British Isles Cruise - Expedition Around the Irish Sea

Description

Celtic culture
From the cultural centre of Glasgow, we’ll sail to Portrush, to visit the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway and the magnificent ruins of Dunluce Castle. Then on to Belfast, where you’ll have the chance to explore its shipbuilding heritage and cultural highlights.

Fascinating history
Learn about the Celtic and Viking roots of the Isle of Man, and explore its capital Douglas. The next day we’ll visit the Welsh town of Fishguard, a great place to discover more about the Iron Age. Our final stop before returning to Glasgow is the lively and welcoming city of Dublin, where you can sample a Guinness fresh from the brewery.

Trip Name

British Isles Cruise - Expedition Around the Irish Sea

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters. Expedition team on board MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey. Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here. Ship facilities Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge – Explorer lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 Embark in Glasgow

Begin your cruise in Scotland's stylish city of cultureA former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot, packed with museums, galleries and parks. You can spend some time exploring the city, and discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Macintosh, before your expedition cruise.You can extend your stay here with our Pre-Programme, which also includes a night in Edinburgh and the opportunity to see its magnificent castle.MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller ships built for close exploration, will be waiting. Settle in to your cabin and explore the ship, before meeting your Expedition Team who will be your guides on your Irish Sea adventure.

Day 2 - DAY 2 See the Giant’s Causeway

Step into little Portrush to see a giant natural wonder Portrush is a small resort town that's been popular since Victorian times. The long sandy beaches here are perfect for a scenic stroll. And birders will want to head north to Ramore Head.Your first included excursion of the day is to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising from the coast. The sights don't end there. The ruins of Dunluce Castle provide a stunning backdrop to this region's wild beauty.You'll also have the opportunity to visit a working sheep farm up in the mountain peaks of the Glenshane Pass as your other included trip.

Day 3 - DAY 3 Elegant Belfast

Discover Northern Ireland’s capitalFamed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast is a city of industry and elegance. Wander the Titanic Quarter and walk the Maritime Mile showcasing the city’s seafaring history. Elegant Victorian architecture abounds here. Admire the detailed mosaics of St Anne’s Cathedral, and the majestic façade of the Grand Opera House. Climb Cave Hill, near Belfast Castle, for great views. You’ll find tasty treats and great handicrafts at St George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum will delight history buffs. Nature lovers can enjoy an included excursion to Castle Espie Wetlands Centre – a 60-acre wildlife kingdom.

Day 4 - DAY 4 Scenic Isle of Man

Learn about the Manx and join a beach clean upYour Irish Sea cruise continues to fascinating Douglas, part of the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its diverse marine and coastal ecosystems. You can help protect it by joining an included beach clean up alongside local volunteers.There’s so much to pack into your day here. Visit the Manx Museum and learn about the island's Celtic and Viking history or visit its motor museums. Check out the murals in St Thomas’s Church and discover Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold and now said to be haunted.

Day 5 - DAY 5 The Pembrokeshire coast

Explore scenic coastlines and the UK's smallest cityNestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the Welsh town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard, and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ above. Explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point, and spot marine life on a coastal walk along the Pencaer Peninsula. A short drive away is the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. More a village than a city, it owes its city status to its 12th century cathedral. You can explore this conservation area as part of an included excursion. The dramatic headland nearby is the most westerly point in Wales.

Day 6 - DAY 6 Conservation in Dublin

Discover this lively city on the River LiffeyFounded by Vikings, and later becoming the Kingdom of Dublin, Ireland’s capital has a remarkable past. But as one of Europe’s most youthful cities, ‘Dubs’ is also a bustling cultural centre and a very modern tech hub. History lovers will want to head straight for Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, and see the medieval manuscript, the 'Book of Kells' from c.800 CE. Then onto 13th century Dublin Castle – perhaps stopping to enjoy a pint of local Guinness on the way.Your included excursion today takes you to the coastal area of Dublin to join forces with the Clean Coasts volunteers. You'll help them on a beach, river, or canal clean and see how their work protects the local environment.

Day 7 - DAY 7 Return to Glasgow

Take in Glasgow's art and architectureYour Irish Sea expedition cruise comes full circle back in Glasgow. In the harbour, you'll find the striking Riverside Museum and the tall ship Glenlee.Admire the Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral and view the eclectic art and natural history at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. It's a wonderful way to round off your Scottish adventure.Why not extend your stay here with our Post-Programme, which includes a night in Edinburgh? As well as the main sights of Glasgow, you'll see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

Day 8 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

7-day expedition cruise of the British Isles, starting in Scotland and sailing to Northern Ireland, the independent Isle of Man, Wales and Ireland.
Discover natural wonders around the Irish Sea from the Giant’s Causeway to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Isle of Man.
Visit bustling Glasgow, elegant Belfast, lively Dublin and the UK's smallest city of St Davids.