Itinerary: Cruise from Southampton – Portland – Cork (Cobh) – Liverpool – Belfast – Greenock – Kirkwall, Orkney Islands – Invergordon – Edinburgh (South Queensferry) – Le Havre (Paris) – Return to Southampton.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Southampton
- Portland: An island connected to the Dorset mainland by Chesil Beach. The Isle of Portland has a long history of quarrying for its limestone, used in many of London’s famous buildings. It offers rugged coastal scenery and views of the Jurassic Coast.
- Cork (Cobh): The port for Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, is located in the town of Cobh. Cobh is known for its colourful harbourside houses and was the final port of call for the Titanic. Cork City offers attractions such as the English Market and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
- Liverpool: A historic maritime city in northwest England, famous for its musical heritage, particularly The Beatles. The Royal Albert Dock area contains museums, galleries, and restaurants within restored Victorian buildings. Its waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Belfast: The capital of Northern Ireland, with a history centred on shipbuilding. Key attractions include the Titanic Belfast museum and the political murals along the Falls and Shankill Roads. The city offers a direct glimpse into the region’s industrial and political past.
- Greenock (tours to Glasgow): A port town on the River Clyde, serving as a gateway to Glasgow. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for its Victorian architecture, shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Greenock itself has a history of shipbuilding.
- Kirkwall, Orkney Islands: The largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands. St. Magnus Cathedral, built from red and yellow sandstone, dominates the town centre. Nearby are the prehistoric sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, providing access to ancient history.
- Invergordon: A town in the Scottish Highlands, on the Cromarty Firth. It is a popular cruise port and a base for exploring the surrounding area, including Loch Ness. The town is known for the murals painted on its buildings.
- Edinburgh (South Queensferry): Scotland’s capital, accessed via the port of South Queensferry. Key landmarks include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat. The city is a centre for culture and history, known for its festivals.
- Le Havre (Paris): A major port in Normandy, rebuilt after WWII to designs by architect Auguste Perret. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its post-war architecture. Le Havre serves as the primary cruise gateway for excursions to Paris.
Return to Southampton