Cruises to the British Isles

From legendary landscapes to a rich history, there’s so much to explore on British Isles cruises. Discover iconic sites like the White Cliffs of Dover and the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Follow in the footsteps of the Beatles in Liverpool and admire royal palaces.

Shop for Waterford crystal in Ireland, and kiss the famous stone at Blarney Castle. In Scotland, learn the secrets of whisky, cruise the still waters of beautiful Loch Lomond, and explore the imposing Inveraray Castle. Wherever you visit on our European cruises to the British Isles, you’ll discover green, rolling landscapes, sleepy rural villages, dynamic cities, and layer upon layer of history. Whether your interest is music, medieval history, historic pubs, or fashion, you’ll find it here.

British Isles Cruise Highlights

Majestic Castles

Experience the storied history of the British Isles through the region’s famous castles. In Kent, see dreamy, 900-year-old Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon lived. In Holyhead, Wales, you’ll be in awe of the vast, 13th-century Caernarfon Castle, built by King Edward I. Edinburgh Castle, too, is a must, perched imperiously on Castle Rock, while 15th-century Stirling Castle, near Glasgow, whisks you back to the time of the great Scottish kings and queens.

Pub Culture

Traditional pubs are endemic to British culture, and every village has at least one. You’ll find a bucolic garden, a roaring fire in the cooler months, a fine array of beers on tap, and often, gourmet “pub grub”. Listen to live music and chat with locals in Ireland over a pint of Guinness, or sip cider in the sunshine in Kent, a region famed for its apple orchards. You’ll always find a friendly welcome.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The British Isles are packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both natural and man-made. From Belfast, explore Giant’s Causeway, a phenomenal natural wonder comprising thousands of basalt columns. In Scotland, the whole of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town are UNESCO-protected and a joy to explore. The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the spiritual seat of the Church of England for some 500 years, is an easy day trip from Dover.

Featured British Isles Cruise Ports

Liverpool, England

Liverpool is rich in maritime history and popular culture. If you’re a Beatles fan, you can visit the humble childhood homes of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. See Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, both of which inspired songs, and the Cavern Club, where it all began. Other Liverpool sights include the Three Graces, three iconic buildings on Pier Head, from where early emigrants to the United States departed. Visit the Cathedral, the largest in Britain, with soaring Gothic arches.

View Liverpool Port

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Dynamic Belfast, today a thriving, modern city, is famed as the epicenter of the “Troubles” that spanned three decades from the 1960s. Visit the Peace Wall that separates Catholic and Protestant areas, daubed with poignant murals, as well as the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol, operational until 1996 and believed to be haunted. Titanic followers shouldn’t miss the superb Titanic Belfast exhibit, which tells the story in multiple dimensions of the world’s most famous ship, which was built here.

View Belfast Port

Dover, England

Dover is the gateway to the historic towns, lush countryside, and natural attractions of southeast England. Visit the White Cliffs of Dover for dramatic landscapes, wartime history, and coastal vistas. Venture to Canterbury to explore Canterbury Cathedral, dating back 1,400 years, and explore moated Leeds Castle, once home to six medieval queens. Spend the day in nearby Tenterden, where you can ride a vintage railway and taste English wine. Or head to London, an easy day trip away.

View Dover Port

British Isles Cruise Itineraries

Explore the British Isles on the contemporary Celebrity Eclipse, which offers a series of immersive cruises around the British Isles, including Scotland and Ireland, all summer long. Cruises last from 11 to 14 nights and depart from Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Some circumnavigate Britain, while others head as far north as Iceland.

Why Cruise to the British Isles With Celebrity Cruises

Cruise the British Isles with Celebrity and you’ll enjoy a thrilling, destination-intensive vacation that takes in history, dramatic landscapes, and the region’s diverse culture. You’ll be able to enjoy the comforts of a sophisticated, contemporary ship for your European adventure.

The award-winning Celebrity Eclipse features stylish, modern design, impeccable service, and, like all our ships, an impressive selection of restaurants and bars. Gaze out at Britain’s towering cliffs and green coastlines from the al-fresco Lawn Club Grill, or feast on French classics with a contemporary twist in Murano. Taste exciting Japanese fare at Sushi on Five and marvel at the 3D animated antics of Le Petit Chef, a one-of-a-kind dining concept for the whole family. Choose The Retreat for suite accommodation, access to a private sundeck and lounge, and a table in the chic Luminae at The Retreat.