If you are planning a vacation and have always wanted to visit Ireland, you may be wondering if any cruise ships go to this beautiful country. Fortunately, there are a few options available for those who want to explore the Emerald Isle while enjoying the luxury of a cruise ship.
The Ports of Call
One of the most popular ways to visit Ireland via a cruise ship is by stopping at one of its many ports of call. These include Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Galway. Each city has its own unique charm and attractions that make it worth exploring.
Dublin
Dublin is known for its lively pub scene, historic landmarks such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College, as well as its famous Guinness Storehouse.
Cork
Cork is located in the southern part of Ireland and is known for its colorful buildings, charming streets, and stunning harbor views. The city also offers access to the famous Blarney Stone.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and has become a popular destination for tourists in recent years. Some must-see attractions include the Titanic Belfast museum, St. George’s Market, and Crumlin Road Gaol.
Galway
Galway is located on Ireland’s west coast and is known for its stunning natural beauty including rugged coastline, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Irish music in many local pubs.
Cruise Lines That Visit Ireland
Several major cruise lines offer itineraries that include stops in Ireland. These include Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Holland America Line (HAL), MSC Cruises among others.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International offers several itineraries that stop in Dublin, Cork, or Belfast. Their ships include the Anthem of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers a 12-day British Isles cruise that stops in Dublin and Belfast. Their ship, the Crown Princess, also makes stops in Scotland and England.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a 12-night British Isles cruise that stops in Dublin and Cork. Passengers can enjoy a day trip to Blarney Castle or explore the city of Dublin. The Celebrity Eclipse is their ship for this itinerary.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
NCL offers an 11-day itinerary that visits Ireland, Scotland, and England. The Norwegian Star makes stops in Dublin and Belfast.
Holland America Line (HAL)
HAL offers a 14-day Celtic Explorer cruise that stops in Dublin and Cork as well as other ports in Scotland, Wales, and France. Their ship for this itinerary is the ms Rotterdam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many options available for those who want to visit Ireland via a cruise ship. Whether you want to explore historic landmarks or enjoy the natural beauty of Ireland’s landscape, there is something for everyone. With multiple cruise lines offering itineraries to Ireland’s ports of call throughout the year with varied duration ranging from a week to over two weeks, you can easily plan your dream vacation to this beautiful country while cruising along its coastlines.