Edinburgh in Scotland, Dugald Stewart Monument.

British Isles Cruises

Explore castles and countrysides on a UK and Ireland cruise

There’s no better way to explore the British Isles than on a cruise with Princess. Bring fairytales to life as you explore the storybook castles and enchanting countryside that the British Isles has to offer. From the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral to mysterious Stonehenge there’s something for everyone as you experience the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

British Cruises Destinations

Your British Isles cruise will take you to England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and France.

Liverpool, England

England

Old brick bars and shops in Liverpool.

Starting off in Southampton, you can make your way around the British Isles and experience the exquisite beaches and picturesque cliffs of Dover and Cornwall. Visit the famous landmarks and architecture London has to offer, and experience friendly culture and musical influences in the unique city of Liverpool.

Edinburgh in Scotland, Military Tattoo Castle Night

Scotland

Military Tattoo Castle in Edinburgh.

You can encounter age-old traditions in Edinburgh during a performance from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Take a relaxing stroll along Scotland’s famous Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for mythical creatures that call these waters home.

Dublin in Ireland, Temple Bar at night

Ireland

Temple bar in Dublin.

Mosey down cobbled pathways in Dublin and experience the charm of traditional Irish pubs. Legend has it, you'll get the gift of gab after visiting the Blarney Stone at Ireland's iconic castle.

British Isles Ports and Excursions

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on a British Isles cruise with Princess.

Tollymore Forest Park
Tollymore Forest Park.

Belfast

Teeming with rural villages and vast countryside, Belfast is an explorer’s playground. Cruise to the British Isles and walk through the basalt formations of Giant’s Causeway. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens and observe the park’s Victorian heritage, or experience true country living in the cottage of a bread maker where you can make fresh-baked goods to accompany your afternoon cup of tea.

Cork

In a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, Cork is a beacon of romance among Ireland’s iconic cities. On a British Isles cruise, see the city’s emerald terrains reflected in the lakes of Killarney National Park. You can savour an Irish coffee in the 18th-century village of Blarney or enjoy a lunch on the hills of Cashel with the Romanesque architecture of St. Patrick’s Rock as your backdrop.

Kilcoe Castle in Cork
Kilcoe Castle in Cork.
Dublin in Ireland, Trinity College Library books
Dublin in Ireland, Trinity College Library books.

Dublin

Experience the best of Irish hospitality on a British Isles cruise to Dublin. Stop by a pub and hear stories of the city from the people who call it home. Tour Trinity College, one of the world’s most famous universities, or discover the secrets to brewing the world-renowned stout at the Guinness Storehouse.

Edinburgh

With centuries of cultural change, Edinburgh is home to a diverse landscape of design. Cruise the British Isles and follow the Royal Mile to the top of Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle sits overlooking the city below. Marvel at the expansive collection of artworks in the Royal Yacht Britannia, or shop for souvenirs on Princes Street while admiring the Georgian architecture of New Town.

Edinburgh in Scotland
Edinburgh in Scotland.
University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow.

Glasgow

Once an industrial giant, Glasgow is brimming with treasure. When you cruise the British Isles, wander the halls of Inveraray Castle to see a collection of royal portraits. Watch a kaleidoscopic display in Glasgow Cathedral as the sun pours through the magical stained-glass windows. Or spend the day admiring armour, weaponry and global gems in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Orkney Islands

Orkney is home to some of the oldest Neolithic sites in Europe. On a British Isles cruise, history buffs can hear World War II stories at the Italian Chapel, or travel along Scapa Flow for an even deeper look into the region’s history of naval travel and trade. For those seeking mysteries, uncover secrets of the Ring of Brodgar, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Orkney Islands lighthouse
Orkney Islands lighthouse.
Le Mont Saint-Michel - Normandy, France
Le Mont Saint-Michel - Normandy, France.

Paris & Normandy (Le Havre)

In a land that inspires love stories, reconnect with loved ones on a British Isles cruise to France. Dock in Le Havre and enjoy a breakfast crepe at a sidewalk cafe. Or embark on a day-long adventure in one of two directions. Visit Paris, where famous artwork awaits, or head to Normandy and see the D-Day beaches or the tidal island of Mont Saint Michel. From the painted portraits to the real-life scenery, revel in it all with Princess.

Portland (tours to Stonehenge)

Used to build Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the stone extracted from Portland’s quarries has changed history. But there’s more to this charming island than it’s commodities. From here you can take a tour to investigate the mysteries of Stonehenge, learn about the grape-to-glass process at Langham Wine Estate or see hundreds of baby swans parading through the grounds of the 600-year-old Abbotsbury Swannery.

Stonehenge
Stonehenge.

British Isles Cruise FAQs

See our British Isles Cruise Deals

See our deals on British Isles cruises, including our all-inclusive cruises.

Why Cruise the British Isles with Princess

The British pubs, Parisian artwork and Irish castles invite you to live like royalty.

Giants Causeway
Giants Causeway.

British Isles excursions

Our award-winning shore excursions bring you up close to beautiful coasts, monuments and historical wonderlands. On a British Isles cruise, snap photos of Dublin’s iconic sites — like St. Stephen’s Green and Christ Church Cathedral — and taste a world-famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse. Or ride through quaint villages in Belfast on your way to Giant’s Causeway, and revel in the natural structures that surround you.

Local connections

When you cruise the British Isles, meet the diverse personalities that call these lands home. In Dublin, head to a countryside bed and breakfast where a local chef invites you to savor homemade scones and jam. Or set out on a day-long tour in Cork with your loved ones and visit the city’s most iconic sites. Stop by the 18th-century village of Kinsale, and then continue to Blarney Castle, where legends and landmarks await.

Meet the locals
Meet the locals.
The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar.

More ashore

Enjoy even more history and culture during your British Isles cruise with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Visit several pubs during an evening tour, and hear stories from locals over a pint of local brew. Savor a traditional Scottish dinner in Edinburgh, and see the Royal Mile illuminated by street lamps and the evening light. Or explore Dublin by night, and indulge in Irish entertainment.

British Isles Cruise Onboard Experience

Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

Sky Princess
Sky Princess.

Ships sailing British Isles cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your British Isles cruise.

British Isles Cruises Articles

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Star Princess ship sailing by Dewas glacier in Alaska.

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