s most important art collections is housed across the city at the Museo de Bellas Artes. This features works dating from the 12th century through to contemporary art by Cezanne, Gauguin and Francis Bacon.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| VigoShow more | Spain | |
About Vigo Spains busiest fishing port, Vigo sits on the rugged west coast of the province of Galicia. Over the centuries, this charming town and its resilient residents have been the target for many naval attacks including a couple from Sir Francis Drake.
In these more peaceful days, you will still find the best view of Vigo is from the fort (Castillo del Castro) built to defend it from the hill overlooking the harbour. From here, your Vigo cruise tour will lead you through the steep, narrow streets of the atmospheric old town (Barrio del Berbes) to see (and smell...) the daily fish market.
Try one of the oysters which are fresh from beds in Vigos ‘ria’ - one of the sunken sea-filled valleys for which Galicias coastline is renowned. And our Vigo cruises are also a chance to visit nearby Santiago de Compostela, the subject of pilgrimages since the Middle Ages.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CorunnaShow more | Spain |  |
About Corunna The name of Corunnas cruise dock - Transatlantic Quay - reflects its location on the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsular making it - you might be surprised to learn - the closest European port to New York. It is a charming mixture of old town and new town also with a couple of beaches along the two-mile stretch of coastline it overlooks. The colonnaded Maria Pita Square is at the heart of the old town, with many shops, bars and restaurants all around. There are various fascinating museums including the interactive House of Mankind plus an aquarium and planetarium. Corunna is also the main Atlantic gateway to one of the most ruggedly scenic regions in Spain - Galicia. Among its attractions is one of the worlds great pilgrimage destinations: Santiago de Compostela, with its Romanesque cathedral. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| San SebastianShow more | Spain | |
 About San Sebastian Former summer residence of the Spanish royal family, San Sebastián has grown from a fishing village to a sophisticated small city with a taste for first-class food. San Sebastian cruises bring you into the birthplace of Basque cuisine. The city is boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per metre than any other place in the world. Before dinner, why not visit the Alderdi Eder Gardens or wander along the La Concha beach promenade? Alternatively, from San Sebastian your cruise tour can take you into the old town and ancient Santa Corda. Here you can explore the alley as well as the art nouveau buildings on Arbol de Gernika promenade. Historical monuments; museums and galleries; green spaces; superb shopping; and attractions including the aquarium complete your sightseeing options, leaving just enough time to sample the city’s famous pintxos. Embark on one of our cruises to San Sebastian and treat yourself to a truly exclusive experience.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| RotterdamShow more | The Netherlands | |
 About Rotterdam The city of Rotterdam is located on the banks of the North Sea by the Nieuwe Waterweg. Recognised as one of the world’s leading ports, this ever-evolving city has a wealth of attractions. Rotterdam offers something for everyone - those who love the hustle and bustle of city life and those searching for peace tranquillity. One of Rotterdams main attractions is Diergaarde Blijdorp, a zoo featuring the impressive Oceanium where visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks. Rotterdam also attracts a great deal of international interest as a city of architecture. Across a few square miles in the city centre, you can find a complete overview of 20th century developments in modern architecture, from the pre-war Van Nelle Factory, designed around the concepts of light, air and space, to the striking Kubuswoning, or Cube Houses, a signature creation of Dutch architect Piet Blom. For an oasis of peace in the middle of the hectic city, be certain to visit the lovely gardens of Arboretum Trompenburg.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| EdinburghShow more | UK | |
 About Edinburgh This handsome capital has an eclectic mix of medieval and Georgian architecture. One of the city’s most obvious attractions is Edinburgh Castle, first founded in the 7th century. It’s still the headquarters for several of the British Army’s Scottish regiments and, at noon each day, the sound of a cannon fired from the castle’s battlements reverberates throughout the city. The castle sits at one end of the Royal Mile with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. Founded as a monastery in 1128, Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Princes Street is the shopping district, while George Street is home to bars and restaurants. Those with a love of art will want to visit the National Portrait Gallery. Alternatively see life as it was once lived by touring the city’s remaining underground vaults. For the more active visitor the view from the volcanic sill of Arthur’s Seat may be worth a refreshing, if slightly strenuous walk.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| FalmouthShow more | UK | |
About Falmouth To describe Falmouth as picturesque would be an understatement. Its natural harbour, the third largest deep-water harbour in the world, makes it a real draw for sailing enthusiasts. The town’s heart lies just off the waterfront, where you’ll find a charming mix of shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Great for indulging in the local specialities of freshly caught seafood and the delights of Cornish cream teas. Of course, Falmouth is really famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Along the coastline, and within easy walking distance of the town, you’ll discover clear waters, long stretches of beach and secluded sheltered coves – all perfect for swimming or just having fun. With the National Maritime Museum, art galleries and gardens, together with the nearby castles of Pendennis and St Mawes (built by Henry VIII), you’re sure to find plenty to do in this relaxing seaside town.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| GlasgowShow more | UK | |
 About Glasgow Originally a small salmon-fishing village, the 19th century Industrial Revolution turned Glasgow into a prominent city. In 1990 it was voted European City of Culture and today it’s known for its fabulous designer shops and unique culture. Art lovers will certainly enjoy this city. Visit the Glasgow School of Art, a building that’s reputed to be the greatest architectural work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It’s here that Mackintosh met his future wife and much of the work on display here is borne of their artistic collaboration. As well as his iconic furniture designs, you’ll see work from other artists and designers who collectively created "The Glasgow Style". Nearby the 18th century Hunterian Art Gallery houses Scotland’s largest print collection, while the Burrell Collection contains a number of important artistic artefacts donated by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy shipowner and collector. Other attractions include the Museum of Transport and the 13th century cathedral and necropolis.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| InvergordonShow more | UK | |
About Invergordon From the tiny port of Invergordon, the beautiful Scottish Highlands are yours to explore. Perhaps youll visit the nearby city of Inverness or try to catch a glimpse of the elusive monster in Loch Ness?View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KirkwallShow more | UK | |
About Kirkwall The 70 or so Orkney Islands lie at the north west tip of Scotland, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea. Kirkwall, the capital of the archipelago, is a Viking town founded in 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason. You’ll find that the original ancient Norse town has been beautifully preserved and provides an intriguing place to while away your time. For such a small town, there is plenty to see and do. Visit one of Scotland’s finest town houses - The Tankerness House Museum – where examples of Orkney’s rich archaeology are on display. Alternatively there are two palaces to explore; the mid-century Bishop’s Palace and the stunning Earl’s Palace, with its French Renaissance style of architecture. And there’s St. Magnus Cathedral, which was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald Kolson in memory of his uncle Saint Magnus. The island’s 5,000 years of culture ensures you will find history around every corner.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| LerwickShow more | UK | |
 About Lerwick Bustling Lerwick is the capital, and only town, of Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Founded in the 17th century to service Dutch herring fleets, a number of its oldest structures, including the fort, were burnt to the ground many years ago. Today most of its historical architecture can be seen along the waterfront, including sandstone buildings, which date from the 18th century. Perched on the hillside, over the harbour, the town’s lanes retain their charm. As you stroll the narrow streets, you will discover a mix of shops and restaurants, whilst up on the hillhead stand more recent additions including villas, public parks and the Town Hall.
The Shetland’s have an internationally celebrated musical heritage, in particular, their fiddle playing, which you might get the chance to sample whilst here. They also have a fascinating story to tell through the many, rich archaeological sites that can be found here, with remains dating back some 5,000 years.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| DouglasShow more | UK | |
About Douglas Set in the Irish Sea between the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is most famous for its annual TT motorcycle road race. But for, most of the year, the island is a tranquil place with a diverse culture inherited from its Viking and Celtic roots. Douglas became the capital of this picturesque self-governing kingdom in 1863 and you may want to visit the outstanding Manx Museum, which you will find in the town’s centre. Or why not spend your time soaking up the island’s rich history with walks around the settlements and castles that whisper secrets of their past. The scenery is simply stunning. You can walk the glens and mountains of which the island is justly proud or, for the best views of the island’s natural beauty, ride the steam trains. You can even take a horse drawn tram that runs along the 2 mile stretch of seafront promenade.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Milford HavenShow more | UK | |
 About Milford Haven Situated on the coast of south west Wales, near the mouth of the River Cleddau, Milford Haven is the largest town in the county of Pembrokeshire. Vikings took shelter here back in the 9th and 10th century, then in the late 18th century the Nantucket Quaker Whalers made it their home for the great whaling fleets of the age, building the city on the American grid system. Today, as well as being a busy industrial port, it offers a quayside lined with cafés, restaurants and shops and boasts some fine Georgian houses – particularly along Hamilton Terrace. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through the city of which the highlights are the golden beaches of Lindsway Bay and Sandy Haven. Milford Haven is also your gateway to the wider Pembrokeshire region. The mighty fortress of Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry Tudor, tells the tale of medieval life through its endless passages, stairways and exhibitions and boasts beautiful grounds. Whilst Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers inspiring landscapes of rugged cliffs, beaches, estuaries and hills.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| NewcastleShow more | UK | |
About Newcastle Over the past 10 years Newcastle has transformed itself into a first-class European city. As well as excellent shopping, superb restaurants and waterfront bars and galleries, it boasts beautiful historic architecture, museums and some unique pieces of sculpture, including the famous landmark The Angel of the North, created by Antony Gormley – which is situated just south of the city. Originally founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 11th century, today sections of his famous construction, Hadrian’s Wall, can still be seen within the centre of Newcastle. Another attraction of historical significance is Castle Keep, built during the reign of Henry ll (1168-78) and now a Grade l listed building. The roof offers some fantastic views of the Quayside and city centre. Spanning the width of the Tyne River is the Tyne Bridge. Opened on 10th October 1928 by King George V and Queen Mary, today it is the landmark of the city.View typical shore excursions for this port |