Save Up to 10% + $500USD Air Credit - Fly to Cruise Sale with Hurtigruten Expeditions
Price: $3,514USD Per Person
(All offer savings and air credits are applied as a discount to the cruise portion of the package only, and displayed ‘from’ prices are per person based on double occupancy, in USD ($), and include taxes, fees, and port expenses. Polar Inside, Cabin Category: I2D. April 2, 2023 departure date.)
Savings: Save up to 10% + $500USD Air Credit
Departure Date: April 2, 2023
Return Date: April 8, 2023
Photo: Lerwick, Scotland - Photo Credit: Chelsea Claus
Historic seaports, natural wonders, and cultural gems await as we cruise the Irish Sea, taking in four countries of the British Isles and the Isle of Man.
From Glasgow to Northern Ireland
With its splendid Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow is the perfect port from which to launch your expedition cruising the Irish Sea. Reaching Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle in Portrush is one of the most scenic and romantic castles imaginable. You’ll visit the fabled Giant’s Causeway before sailing to Belfast, where you can explore the cobblestone streets of the Cathedral Quarter and witness the city’s proud shipbuilding heritage.
Viking isles and Welsh wonders
The British Isles are blessed with incredible landscapes, and the Isle of Man is no exception. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore its rugged coastline and uncover Celtic and Viking history. We’ll drop anchor farther south at the charming fishing village of Fishguard in Wales, where you’ll find ancient monuments and Neolithic houses.
Irish cheer
Pop into one of the timeless institutions that form the bedrock of society in the British Isles: pubs. Find some ‘craic’ in Dublin’s cozy establishments of good cheer while sipping a pint of Guinness. Wander Dublin’s bustling streets and take in its history. Don’t miss Trinity College and Dublin Castle before sailing back to Glasgow as your final port of call.
Photo: MS Spitsbergen - Photo Credit: Ørjan Bertelsen
Included in Your Expedition
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program, which allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and an indoor gym
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help you configure your camera settings
Not Included in Your Expedition
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
Photo: Map of British Isles Cruise - Expedition Around the Irish Sea Itinerary
British Isles Cruise - Expedition Around the Irish Sea
Roundtrip Glasgow | 7-Days | MS Spitsbergen | April 2, 2023
Day 1: Glasgow, Scotland
Set sail from Glasgow
April 2, 2023
Setting of from Scotland’s city of culture, get to know your expedition ship and crew.
Glasgow is an elegant city filled with splendid Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. If you have time before embarkation, discover its museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink, and shop.
When you’re done, your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you. The friendly Expedition Team will be on hand to greet you. After attending a safety briefing and settling in, sit down for a welcome dinner to launch the cruise.
Photo: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland - Photo Credit: Kevin Standage
Day 2: Portrush (Northern Ireland)
See the Giant’s Causeway
April 3, 2023
Step out into Portrush and see a giant natural wonder.
Portrush is a small resort town that’s been popular since Victorian times. From here, there are several walks you can go on, and this section of coast features long sandy beaches. Birders should trek up to Ramore Head, just north of the town.
A big draw is the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. This contains around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising mysteriously from the coast. All the while, the ruins of Dunluce Castle sit dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, provide a stunning backdrop to this region’s savage beauty.
Day 3: Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Charming capital with historic industrial links
April 4, 2023
Roam Northern Ireland’s historic industrial city and discover its proud heritage.
Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital is a city of industry and elegance. Wander the Titanic Quarter and walk the Maritime Mile, a waterfront trail showcasing Belfast’s proud 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 city views.
There are tasty treats and handicrafts for sale at St George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum will delight history buffs.
Photo: Kirkwall, Scotland - Photo Credit: Chelsea Claus
Day 4: Douglas, Isle of Man
Viking history on a Celtic isle
April 5, 2023
Explore the capital of the Isle of Man, a hotbed for Celtic and Viking heritage.
The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We’ll head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man; learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage; trace its transformation into a Victorian tourist resort; and discover its stunning, rugged coastline.
There’s so much to see and do in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St. Thomas’ Church, and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, which was originally a Viking stronghold and is now said to be haunted.
Day 5: Fishguard, Wales
The Welsh town with a long history
April 6, 2023
Explore Fishguard and see its Iron Age settlements and the idyllic Dyffryn Fernant gardens.
Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming Welsh coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original village and harbor in Lower Fishguard and enjoy spectacular sea views from the main town on the cliff-top.
Explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point and spot marine life on a coastal walk along the Pencaer Peninsula. Enter the reconstructed roundhouses at Castell Henllys to get a feel for life in the Neolithic period. And the Dyffryn Fernant gardens are a horticultural gem not to be missed.
Photo: Tarbert, Scotland - Photo Credit: Eduardo
Day 6: Dublin, Ireland
Emerald Isle capital
April 7, 2023
Discover the lively city on the Liffey River, famed for its culture
Founded by Vikings, and later becoming the Kingdom of Dublin, Ireland’s capital has a remarkable history. As one of Europe’s most youthful cities, ‘Dubs’ is also a lively cultural center for live music and pubs. It’s also a modern tech hub.
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city, visiting such places as Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. Here, you can see the medieval manuscript the Book of Kells. Dublin Castle is also worth a visit—and don’t forget to sample a pint of Guinness!
Day 7: Glasgow, Scotland
Return to Glasgow
April 8, 2023
Finish off where you started … But why not stay a bit longer?
Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started: in Glasgow. Even though you’ve spent the past 10 days enjoying wonderful experiences, why not stay a little longer and and see some of the things you missed before you set sail.