28/08/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Adventure. 

Depart 1800.

29/08/2022 St Helier ⚓, Jersey

St Helier ⚓, Jersey

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Step ashore in St Helier, capital of the island named by the ancient Romans as ‘Caesarea’, but today known as Jersey. It is the largest of the Channel Islands, enjoying an identity distinctly different from France or Britain – featuring its own currency (alongside pound sterling) and language, ‘Jèrriais, spoken by approximately three per cent of the population. The town of St Helier owes its name to a hermit named Helerius who once lived where Elizabeth Castle now stands. This late-Tudor fortress can be accessed via a causeway at low tide or regular ferry service. Despite its Tudor origins, the castle has defended the island throughout the English Civil War and even World War II. Closer to the ship you will find an interactive maritime museum that explores Jersey’s sea-going heritage, from its Celtic inhabitants who traded within the archipelago to modern cargo vessels that navigate international waters. A ten-minute drive from the port are the Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor, created in the 1920s by Sir James Knott, and privately owned by Seigneur de Samarès Vincent Obbard. Of particular note are the herb garden, Japanese garden and conservation meadow. Further afield, you can visit Jersey Zoo, located five miles north, and home to gorillas, Sumatran orangutan, meerkat and macaque. If you would like to explore a little more of Jersey, a drive 20 minutes north-west brings you to the bay of Plémont, where rugged cliffs give way to sandy beaches.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

30/08/2022 Brest, France

Brest, France

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Located on Brittany's western tip is Brest, a city whose maritime identity is owed to its large natural harbour, and illustrated by the presence – since 1830 – of the French Naval Academy. This sea-going heritage is explored in the maritime museum. Housed within the recently refurbished Brest Castle, the museum displays an extensive collection of paintings, models and documents. A formative part of the city’s history – told at the museum – came during World War II, when occupying German forces built a series of submarine pens. The presence of these pens led to extensive Allied bombing raids which devastated the existing architecture. A huge redevelopment project was put into place, leading to Brest’s geometric street layout, which you can identify by cable car. This cable car is used primarily as a means of transport for locals – often commuting to work – however, a ride will also provide a novel way to see Brest. A short drive from the port is the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest. The garden was established in 1975 with the mission to protect plants that are in danger of extinction. For cultural gems, look no further than Musée des Beaux-Arts de Brest, housing approximately 1,250 works of art, alongside regular temporary exhibitions.

31/08/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

01/09/2022 Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1730.

Compared to capitals like Rome, London and Paris, Dublin is a small city. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. A meandering exploration of the city’s cobbled streets will reveal approximately 700 pubs and bars, within which you can soak up the atmosphere – or craic - of Ireland’s capital, once known as the ‘Celtic Tiger’. It is not only in Dublin’s drinking establishments that you will discover what makes the city special; at The Little Museum of Dublin, a modest collection of artefacts guides visitors back through 150 years of history. This museum is one of many fascinating attractions located in and around the centre of Dublin. Another is The Book of Kells Exhibition in the magnificent library belonging to Trinity College. The Book of Kells is an illustration of the Christian New Testament. It is highly valued for its intricacy, detail, and majesty. During your time in port, consider joining an included sightseeing tour to spot several of the city’s most important landmarks, from the comfort of your tour vehicle. Alternatively, you might like to take a trip to the Irish Emigration Museum to discover the tales belonging to those who left Ireland through Dublin.

02/09/2022 Greenock, Scotland

Greenock, Scotland

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Just 25 miles to the west of Glasgow is Greenock, a town that was once a bustling centre of shipbuilding and industry. Today, Greenock is the west coast of Scotland’s primary container port, while also entertaining cruise passengers with a small selection of attractions. Included in this selection is the McLean Museum and Art Gallery. Inside you will find, among its collection, artefacts celebrating Greenock’s most famous son, James Watt, who is best remembered for his improvements to the steam engine, an invention at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Being so close to Glasgow, perhaps join an included sightseeing tour of the city. Here you can explore the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland, admire the collection belonging to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or get hands-on at the Glasgow Science Centre. If you would prefer to remain in Greenock, consider joining an included sightseeing excursion.

03/09/2022 Cruise the St Kilda Archipelago

Cruise the St Kilda Archipelago

Cruise through this volcanic archipelago located off the coast of the Hebrides. Each year St Kilda welcomes nearly one million seabirds at the height of the breeding season.

04/09/2022 Portree ⚓, Isle of Skye

Portree ⚓, Isle of Skye

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

It is the pastel-hued town of Portree that welcomes you to the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Fishermen’s cottages wrap around the harbour area, and glimpses of the rolling hills beyond will perhaps tempt you to step into the Isle of Skye’s great outdoors. After all, many of its must-see sights lie beyond the town. One such sight is the Old Man of Storr. Located a 20-minute drive north from Portree, this 160-foot monolith was created by an ancient landslide and is surrounded by popular hiking trails. Continuing in this direction along Skye’s coast for a further 15 minutes will bring you to The Quiraing, a dramatic landscape dominated by sheer ridges. Make sure to wrap up warm with a waterproof as the weather can be very changeable. For guests who would prefer to remain indoors, consider a visit to one of the island’s many excellent whisky distilleries. Talisker Distillery, for example, was founded in 1830, making it Skye’s oldest working distillery. For history that goes back much further than Talisker, a trip to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is a must. It is the Chief of Clan McLeod’s ancestral home and was first built in the 13th century. The castle’s current appearance is owed, in large part, to an extensive remodelling project undertaken throughout the 19th century.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

05/09/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

06/09/2022 Liverpool, England

Liverpool, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Associated with names such as The Beatles, Anfield and River Mersey, it would be justified to describe the city of Liverpool as legendary. At its heart is the Royal Albert Dock, a collection of historic commercial buildings through which – at one time – 40% of the world’s trade passed. This waterside development is today home to Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. From the 1960s onwards, the place for entertainment was the Cavern Club on Matthew Street. It was here, throughout their career, that Liverpool’s most-famous sons played regularly. Cavern Club was the launchpad for many other musical careers, including those of Cilla Black and Gerry and the Pacemakers. The original Cavern Club was largely destroyed, and the current venue was built following Lennon’s death in 1980. Above ground, an included sightseeing excursion will showcase the city from a comfortable tour bus. Alternatively, you may like to wander through the Museum of Liverpool, located between the Royal Albert Dock and Pier Head.

07/09/2022 Fishguard ⚓, Wales

Fishguard ⚓, Wales

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Overlooking sweeping Cardigan Bay is Fishguard, a coastal town neighboured by the rolling Preseli Hills and nestled in the county of Pembrokeshire. Historically, the town’s main trade was herring fishing, and today visitors arrive to enjoy the peace and seclusion that this part of Wales can offer. In Fishguard’s library you will find the Fishguard Last Invasion Tapestry, illustrating an attempted invasion by a French army in 1797 that was repelled by the local militia. During the town’s defence, it is said that local Fishguard ladies led by Jemima Nicholas and wearing traditional Welsh dress, were instrumental in the surrender of the French forces. For more history, an hour’s drive south will take you to Pembroke Castle, a 12th-century fortification at which Harri Tudor (who became King Henry VII) was born. Alternatively, consider a much shorter drive – just three miles west – to Dyffryn Frenant, six acres of beautiful gardens created from reclaimed wilderness. The gardens sit unobtrusively in the landscape and include an orchard, kitchen garden and nursery.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

08/09/2022 Falmouth ⚓, England

Falmouth ⚓, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Falmouth’s prosperity is owed in large part to its sea-going activity. After all, it is home to one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. Exciting commodities such as sugar and tea, as well as international post, passed into Britain through the port of Falmouth. Perhaps most notable of all the incoming post came in 1805 when it was announced that victory had been achieved at the Battle of Trafalgar, accompanied by news that Admiral Nelson had died during the battle. Hear more about the town’s important relationship with the sea at Cornwall’s Maritime Museum, located on the town’s waterfront. But it is not just for its commercial port that Falmouth was made popular; the crescent sands of Gyllyngvase Beach attracted Victorian holidaymakers, who arrived into the resort town by the newly completed railway line. Today, visitors still enjoy the restorative properties that a seaside break in Falmouth can provide, bolstered by the forward-thinking, youthful energy supplied by the University of Falmouth. For outdoor enthusiasts, Falmouth is the gateway to Fal River, running through an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. If you would prefer to step into history, Pendennis Castle is an English Heritage property built by Henry VIII to protect against invasion. The fortification played a crucial role during the English Civil War and again when both World Wars arrived on Britain’s doorstep. To see the sights of the surrounding Cornish coast in comfort, join an included sightseeing tour.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

09/09/2022 Portland, England

Portland, England

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Located on the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast, and tied to mainland Dorset by Chesil Beach, is Portland. Cyclists and walking enthusiasts regularly navigate the tied island's circumference, pausing for photographs at Pulpit Rock. This coastal rock feature resembles an open bible leaning on a pulpit and makes for a remarkable photograph. For more examples of captivating coastline, iconic Durdle Door and neighbouring Lulworth Cove are within an hour’s drive away. Further inland, you may feel inclined to explore Dorchester, known in Thomas Hardy’s fiction as the town of Casterbridge. Its Georgian terraces greet the visitor with architectural elegance, and the town’s museums exhibit plenty of fascinating history, transporting you as far back as the dinosaurs! An hour’s drive east from Portland brings you to Corfe Castle, a delightful village clustered around the dramatic ruins of a Norman castle which can also be accessed by vintage steam train.

10/09/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.