Glasgow, Dublin & Belfast Cruise

Day 1 - Leith, Scotland

Arrive: Tue 28 July 2026

Day 2 - Leith, Scotland

Depart: Wed 29 July 2026

Day 3 - Aberdeen, UK

Arrive: Thu 30 July 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 30 July 2026 at 22:00

Where the rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea, you’ll find the harbor city of Aberdeen. Remote and northerly, Scotland’s third largest city is a surprising gem with distinctive architecture and a cosmopolitan feel. Encompassing a veritable wonderland of urban delights and pastoral pursuits, Aberdeen stands apart from other Scottish cities. You won’t hear Gaelic around these parts, as this bright sunny port more closely resembles a typical English city.

Day 4 - Invergordon

Arrive: Fri 31 July 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 31 July 2026 at 22:00

Take a superb natural setting of mountains, tumbling waterfalls, rushing rivers, and serene lochs (and add one sea monster); pepper the landscape with amazing castles (such as Cawdor, setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth); plant a crop of magnificent gardens; incorporate a pretty village or two (surely Beauly, with its lovely flower displays and 13th century ruined priory); toss in a trail of whiskey distilleries, and there you have it: the Scottish Highlands, shrouded in myth and folklore, and a treat to explore.

Day 5 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Sat 01 August 2026 at 13:00 / Depart: Sat 01 August 2026 at 22:00

An interesting mix of cultures, Shetland belonged to the Vikings until 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland as part of a marriage agreement between the future James II and Princess Margrethe of Denmark. It is a great place for wildlife experiences, with an abundance of breeding seabirds, orcas off shore, and shaggy and inquisitive Shetland ponies nosing about for a snack when you stop to take their photos. These isles are surely worth a visit; as Shetland Tourism says, “A quarter of a million puffins who come back every year can’t be wrong.”

Day 6 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Sun 02 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 02 August 2026 at 22:00

The 70 islands of Orkney are low lying, a pleasing, gently rolling panorama of fertile fields, heather cloaked moors, and lakes. The red sandstone walls of the imposing St. Magnus Cathedral dominate Kirkwall, the main town, capital, and hub for roads linking east and west. In summer whales and dolphins sport in coastal waters, and tens of thousands of breeding seabirds congregate on sharp seaside cliffs. The early arrival of mankind on this scene can be investigated at Skara Brae, an amazingly well preserved Neolithic village that was inhabited and already abandoned more than 5,000 years ago.

Day 7 - Ullapool

Arrive: Mon 03 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 03 August 2026 at 20:00

Day 8 - Oban, Scotland, UK

Arrive: Tue 04 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 04 August 2026 at 18:00

The "Gateway to the Isles," Oban is a busy working port with houses clinging to steep hillsides guarding a gentle bay. Climb McCaig's Tower, learn glass blowing from the masters at Caithness Glass, watch traditional kilt making at Geoffrey Ltd. and sample fine malt whiskey at Oban Distillery.

Day 9 - Greenock

Arrive: Wed 05 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 05 August 2026 at 22:00

Greenock is a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area in Scotland and a former burgh within the historic county of Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. It forms part of a contiguous urban area with Gourock to the west and Port Glasgow to the east.

Day 10 - Douglas

Arrive: Thu 06 August 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 06 August 2026 at 18:00

The tiny Isle of Man has quite a lot to offer for its size. Douglas’ lovely sea front is lined with picturesque hotels and restaurants, and can be traversed by horse-drawn trams as it has been since 1876. There’s a medieval fortress in Castletown; a ruined castle on the Isle of St. Patrick where tales of Vikings, monks, and a ghost dog abound; and the village of Cregneash, where people live in thatched cottages, speak the native Manx language, and practice traditional trades and crafts. Front gardens on residential streets are a standout – awash in color and scent.

Day 11 - Dublin

Arrive: Fri 07 August 2026 at 06:00

Dublin offers a wealth of historic sites dating back to a 1000-year-old Viking village, and as one might expect of the Irish, there is a tale to be told about every one. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is said to have been erected on the site where the saint himself converted pagans in 450 AD. From Dublin Castle the crown jewels were stolen in 1907; an unsolved mystery left to the fictional Sherlock Holmes to decipher. Some pubs, great sources of stories, are almost as old – you can sample a Guinness and the latest lore at The Brazen head, serving up drink and daydreams for 800 years. Then for a contrast, ride to a stunning view of contemporary Dublin atop a brand new observation wheel.

Day 12 - Dublin

Depart: Sat 08 August 2026 at 18:00

Dublin offers a wealth of historic sites dating back to a 1000-year-old Viking village, and as one might expect of the Irish, there is a tale to be told about every one. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is said to have been erected on the site where the saint himself converted pagans in 450 AD. From Dublin Castle the crown jewels were stolen in 1907; an unsolved mystery left to the fictional Sherlock Holmes to decipher. Some pubs, great sources of stories, are almost as old – you can sample a Guinness and the latest lore at The Brazen head, serving up drink and daydreams for 800 years. Then for a contrast, ride to a stunning view of contemporary Dublin atop a brand new observation wheel.

Day 13 - Waterford, Ireland

Arrive: Sun 09 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 09 August 2026 at 20:00

The Viking traders who founded Waterford in 914 were not the first to settle in this vicinity; Neolithic standing stones and megalithic tombs testify to much older cultures. A veritable march through the centuries continues with Norman forts, medieval abbeys, and numerous handsome manor houses of 17th and 18th century vintage surrounded by primeval forests, and delightful gardens perfect for strolling. Of course Waterford is most famous for its eponymous glassworks, producing the finest crystal since 1783.

Day 14 - Cobh

Arrive: Mon 10 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 10 August 2026 at 22:00

Day 15 - Bantry, County Cork

Arrive: Tue 11 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 11 August 2026 at 18:00

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Foynes

Arrive: Thu 13 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 13 August 2026 at 20:00

Sail down the stunning River Shannon to the heart of the Emerald Isle. Home to a significant first in aviation history, Foynes is your gateway to discover the castles, cliffs, and cities of western Ireland. During WWII, the port of Foynes was alive with wartime activity and intrigue, as it was the first airport in Europe to welcome seaplanes making transatlantic flights. Visit the Flying Boat Museum to tour a replica of the “Yankee Clipper” and relive the golden age of aviation.

Day 18 - Galway

Arrive: Fri 14 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 14 August 2026 at 18:00

With its brightly colored shops, excellent bars and restaurants, and traditional Irish music sessions, Galway may be one of Ireland’s most enchanting cities. It’s certainly one of the country’s liveliest, with an average of 122 festivals and events every year. That’s not to dismiss Galway’s storied history. Dating back to 1124, the city has survived everything from Norman invaders and Cromwellian conquests to the Irish Potato Famines of 1845-1852. This juxtaposition of historic and contemporary is on full display at the Eyre Square Centre, where the city’s medieval walls can be found on the inside of this popular shopping destination.

Day 19 - Killybegs

Arrive: Sat 15 August 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 15 August 2026 at 19:00

With world-class golf, striking promontories jutting into the ocean, and an unmistakable, roguish spark, Donegal offers a glance at a forgotten Ireland. It’s a land far away from tourist hot spots, where the sun shines brilliantly over mountain passes, historic castles, and charming coastal pubs. Your journey to Donegal begins in Killybegs, a charming fishing village that is also Ireland’s largest fishing port. From here, make your way to the banks of the River Eske, where Donegal Town sits in the shadow of the Blue Stack Mountains (part of the famous Hills of Donegal). Travel back in time at Donegal Castle, explore the Gothic ruins of the Franciscan Abbey, and stroll through The Diamond—Donegal’s city center—where you can shop for authentic Donegal tweed garments and Aran knitwear, then enjoy a meal (and the best views of Donegal Bay) at Dom’s Pier One.

Day 20 - Belfast

Arrive: Sun 16 August 2026 at 08:00

Belfast in the early 20th century had the largest and most productive shipyard in the world, gaining global renown with the launch of the RMS Titanic. Located on the slipways where she was built is a stunning new museum, opened in time for the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s only voyage and tragic demise. Today the city and riverfront are undergoing a 21st century transformation, but many exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings still sport the carved heads of kings and queens. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for “the murals.” These somewhat troubling freelance works appearing on building walls provide insight into the period known simply as “The Troubles."

Day 21 - Belfast

Depart: Mon 17 August 2026 at 19:00

Belfast in the early 20th century had the largest and most productive shipyard in the world, gaining global renown with the launch of the RMS Titanic. Located on the slipways where she was built is a stunning new museum, opened in time for the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s only voyage and tragic demise. Today the city and riverfront are undergoing a 21st century transformation, but many exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings still sport the carved heads of kings and queens. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for “the murals.” These somewhat troubling freelance works appearing on building walls provide insight into the period known simply as “The Troubles."

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - Portsmouth, UK

Arrive: Wed 19 August 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 19 August 2026