Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today.

Southampton holds special significance in the history of America, as it’s from this port that the Mayflower set sail for the New World, bringing over pilgrims seeking religious freedom. Southampton has been an important embarkation port for England, especially during military conflicts. It is also where the Supermarine Spitfire, a fighter plane used during WWII, was created. Today the town is still a major maritime center with work ports and manufacturing. Its remarkable history is sure to delight travelers cruising to Southampton, England. Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Southampton, England:

• Visit the New Forest National Park, originally created by William I in 1079 as an area for royals to hunt. It is now open for the public to explore the wildlife and pasture land.
• Learn about Southampton’s connection to the Titanic at the SeaCity Museum.
• Explore Bargate, which was built around 1180 as part of a defensive border fortress around the city.
• Visit the Tudor House & Garden to get an idea of what life was like in this region during the 1500s and throughout the centuries.

Located along the English Channel, Portland is divided into two areas: north and south. The south end is where extensive stone quarries lie, a resource important to the region. Unique to the city is the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which hosts world sailing championships.

Portland, which is also known as the Isle of Portland is an island made out of limestone that is found on the English Channel. It is part of the county of Dorset and is considered to form the southernmost point in the same county. The island is connected to the mainland by a barrier beach or shoal on top of which a road has been built. Portland is considered to be a central region of the Jurassic Coast. This is a World Heritage Site that is found on the Dorset and parts of the East Devon coast. This Jurassic Coast is known for its unique landforms and geology. Featured below are some of the recommended experiences, attractions, and activities that visitors could enjoy after cruising to Portland, England:

• Visitors who are interested in learning more about the island should pay a visit to the Portland Museum. It is housed in a pair of historic cottages and has been in existence since 1930. It boasts exhibits of Portland Stone and the Jurassic Coast.
   
• A unique attraction that would prove to be ideal for visitors is the Portland Castle. This 16th century castle was built in 1539 by Henry VIII at Castletown. It was built as a line of defense against France and Spain who had launched attacks during that time.
   
• Visitors should also visit the Portland Bill Lighthouse. This attraction has an interesting history where it was used as the last point of warding ships away from Portland’s hazardous waters. Due to the lighthouse’s position and seclusion, it offers a spectacular point for birdwatching in the area.
   
• History buffs should not miss the opportunity to visit the Portland Harbor and learn about its interesting history. The harbor was built between the years 1849-1872 and boasts of being the world's second largest man-made harbor.

Ireland's third largest city is a wonderful walking city built on the River Lee. Visit St. Finn Barre's Cathedral, a wonderful, triple-spired example of French-gothic architecture, and spend some time in The Old Gaol, where original 19th century cells tell some fascinating tales.

When cruising to Cobh (Cork), Ireland expect to be surrounded by exciting history as well as the romance of Ireland. Founded in the 600’s, there is a rich history that is evident in many exciting forms and cultural traditions. On your cruise to Cobh, Ireland don’t forget to join in this worldly tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone! The famous stone, known as Ireland’s “Crown Jewel” can be found by the Blarney Castle, a romantic ruin. There are many different areas to explore the traditions and cultures of the area, including the City Market or English Market, Muckross House and Gardens and traditional Irish pubs. Killarney National Park gives way to stunning views of the entire countryside and contains many lakes known for their beauty. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite things to do while cruising to Cobh (Cork), Ireland:

• Visit the house of Waterford Crystal that dates back to 1783 to see the history of the manufacturing of glass.
   
• Explore the Muckross House, a 19th century house that features a folk museum, crafting area, hand-made Victorian furniture and gorgeous sunken gardens.
• View the Blarney Castle, the stronghold of the McCarthy family, featuring stone walls and the famous Blarney Stone.
   
• Shop for some traditional souvenirs such as linens, knitted items, Waterford Crystal and China at the Blarney Woolen Mill Shop.
   
• See the ornate St. Colman’s Cathedral built in 1868 and is made of granite, limestone and beautiful stained glass arrangements.

Discover the storied history of Ireland’s largest city, Dublin. Take a whimsical walk along Dún Laoghaire’s iconic East Pier or make your way up to the crest of Killiney Hill to experience the most majestic views of the capital. Treat yourself to a pint of Irish stout after exploring the history of beer at the Guinness Storehouse or imbibe a little Irish whiskey at one of the many historic pubs. Then stroll through St. Stephen’s Green in the center of the city before surveying the selection of shops along Grafton Street.

The port of Dun Laoghaire in Ireland is a seaside town with around 40,000 inhabitants. Dun Laoghaire, one of Ireland's largest harbors has two notable piers, the East pier and West pier. The seaside walking scene from the movie "Michael Collins" featuring acclaimed star Liam Neeson, was filmed on the East pier. Cruise to Dun Laoghaire and explore the 820 berth marina, the largest in Ireland featuring numerous boats and yachts. It was opened in 2007 and is the first marina in Ireland to be certified with a gold rating. Yachting and boating are popular activities in the town and there are numerous yachting and sailing clubs that any sea lover will enjoy. Below is a list of several activities you will enjoy on your cruise to Dun Laoghaire:

• Follow in the footsteps of Liam Neeson and walk the piers of Dun Laoghaire. Get great views of the sea as you stroll along these two iconic sea town landmarks. Plus, you get to tell everyone you know you were on the location of a movie set.
   
• Visit Ireland's National Maritime Museum located inside the Old Mariners Church. The museum houses all types of maritime artifacts, from gigantic ship anchors to tiny salvaged maritime pieces, making a cruise to Dun Laoghaire a worthy experience with a lot to expect.
   
• No matter your age, Dun Laoghaire offers numerous water sporting activities that are guaranteed to be fun and enjoyable. Revel in many activities such as kite surfing, wind surfing, stand up paddling boarding, and kayaking on your cruise to Dun Laoghaire.
   
• Tour the port of Dun Laoghaire by segway or bicycle. Offering great mobility, these wheeled transportation modes afford any traveler up-close views of

Exploring Belfast is a treat for urban fans. The city is rife with trendy cafés, restaurants, and nightlife yet it also boasts a lovely historical district. While the city is packed with things to do, rural landscapes are within a short reach.

Belfast has done a 360 since the turbulent times of the late 1990s when there were a lot of struggles for Irish independence. Now that there is peace, Belfast has been named one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom. This city is the capital of Northern Ireland and isn’t as boisterous or well known as its neighbor Dublin, which is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. In Belfast you’re more likely to learn about the history of Ireland and England at the local pub than anything else. The locals are welcoming and always ready to share a story or pass on a bit of history. Continue below for a handful of our favorite experiences to enjoy when cruising to Belfast, Northern Ireland:

• Unwind at The Botanical Gardens with their beautiful rose garden and the Palm House, which houses a wide variety of tropical plants. You’ll be in a state of Zen.
   
• Head out to Carrickfergus, which is a seaside town and home to the parents of President Andrew Jackson. This is a beautiful little village to stroll through and take in the idyllic atmosphere of Ireland.
   
• Take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway. This is a stretch of coastline lined with naturally formed basalt columns. There are 40,000 columns that are up to 40 feet tall.
   
• Visit the Belfast Castle, which towers above the city, for a look into the opulent life of royalty. Here you’ll see porcelain, jewelry and hand-knitted goods. There is also an antique shop on the premises.

Experience life on the edge. This is the motto of the island community of Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis. Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is today the main town on the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The charming town is situated around a bustling harbour and has a range of local specialist shops selling handcrafted goods from the Outer Hebrides including jewellery and the famous Harris Tweed. The traditional ways of life are still very much in evidence and the beautiful Isle of Lewis is considered the heartland of the Gaelic culture. It is also home to some of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland including the Neolithic Callanish Stones and Pictish Carloway Broch.

Remote, rugged, uniquely scenic, the capital city of Stornoway is captivating. Hear the chatter of Gaelic and the unmistakable pitch of the bagpipes, breathe in the aroma of peat from the local smokehouses as they prepare the day’s catch and watch for wildlife, including northern birds like the Arctic skua, golden eagle and corncrake.

This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, which was discovered with the furniture and indoor drains preserved. Make sure to visit the striking trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl’s Palace and Bishop’s Palace. After touring, stop in a pub to chow down on salmon and lamb dishes with the locals. And ask them about the wide range of Kirkwall’s specialty items, which includes cashmere, whiskey and crafts.

Take a step back in time when you cruise to Kirkwall, Scotland. Here you will find many ways to explore the history and culture of the area. Founded in 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason and then quickly became an important part of Orkney. The “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” a UNECSCO World Heritage Site is the best place in the area to discover more about the history of Kirkwall. If you are more interested in something with recent history, consider the Balfour Castle that once belonged to Scottish nobles. The St. Magnus Cathedral is said to have been built by the Vikings during the 12th century and is a fantastic sight to see even today. Below, we have listed all of our favorite things to do when cruising to Kirkwall, Scotland:

• Visit one of the many museums and galleries where you will learn about the cultural side of Kirkwall through paintings, arts and crafts.
   
• See the Italian Chapel, Magnus Cathedral and Pier Arts center all established through the long and colorful history of Kirkwall.
   
• Discover thousands of birds in the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, noted to be one of the best areas to birdwatch as they pass by the region.
   
• Take a tour of a local brewery or whiskey distillery and sample a little of each to try something traditional or new.
   
• Sample some regional fresh favorites as you pass through the farmers’ market where you can even learn about how to cook them.

Inverness is a city in the glorious Scottish Highlands. Teeming with bagpipe players and enthusiasts thanks to the city's annual Northern Meeting in September, Inverness also boasts a diverse music scene. Gaelic was the native language until the turn of the 19th century.

When cruising to Invergordon, Scotland know that the options are endless when it comes to picking what to do and see. There is a great history that lies within the area that has great representation of what life was like during those ages from the many historic castles that are found here. From these historic castles and gardens to modern museums of artwork, there is sure to be something for everyone on your cruise to Invergordon, Scotland. Urquhart Castle was at one time the largest of medieval Scotland, where still today its ruins are spectacular. Plenty of wildlife can also be seen along the wetlands as well as the shorelines, from oysters and fish to deer, owls and grouse. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite things to do while cruising to Invergordon, Scotland:

• Explore the Culloden Moor, a visitor’s center where art exhibits are so advanced they bring the battle alive from events in 1746.
   
• View the amazing castles that tell a story in themselves about the historic importance of the town as well as more about the culture of the area.
   
• Hit the links at one of the many top ranked golf courses offering challenging 18-hole ranges.
   
• Sample some of the local cuisine at the authentic pubs and bars where traditional live music can be heard.

Make sure you pack your walking shoes for Edinburgh. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture. Marvel at the impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached. Leave enough time to rest your legs at one of Edinburgh’s seaside restaurants to enjoy fresh salmon, scallops, lamb and prime Angus beef.

Say “Firth of Forth” five times fast. These aren’t made up words, but the description of the location of Edinburgh. A firth is an estuary and this one just happens to be an estuary of the Forth River. Edinburgh lies on the southern shore of this area. Entrenched in its natural surroundings, the city of Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most idyllic cities, attracting cruisers from all over the world. Edinburgh features a booming culture, and in the summer it’s home to some of the world’s most popular festivals , including the renowned Edinburgh International Festival, which is three weeks of theater, opera, dance and musical performances. Contact our experts for help planning a cruise to Edinburgh, whether it’s during a festival or any other time of year. Featured below are a few of the best ways to spend your time when cruising to Edinburgh, Scotland:

• See the Scottish Crown Jewels and the room where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the next King of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle.
   
• The Royal Botanic Garden offers 70 acres of beautiful plants, many of which are used for research.
   
• Learn about the history of Scotland, from its earliest days to the present, at the newly renovated National Museum of Scotland.
   
• Go aboard Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Yacht Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997. This is a ship that held 45 of the royal household and even a Rolls-Royce.

• Up to 7 Guests
• 361 - 6694 sq. ft.Approx. Room Size
• 54 - 4455 sq. ft.Approx. Balcony Size

AMENITIES

• 24-Hour Butler
• Concierge Service
• Personal Escort On and Off the Ship
• Cocktail Party with Ship's Officers
• Fine Bed Linens & Pillow-top Mattress
• Plush Bathrobe, Slippers & Products
• Sparkling Wine & Fruit on Embarkation
• Suite Room Service Available 24-hours
• Invitations to Exclusive Breakfast/Lunch
• Invitations to Exclusive Cocktail Parties
• Delicious Treats Delivered Nightly
• Priority Specialty Dining Reservations

• Up to 4 Guests
• 283 - 301 sq. ft.Approx. Room Size
• 54 sq. ft.Approx. Balcony Size

AMENITIES

• Private Balcony
• Sitting Area
• Room Service available 24-hours
• Pre-book Dining/Entertainment Early
• Fine Bed Linens & Memory Foam Mattress
• Complimentary Bottle of Sparkling Wine
• Delicious Treats Delivered to Stateroom
• Complimentary Laundry or Pressing Service

Views with a room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private balcony perfect for sunrise seekers or sunset lovers.

• Up to 3 Guests
• 203 - 302 sq. ft.Approx. Room Size
• 37 - 136 sq. ft.Approx. Balcony Size

AMENITIES

• Private Balcony
• Sitting Area
• Room Service Available 24-hours
• Hot Breakfast Menu
• Continental Breakfast Menu
• Coffee Maker

Experience stylish comfort with a view. Oceanview staterooms offer excellent appointments accented by clear views of the sea.

• Up to 4 Guests
• 159 - 196 sq. ft.Approx. Room Size

AMENITIES

• 24-hr Room Service

These Oceanview Staterooms have a picture window or porthole with an obstructed view and can accommodate up to four guests and include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, one pullman and one pullout. Located mid-ship, they are close to all the action.

• Up to 4 Guests
• 159 - 196 sq. ft.Total Approx. Size
• Deck 8
• Location - Middle

Everything you need to cruise in comfort. Stay inside and enjoy modern style and nice amenities like TV, and more.

• Up to 4 Guests
• 142 - 276 sq. ft.Approx. Room Size

AMENITIES

• 24-hr Room Service