BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Who goes there: All Leisure Group, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Crystal Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Holland America Line, Louis Cruises, The Majestic Line, National Geographic Expeditions, Noble Caledonia, P&O Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Plantours, Ponant, Prestige Cruise Services, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Sea Cloud Cruises, Silversea, TUI Cruises.
Cruisers like: The historic centre of Belfast is small enough to be explored by foot. St George’s Market on May Street, near Belfast Central Station is Northern Ireland’s largest indoor market. Farmers markets are held on Saturday, selling local produce, clothing and crafts. The open-top Belfast Sightseeing bus tours shows visitors famous murals painted on the ends of terraced houses, Harland and Wolff shipyards, where the ill-fated Titanic was built, and Queens University.
Best for: Maritime buffs and singles.
Getting around: Free shuttles run between the harbour and the city centre every 15 minutes. For local bus trips, tourists can buy passes or a pre-load a Smartlink card.
CARDIFF, WALES
Who goes there: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Silversea, Swan Hellenic.
Cruisers like: The capital of Wales since 1955, Cardiff is the youngest and fastest-growing capital city in Europe. Vibrant and lively, its many attractions include the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle, The National Museum of Wales and the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. Cardiff is also known for its shopping – it is compact and jammed with stylish department stores, designer goods and historic arcades.
Best for: Shopaholics and history buffs.
Getting around: Use the Hop On/Hop Off Top Bus tour to see the sights of the city centre and bay. The River Taff Waterbus which runs between the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Bay and Penarth during summer.
DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN
Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Olivia Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Phoenix Reisen, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic, Windstar Cruises.
Cruisers like: Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man, which has its own government and parliament. When you arrive, visit Laxey, a delightful village on the electric railway between Douglas and Ramsey. It’s famous for its water wheel, said to be the world’s largest in operation. Douglas is also famous for its Manx produce including smoked kippers and Manx tartan cloth.
Best for: Couples.
Getting around: A horse-drawn tram, one of only two left in the world, runs along the Douglas promenade from the ferry terminal to the Manx Electric Railway southern terminal. The town is easily walkable.
DOVER, ENGLAND
Who goes there: AIDA Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, Saga Cruises, Seabourn, Voyages of Antiquity.
Cruisers like: Dover is full of history, with a medieval town centre, and of course the famous White Cliffs. It is worth visiting Dover Castle, which has a number of museums. There is also the Dover Museum, the Roman Painted House Museum and Pines Garden. Neighbouring Canterbury, with its historic cathedral, is a 30-minute bus trip away and worth a visit if you have time.
Best for: Families.
Getting around: Shuttles run from the port to the town centre when cruise ships are in port.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic, Viking Ocean Cruises.
Cruisers like: The capital of Scotland is steeped in history. It is also one of the funkiest towns in Europe with a number of festivals throughout the year. Some of the most well-known include the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. There is an amazing list of museums and galleries – some of the best include the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Check out Edinburgh Zoo, the second most popular attraction in Scotland and is home to two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, on loan from the People’s Republic of China.
Best for: Everyone.
Getting around: The centre of Edinburgh is easily accessible from the cruise terminal at Leith. It is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi. A hop on/hop off bus runs every 15 minutes during wave season.
HARWICH, ENGLAND
Who goes there: Costa Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Voyages of Discovery.
Cruisers like: Harwich is known for its architectural heritage with many medieval homes still in tact. A pair of lighthouses that once guided vessels into this North Sea port are still standing and one now houses the town’s maritime museum. Some of the town’s notable public buildings include the parish church of St Nicholas, built in the Gothic style, with much of the original furnishings still inside.
Best for: History buffs and older couples.
Getting around: Harwich is a very small town and is easily accessible by foot.
HOLYHEAD, WALES
Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, TUI Cruises.
Cruisers like: Holyhead is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. There are lots of excellent walking trails including routes to South Stack Lighthouse and Holyhead Mountain through the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park. Wild Welsh ponies still graze in the area and are thought to be descendants of the ancient Celtic pony. There are many medieval monuments that remain around the town as well as religious sites such as burial grounds.
Best for: History buffs, active travellers and older couples.
Getting around: Some of the tourist attractions are far away from port so its best to organise a private taxi or tour. Holyhead is hilly, but if you enjoy fresh air, it is worth a walk around.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Who goes there: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Cruisers like: Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the World Capital City of Pop, Liverpool was the birth place of bands such as The Beatles, Atomic Kitten and Ladytron. Liverpool is also one of the most historic maritime cities in the United Kingdom. As a major British port, its waterfronts and docks are some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Albert Dock has restaurants, bars, shops as well as two hotels. It is worth visiting the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool as well as The Beatles Story museum which is also on Albert Dock. There are plenty of gardens as well as art galleries. The city also hosts the Liverpool Biennial festival which attracts some of the biggest names like John Lennon’s former wife and controversial artist, Yoko Ono. Liverpool is also known for its thriving nightlife with some of the UK’s biggest and best clubs.
Best for: Everyone, especially music fans.
Getting around: There is a free shuttle bus from the port to the city centre and Albert Dock. There are also plenty of hop on/hop off bus tours that run throughout the day.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Who goes there: Azamara Club Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Crystal Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises.
Cruisers like: London is the largest city in the United Kingdom and is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Visitors could spend years in London and still not see everything. The major landmarks include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus and the London Eye. London is also a fantastic place for shopping. Pick up pieces from local designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Galliano, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo from iconic department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods. London is also famed for its food, from fine dining at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester hotel to Bangladeshi food in Brick Lane, there is something for every palette. There is a wealth of art and culture. Enjoy opera at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden or catch an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical at a West End theatre.
Best for: Everyone.
Getting around: London’s subway train system – the Tube, is easy to navigate. Visitors can buy an Oyster Card which can be used on buses and trains. The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is a 45-minute drive by taxi or bus, with no traffic, to the centre of London. The Tube will get you there in about 50 minutes.
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND
Who goes there: AIDA Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silversea.
Cruisers like: Once an industrial port town, Newcastle has been transformed into one of the most happening UK cities. The city retains much of its medieval street layout and has some great tourist attractions such as the Theatre Royal on Grey Street where visitors can catch performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Newcastle also hosts a number of festivals. If your cruise ship stops at Newcastle in April, you might be able to catch the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival, which has performances, exhibitions, concerts, conferences and film screenings. Newcastle also has a bustling nightlife and is filled with bars, clubs and restaurants.
Best for: Couples, singles and night owls.
Getting around: The airport is about 25 kilometres from the cruise terminal. During the wave season, cruise lines will organise shuttle services for about £16 per person. A taxi will cost about £12, one way.
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND
Who goes there: Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Cruisers like: Plymouth has become one of the most popular seaside destinations for both local and overseas tourists. Union Street was at the heart of Plymouth’s historical culture and it was a place sailors found entertainment of all kinds. During the 1930s, it attracted performers such as Charlie Chaplin. In August, the British Firework Championships attract tens of thousands of people to Plymouth. Its notable landmarks include the Royal Citadel, built after the English Civil War, and the Plymouth Naval Memorial, commemorating those killed in World Wars I and II.
Best for: History buffs and couples.
Getting around: The Plymouth Cruise Terminal is modern and slick. Terminal facilities including a cafe and free car park. There will be taxis at the terminal to take you into town.
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND
Who goes there: Crystal Cruises, Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery.
Cruisers like: Portsmouth is a great place for the entire family. The waterfront has good shopping, eating and drinking holes. Portsmouth has three theatres which specialises in classical, modern and avant-garde drama. Other attractions include the D-Day Museum and, at the dockyard, HMS Victory, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and the Royal Naval Museum. Portsmouth is the birthplace of author Charles Dickens. There are plenty of things for kids, too, including the Pyramids Fun Pools and Blue Reef Aquarium.
Best for: Maritime fanatics, history buffs and families.
Getting around: There is a free shuttle service from the Portsmouth International Port to the town centre. If you enjoy a walk, it will take about 20 minutes. There are regular trains to London and the journey takes about takes about 90 minutes.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND
Who goes there: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Tui Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises.
Cruisers like: Southampton is one of the United Kingdom’s busiest ports, frequented by the world’s largest cruise ships. Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard have headquarters in Southampton. The city is home to the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England, as well as museums such as the Tudor House Museum and SeaCity Museum, which has an exhibition on Titanic. Southampton also has a thriving music scene and a number of good restaurants including The White Star Tavern, Bugle, The Pig and the Michelin-starred The Terrace.
Best for: Foodies, maritime lovers and history buffs.
Getting around: It costs about £5 to catch a taxi from the port into the city centre. The central train station is less than three kilometres from the docks and has trains to London as well closer places of interest around Southampton, such as New Forest.