https://my.pocruises.com/api-mc/mc-getCruiseSummary/v1

/content/dam/po/content-fragments/en_GB/forms/email-offer-signup-form

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

Please correct the errors below and try again.

You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.

Title* 

First name*

Last name*

Email address*

Email Offer Consent

Your dream cruise might only be an email away...

See home shores through fresh eyes
Perhaps you’ll marvel at the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, or maybe you’ll opt for a pint of chilled Guinness in Dublin, Ireland's capital. One thing’s for sure, when you cruise the British Isles with us, you’ll experience Britain’s finest.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"UK, Scotland, Lerwick, View of coastal town in summer"}}

Yes. No matter where you’re travelling to, you’ll still need a valid passport to board a P&amp;O Cruises ship. That means&nbsp;if you are from Britain and taking a staycation cruise, you’ll &nbsp;need to bring your passport.&nbsp;So, even if you’re planning to cruise around the UK… don’t forget your passport!&nbsp;

Do you need a passport for a British Isles cruise?

Yes, even if you’re from Britain and taking a cruise around the UK, you’ll still need to have suitable travel insurance in place. This is an essential requirement for all P&amp;O Cruises holidays and a British Isles cruise is no different. So, please be aware that you may be asked for proof of your travel insurance before you board your ship. You can find out more about our travel insurance requirements at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/travel-insurance">pocruises.com/travel-insurance</a>.

Do you need insurance on a British Isles cruise?

If you’re considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">staycation cruise around the UK</a>, you might be wondering how long this will take. With P&amp;O Cruises, British Isles holidays are either 14 or 16 nights and will take you on a journey of discovery around the place we call home.&nbsp;

How long is a cruise around the British Isles?

The British Isles consists of two main islands, Great Britain and Ireland, and numerous surrounding smaller islands and island groups off the north-western coast of continental Europe. These islands vary considerably in size but, counting only those which are inhabited, there are about 210. If we were to include all the uninhabited islands, then the figure would be somewhere around 6,000. Most of these are in Scotland, home to the majestic Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and the Hebrides, which you can visit on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">P&amp;O Cruises British Isles holiday.&nbsp;</a>

How many islands are in the British Isles?

The geographical term ‘British Isles’ can be confusing but consists of Great Britain, Ireland and around 210 surrounding inhabited islands. The largest of these other islands, or island groups, includes the Isle of Man (which has its own parliament and laws), the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Northern Isles to the north.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">The British Isles</a>&nbsp;have a combined population of almost 72&nbsp;million and include the two sovereign states of the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.&nbsp;

What are the British Isles?

It’ll come as no surprise to learn that for destinations in the United Kingdom and on board your P&amp;O Cruises ship, the currency will be in pounds sterling. However, the currency in the Republic of Ireland (which is part of the geographical term ‘British Isles’) is the euro. With stops at Irish destinations on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">P&amp;O Cruises British Isles holiday</a>, it’s a good idea to have enough euros to cover any food, drinks, treats or souvenirs when you’re ashore.&nbsp;

What currency to use on a British Isles cruise?

The summer months of June, July and August are the best time to take a British Isles cruise if you want to enjoy the warmest weather and experience the most daylight hours. You can choose from our range of British Isle holidays during these months&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise#isSouRoundtrip=&amp;flightPackage_GBP_anonymous=&amp;soldOut=false&amp;=&amp;start=0&amp;sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;group.sort=departDate%20asc,price_GBP_anonymous%20asc&amp;{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=British-Isles&amp;{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&amp;{!tag=departTag}departDate=&amp;{!tag=durationTag}duration=&amp;{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&amp;{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&amp;{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&amp;{!tag=airportsTag}airportIds_GBP_anonymous=&amp;{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&amp;{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=">here</a>.&nbsp;

What is the best month for a British Isles cruise?

If you’ve never been on a British Isles cruise before, you may be wondering what you need to pack. The most important item you’ll need to pack for a cruise is your passport. Even if you’re British and cruising around Britain, you’ll need to bring your passport.
&nbsp;
Another essential is travel insurance. Again, even if you’re British and going on a cruise around the UK, you may be asked for proof of your travel insurance before you board your ship. So, please be sure to bring either a printed or digital copy of your travel insurance documentation, confirming cover for all the named guests in your party for your dates of travel. You can find out more about our travel insurance requirements at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/travel-insurance">pocruises.com/travel-insurance</a>.
&nbsp;
Then there’s the question of what clothes to bring. Of course, one of the best reasons to take a cruise around the UK and Ireland is that you can visit so many incredible destinations in just one trip and only have to unpack once. And although the British Isles can see some glorious weather in the summer months, it’s perhaps fair to say it can still be a bit unpredictable. So, as well as packing sun cream, t-shirts and shorts, you might also want to pack waterproof clothing and an umbrella. Also, it might not come as much of a surprise to learn that what you pack will depend a lot on what shore experiences you’ve got planned at your destinations. For example, if you’re planning on more active experiences like hiking in The Highlands, you’ll need to make sure you have suitable shoes and clothing for this.
&nbsp;
If you’re looking to step out in style on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/dining/celebration-night">Celebration Night</a>, then don’t forget to pack your favourite cocktail dress or smart suit and tie. And if you really want to make an occasion of it, a ball gown or tuxedo will do nicely. For the majority of evenings on board your ship, you can dress as you would for a meal in a nice restaurant. So, pack suitable clothing such as smart skirts and dresses or smart jeans and trousers as well as nice tops or open-neck shirts.
&nbsp;
When you board your ship, it may take a few hours for your suitcases to be delivered to your cabin. So, it’s always a good idea to bring along everything you need for your first day in a carry-on bag. As well as the essential items already mentioned, such as your passport and travel documentation, why not also pack a change of clothing or your bathing suit and flip-flops, in case you fancy a dip in the pool? And, when you’re off exploring ashore, your carry-on bag will come in handy for bottled drinks and souvenirs.&nbsp;

What to pack for a British Isles cruise?

A British Isles cruise will leave a lasting impression on any guest. Scotland’s islands are made up of castles, glacial valleys, mountains and lochs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/stornoway-united-kingdom">Stornoway</a>, the main town on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, is renowned for its unrivalled scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. Over on the Orkney Islands, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea, you’ll find staggering cliffs and thriving seal colonies. And in the ancient Norse town of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/kirkwall-united-kingdom">Kirkwall</a>, a world of castles, Viking carvings and winding cobbled streets await.
&nbsp;
The breathtaking beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant’s Causeway, visited from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/belfast-united-kingdom">Belfas</a>t, is one of the UK’s must-see sights. And from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/cork-tours-from-cobh-ireland">Cork</a>, the Republic of Ireland's second-largest city, you can visit Blarney Castle, where you can experience Irish folklore by kissing the Blarney Stone.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Beatles fans will be in their element on a visit to The Beatles Story in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/liverpool-united-kingdom">Liverpool</a>. And, for nature lovers, the unrivalled beauty of the Lake District is waiting to be explored.&nbsp;

What to see on a British Isle cruise?

The&nbsp;British Isles&nbsp;are&nbsp;in the&nbsp;North Atlantic Ocean,&nbsp;off the north-western coast of&nbsp;continental Europe. They consist of the islands of&nbsp;Great Britain,&nbsp;Ireland, the&nbsp;Isle of Man, the Inner and Outer&nbsp;Hebrides, the&nbsp;Orkney Islands and around 210 surrounding inhabited islands.&nbsp;

Where are the British Isles?

Showcasing some of our very best national treasures, your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/british-isles">P&amp;O Cruises British Isles holiday</a>&nbsp;will take you away to remote islands, hilly highlands, charming coastal towns and many hidden gems dotted along the way.
&nbsp;
Some top destination highlights include the cheerful city of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/cork-tours-from-cobh-ireland">Cork</a>, the stunning scenery of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/stornoway-united-kingdom">Stornoway</a>, the Orkney Norse town of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/kirkwall-united-kingdom">Kirkwall</a>, the captivating Shetland Islands and the lively city of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/liverpool-united-kingdom">Liverpool</a>, from where you can explore the beautiful Lake District. From&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/fly-cruises/regional-airports/belfast">Belfast</a>&nbsp;you can visit one of the UK’s greatest natural wonders, the Giant’s Causeway, and from Newhaven you can reach the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, where you’ll find winding cobbled streets lined with Georgian houses as well as the spectacular 11th-century castle.
&nbsp;
From the green pastures and ancient folklore of Ireland to iconic English cities and the wild landscape, mountains and lochs of Scotland, you’ll have chance to see more of the British Isles than you might have thought possible on a cruise around the UK and Ireland.&nbsp;

Where do you go on a British Isles cruise?

You can sail to the British Isles on:
<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arcadia/overview">Arcadia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/britannia/overview">Britannia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/aurora/overview">Aurora</a>

Which P&O ships cruise to the British Isles?

Frequently asked questions about the British Isles

Cruise holidays

Find your favourite British Isles cruise holiday

Get under the skin of the British Isles with a shore experience. Tour Belfast by black cab, swap Liverpool for the Lake District, or explore iron age settlements in Stornoway. Retrace medieval and Viking history on a walking tour of Kirkwell, or warm up with a coffee after an adrenaline fuelled rib ride of Cork Harbour.

ports

 A bridge over a river with a purple and blue sky

The capital of Ireland boasts historical and cultural appeal, with world-renowned pubs and bars.

Discover rich culture and historical artefacts in Northern Ireland's proud capital.

 A bridge over water with an orange, pink and purple sky

Referred to by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland', hosting a thriving Irish music scene.

The skyline of Oban in autumn, Argyll in Scotland - United Kingdom; Shutterstock ID 1233891820; Project: New ports 2021-2022

Meaning 'The Little Bay' in Scottish Gaelic, explore the town's fascinating past and fishing heritage.

A hub of British culture, including maritime and world trading history.

A lit up bridge over water with an evening sky

Greenock’s shipbuilding past anchors a proud Scottish port with sweeping Clyde views.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":" Boats on water"},"metadata_en_AU":{"alt-text":" Boats on water"}}

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Boats on water"},"metadata_en_AU":{"alt-text":"Boats on water"}}

Contemporary glamour
Family friendly
Our flagship offers something for everyone, from fine dining to thrilling shows.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

An Intimate classic
A classic cruising experience with a focus on relaxation, world-class dining and a stylish atmosphere.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

The indulgent explorer
Mid-sized Arcadia offers timeless style – a worthy home for our epic World Cruises.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

The Swirle Pavilion on Newcastle's Quayside, beside the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Across the River Tyne in Gateshead is The Sage music center.

Trinity College Dublin Campanile, most prominent tourist attractions in Dublin.

Shore experiences

Ships

Explore the British Isles on your favourite ship

'Had a terrific time on board the Britannia around the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Isles&nbsp;in June - first time on this ship - and loved it very much.'

'We cruised around the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Isles. It was a fantastic experience. Money well spent. Thank you P&amp;O Cruises. You get my five stars.'

'Wow, what a cruise. Back from a fantastic&nbsp;British&nbsp;Isles&nbsp;Cruise celebrating Britannia's 10th anniversary. Lovely ship and fantastic crew.'

Reasons to visit

Colorful row houses with towering cathedral in background in the port town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland

The rugged coastlines, green pastures and ancient folklore of Ireland and beyond await you on a cruise around the British Isles.&nbsp;St Peter Ports Island&nbsp;will seduce you with its multitude of gorgeous bays ranging from long, whilst&nbsp;Invergordon&nbsp;is the perfect place to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness monster in nearby Inverness.

Arnish point lighthouse at sunset, pink sky, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Scotland’s wild landscape is made up of castles, glacial valleys, mountains and lochs. Stornoway, the main town on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. The natural beauty and archaeological wonders of the Orkney Islands will astound and enthral you, too.&nbsp;

For history lovers, St Peter Port is a dream. Discover Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old fortress that guards the harbour, as well as museums dedicated to the German occupation of Guernsey in the Second World War.&nbsp; You will also be enchanted by the fine Georgian and Regency houses, tumbling terraced gardens, winding streets and hidden leafy alleyways.&nbsp;

{"metadata_en_US":{"alt-text":"Guernsey harbour with boats flaoting"}}

Where we sail

Explore our British Isles cruise destinations

Sign up to hear from us

Yes, guests can take alcohol on a mini cruise from southampton.
What drinks can you take on P&amp;O Cruises short breaks?
Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion, which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account.&nbsp;
Other alcohol types such as spirits are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship.
*prices subject to change

Can I take alcohol on a Short Break cruise holiday?

Amsterdam is famous for its art galleries and museums (from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank house), beautiful canals, interesting architecture and lively nightlife. You’ll also find a deliciously innovative food scene and, in the spring, thousands upon thousands of tulips covering the city in a kaleidoscope of colours.

What is Amsterdam known for?

It’s always worth checking the local weather before you head off on a Short Break, but in the summer you’ll generally need to dress for the heat (think dresses, shorts, t-shirts, sandals – and don’t forget your swimming costume) while the winter usually calls for layers and thick coats.
During your days on board, you can dress in whatever you like. However, on all our ships, we have two dress codes that apply in the evenings: Evening Casual and Black Tie. For nights when the dress code is Evening Casual, you can bring out your best shirt, dress and smart, dark denim. For nights where the dress code is Black Tie, make sure you pack your best tux, suit or cocktail dress.
There are some venues on each ship where dress codes don’t apply, so make sure you check your Horizon paper that’s delivered to your cabin each day to check where these are, as they vary ship by ship. For those travelling on family-friendly ships, dress codes also don’t apply to children aged 17 and under.

What should I pack for a Short Break cruise holiday? 

The best time of year to cruise to Amsterdam depends on what you’d like out of your holiday. Do you prefer the sun or a winter chill? Do you want to see the Light Festival and wander Christmas markets? Or would you rather see the world’s largest flower garden (think miles of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths) in bloom in the spring? How about cruising the canals in the heat of the summer sun, cocktail in hand? We visit Amsterdam almost year-round so that no matter your holiday style, you’ll find a Short Break cruise holiday to suit you.

What’s the best time of year to cruise to Amsterdam?

The best time of year to go on a mini cruise to Bruges is up to you – what do you want from the weather? What activities do you fancy doing? We’ve got Short Break cruise holidays that visit Bruges (from Zeebrugge) almost year-round. If you’re dreaming of walking around a chilly Christmas market with a hot chocolate (or mulled wine) in hand, December is the month for you. Or, if you’d rather be a bit warmer as you cycle through the countryside or wander medieval streets, April or May might be a better choice. A visit in October will add autumnal magic to a stroll along the canals as the leaves fall around you.&nbsp;

What’s the best time of year to cruise to Bruges (from Zeebrugge)?

Summer brings warmth and sunshine to Amsterdam (with an average temperature of around 23°C) while winters are cold and bring a likely chance of snow. Amsterdam’s spring is fairly mild, heating up and drying out as it gets closer to summer, while autumn brings a good chance of rain as it cools down towards the end of the year.

What's the weather like in Amsterdam?

We tend to visit Hamburg in December on our Short Break holidays when it’s fairly frosty. Hamburg usually has highs of 5˚C and lows of 1˚C in December, with an average of 12 days of rain – but you might be lucky enough to be there when it snows.

What’s the weather like in Hamburg?

On our Short Break holidays, you might visit:
Amsterdam in the Netherlands
Bruges (from Zeebrugge) in Belgium
Cherbourg in France
Hamburg in Germany
Le Havre in France
Rotterdam in the Netherlands
St Peter Port, Guernsey, in the Channel Islands

Which countries does P&O Cruises visit on Short Break cruise holidays?

On our mini cruise holidays, you might visit:
Amsterdam
Bruges (from Zeebrugge)
Cherbourg
Hamburg
Le Havre
Rotterdam
St Peter Port, Guernsey

Which ports does P&O Cruises visit on mini cruise holidays?

Get to know us

https://www.pocruises.com/frequently-asked-questions

https://www.pocruises.com/request-a-brochure

Support

https://www.pocruises.com/manage-my-booking

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/promotion-terms-and-conditions

https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations

https://www.pocruises.com/new-to-cruising/whats-included

Useful links

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/privacy/cookies

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy

https://www.pocruises.com/company-information

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/consumer-protection

https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/safety-and-security

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/booking-terms-and-conditions

Footer Bottom

Stay connected

sm-Facebook

sm-Instagram

sm-Youtube

sm-Pinterest

AbtaLogo

AtolLogo

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-details

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-preferences

https://www.pocruises.com/login/pay-balance

https://www.pocruises.com/my-account/brochures/request-a-brochure

Avatar menu

On board

Discover cruising

Help

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/cruise-deals

British Isles cruise holidays

Reasons to visit the British Isles on a cruise holiday

Breathtaking Coastlines

Natural wonders

Fascinating History

Explore our British Isles cruise destinations

British Isles ports

Lerwick

Lerwick

Find your favourite British Isles cruise holiday

Our British Isles shore experiences

British Isles shore experiences

Explore the British Isles on your favourite ship

Britannia