British Isles Cruise Tips
British Isles Cruise Tips
Last autumn, a good friend and I embarked on an enjoyable 9-day voyage through the British Isles aboard the Carnival Pride, setting sail from Dover, England. Our journey was a whirlwind, encompassing six ports of call: Greenock (Glasgow), Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Belfast, Cobh (Cork), Holyhead (Wales), and Liverpool. Each stop brimmed with historical marvels, adding layers of richness to our experience. Allow me to share some invaluable insights gleaned from our adventure for those contemplating a similar itinerary.
Navigating the distance between Dover, England, and the bustling airports of London, namely Gatwick and Heathrow, can be quite the journey. Anticipating this, we opted to forgo the cruise line transfer. Arriving a day prior to embarkation, we touched down at Gatwick and seamlessly secured a taxi outside Gatwick airport. The journey was smooth, and taxis were plentiful. It was a $200 taxi ride, but the cruise line transportation for the two of us would have been even more expensive.
Nestled in Dover, we found a charming Inn called Sandown & The Annexe. The room was small but comfortable, and the owner, Martin was extremely kind and helpful, he even gave us a lift to the castle and cliffs of Dover! The location of the Sandown was about 2 miles to the cliffs, castle, cruise port and several restaurants and shops. We walked around town, had some great food at local pubs, visited the white cliffs, and Dover Castle. If you’re staying in Dover for a few days before the cruise and you don’t have transportation arrangements to the ship, do yourself a favor and arrange a taxi immediately upon arrival in Dover. There’s not enough taxi drivers to get everyone to the ship, and they book up fast. Martin at the Sandown made a call and arranged our taxi for us when we arrived.
White Cliffs in Dover
A highlight of European travel is undoubtedly the exceptional rail networks, and Ireland did not disappoint in this regard. Opting to forego cruise line shore excursions, we embarked on independent adventures in most ports of call, relishing the spirit of spontaneity and saving substantially in the process. Both Cobh and Dublin boasted conveniently located train stations near the cruise ports, facilitating seamless exploration. In Cobh, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Cork, followed by a short bus ride to the illustrious Blarney Castle, where we eagerly partook in the tradition of kissing the famed Blarney Stone. Despite the inevitable queues, the experience proved well worth the wait. It is advisable to allocate ample time—no less than three hours—to fully savor the splendor of Blarney Castle and its surrounding grounds.
Blarney Castle
Liverpool greeted us with it’s vibrant dockside, while the cruise ship is docked in close proximity to many of Liverpool’s attractions including museums, churches, Albert Dock, and Mathew St where the Cavern Club was made famous by the Beatles back in the 1960’s, still a great place to listen to live music. Beware Beatles Fans, Abbey Road is not in Liverpool, it’s back in London. You can, however, go to Strawberry Hill and Penny Lane.
Mathew Street, Liverpool
For the adventurous types, you might take the 400 stairs down to the lighthouse at South Stack in Ynys Lawd while in Holyhead Wales; the views were beautiful even on a foggy day and just a 20-minute cab ride from the cruise port.
SouthStack Lighthouse in Ynys Lawd (Holyhead Wales port)
Ynys Lawd South Stack (Holyhead Wales)
Now, let's talk about money. While it may seem as though each port introduces a new monetary system, the reality is a bit less convoluted. British Pounds are the currency of choice in London, Dover, Liverpool, and Wales. In Northern Ireland—encompassing Belfast and Glasgow—Pound Sterling reigns supreme, while southern Ireland—comprising Cork and Dublin—embraces the Euro. Fear not, for currency exchanges and ATMs abound, facilitating seamless transactions. However, a word of caution: prior to hopping in a cab or bus, ensure you have the local currency on hand to avoid any awkwardness.
Our British Isles odyssey was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, cultural encounters, and historical marvels. By embracing spontaneity, immersing ourselves in local culture, and some planning, we unearthed the true essence of this enchanting region. May these insights serve as a compass for future travelers, guiding them towards unforgettable adventures amidst the timeless allure of the British Isles.