Explore vibrant ports and stunning scenery on a British Isles cruise

Five reasons to choose a Saga Cruises’ UK sailing in 2027.

Saga Cruises is marking its 30th anniversary of cruising from the UK with seven sailings around the British Isles and Ireland in 2027.

The cruises salute our maritime heritage and the human history that has shaped our nation. All around our coastline are natural harbours where the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans landed – and where trading ports grew into important cities including Liverpool and Belfast.

With a choice of six, 10 and 12-night departures from the Port of Dover, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure trace the coastline of our Sceptr’d Isle – so, in the words of Shakespeare, prepare to sail from the ‘precious stone set in a silver sea’.

As well as calling into vibrant ports, relax and enjoy scenic sailing along stunning coastlines and once ashore, embrace our rich culture with visits to world-class art galleries and museums, castles, Neolithic sites, historic houses and fabled gardens.

Five good reasons to choose a British Isles cruise in 2027

Cave Hill, Belfast

Wonderful coastlines from a new perspective

Each cabin on Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure has a balcony so there’s a connection with the sea from the moment you wave goodbye to Dover’s iconic White Cliffs.

Get out on deck during sea days to lap up the views in remote settings such as the Inner Hebrides, passing the Isle of Skye, with sandy shores and misty mountain backdrops.

Pass the Emerald Isle to witness Ireland’s wild beauty and towering sea cliffs and, off the Cornish coast, watch the powerful Atlantic surf hit rugged shores and delight in seeing picturesque seaside towns and beaches.

The wraparound Promenade Deck on each ship is also ideal for walking while looking out to sea and you can expect plenty of wildlife sightings from seabirds to eagles, dolphins and seals. Your ship’s captain will also point out landmarks so you can catch a glimpse of lighthouses, fortresses and sea stacks.

Tresco Abbey Garden, Isles of Scilly

Remote islands and off-the-beaten-track destinations

Britain’s most northerly archipelago, the Shetland Islands, are 200 miles from Aberdeen. Here you can explore the capital, Lerwick, or take an optional trip to Jarlshof, where Neolithic man first arrived at Sumburgh Head.

The Orkney Islands and the Isle of Lewis also feature in some itineraries and, in the middle of the Irish Sea, there’s an opportunity visit the Isle of Man. Go ashore independently for a horse-drawn tram ride along the seafront, call into the motor museum opt for a trip on a vintage railway.

In the Scilly Isles, 28 miles off the Cornish coast, Tresco Abbey Garden, with its vast collection of sub-tropical plants from 80 countries, is a garden lover’s dream and look out for red squirrels scampering among the trees.

Explore iconic cities

Our greatest cities grew from a mighty naval and trading power so you can embrace a rich culture in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Belfast.

Edinburgh: Saga Cruises’ ships moor off the port of Newhaven for an included city tour or perhaps stroll along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town. In the National Museum of Scotland see treasures including the Galloway Hoard, a Viking-age collection of gold, silver and rare rock crystal objects that had been buried in AD 900. An optional excursion tour be booked for a visit to Edinburgh Castle to walk in the footsteps of kings and queens or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland.

Aberdeen: The granite city has so much to offer. Aberdeen Art Gallery is the ‘must-see’ home of works by the Scottish Colourists, Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon and Tracey Emin. The Maritime Museum is close to the harbour and free to enter or consider the Gordon Highlanders Museum which tells the 200-year story of regiment, which Sir Winston Churchill described as ‘the finest in the world’.

Liverpool: Get up early for the sail into Pier Head where the Three Graces dominate the waterfront; the Royal Liver Building, the Port of Liverpool building and the Cunard building. They symbolise the city's maritime strength and wealth during the early 20th century. Perhaps book ahead for the Royal Liver Building 360 tour with access to the 15th-floor roof balcony. Of course, The Beatles’ fans can buy a ticket to ride for a Fab Four tour of the city which includes old haunts from Penny Lane to Strawberry Fields. Just ask the Explore Ashore team to help with your plans.

Belfast: Northern Ireland’s capital became a major industrial city when a tidal creek was transformed into the deep-water port where RMS Titanic was built. Next to the historic slipways the Titanic Experience is one of the world’s leading tourist attractions which tells the story of the fated ship.

For a drive out into Northern Ireland’s most picturesque countryside opt to see the Giant’s Causeway, with its geometric columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Spirit of Discovery

Celebrate 30 years of cruising with a special sailing around the UK

Expect plenty of exciting events during Spirit of Discovery’s 12-night The British Isles: Our 30th anniversary Cruise on May 13.

The ship circumnavigates the British Isles, sailing anti-clockwise from Dover along the east coast of England to Newhaven for Edinburgh, then on to the Shetland Islands, Liverpool, Belfast, Cobh, Falmouth and Portsmouth.

Take an optional tour from Newhaven to discover one of Scotland’s engineering marvels: the world’s only rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel was built to replace a series of outdated 19th-century locks, and despite utilising 21st-century engineering, the Falkirk Wheel applies the ancient science of Archimedes’ principle.

If you have always fancied kissing the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence, book an optional excursion from Cobh, Ireland, to 600-year-old Blarney Castle.

Spirit of Discovery also sails into Falmouth, Cornwall, the third deepest natural harbour in the world (behind Sydney Harbour, Australia and the Port of Mahon, in Menorca, Spain) and we have explorer Sir Walter Raleigh to thank for his suggestion to convert it into a seaport. The town has plenty of pubs, restaurants and shopping opportunities or take an optional tour to Land’s End.

Continuing the maritime theme, Portsmouth has an illustrious naval and maritime heritage. On this last call before Spirit of Discovery returns to Dover, visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the Admiral Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory and Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose.

Again, the Explore Ashore team can help with directions and ticket bookings. Other nearby attractions include the D-Day Museum with its beautiful 83-metre, hand-stitched D-Day Overlord Embroidery. It is also home to the last surviving D-Day Landing Craft LCT 7074.

Details of Spirit of Discovery’s 12-night The British Isles: Our 30th Anniversary Cruise on May 12, 2027 can be found at The British Isles: Our 30th Anniversary Cruise

Relax by sailing from the UK

The pleasure of hearing your Saga Cruises’ chauffeur knock at your door to take you to the port cannot be underestimated.

By sailing from the UK you also avoid the stress of a busy airport and enjoy the luxury of a smooth and friendly embarkation. Just show your passport and board your ship.

Another perk is unlimited luggage. It can all go in the chauffeur-driven car and once at the port, it will be delivered to your cabin without you having to lift a finger.

Details of all 2027 UK cruises can be found at British Isles Cruises