The British Isles: Our 30th Anniversary Cruise

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2000.

From Newhaven, visit the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Rising from the Firth of Forth to a rocky pinnacle crowned by its famous castle, Edinburgh has been drawing visitors for centuries. As well as exploring the historic 12th-century castle, you can stroll along the Royal Mile which runs through the heart of the Old Town with its labyrinthine lanes, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland, and discover a host of museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Scotland.

Included excursion

Explore Edinburgh on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Visit the historic 12th-century Edinburgh castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland.

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Arrive in Aberdeen, also known as the ‘Granite City’ on account of its grey-stone buildings, many of which can be seen on Union Street. The city has numerous museums and art galleries, including the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery. Aberdeenshire has been home to over 260 castles throughout history, some of which are still inhabited. From Aberdeen you can take the X7 bus to Dunnottar Castle, set on a cliff-top just south of the city. The ruins, once home to one of Scotland’s most powerful families the Earls Marischal, are steeped in history and open to visitors for a charge.

Included excursion

Explore the city’s attractions on a choice of included excursions.

Optional excursions

Admire spectacular scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

The remote Shetland Islands sit around 200 miles from Aberdeen and, of nearly 100 islands, only 20 are inhabited. The capital, Lerwick, derives its name from the Old Norse for ‘mud bay’ and reflects the area’s Viking heritage, as do the archaeological sites to be found here. The geology of these 100-plus islands is so diverse that they are a designated global Geopark and, unsurprisingly, they’re also teeming with seabirds and other wildlife.

Included excursion

See more of the surroundings on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement or take a boat trip to Mousa Island.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Liverpool evolved during the Industrial Revolution as a nexus for trade, as reflected in the historic centre and the restored Royal Albert Dockyards. It is also a city synonymous with the cultural revolution of the 1960s. On the waterfront, visitors are greeted by the iconic ‘Three Graces’, which includes the Royal Liver Building. Other notable attractions include neo-classical St George’s Hall, the Tate Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery and such fine parks as 200-acre Sefton Park with its Victorian palm house.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s attractions on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

See the sights that inspired the Beatles, from Penny Lane to the Empire Theatre.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.

Having enjoyed a 21st-century rejuvenation, Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, is fast becoming a celebrated haven for literature, art, music and theatre – the Cathedral Quarter is at the city’s cultural heart and well worth a visit. The city also boasts a rich seafaring history and it was here that the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built. Today visitors can explore Titanic Belfast, which narrates the story of the White Star ocean liner.

Today, we celebrate 30 years of Saga Cruises, so you can look forward to special celebrations to mark the occasion.

Included excursion

An included excursion will reveal some of the highlights of Belfast.

Optional excursion

Belfast is the gateway to some of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque coastal and countryside scenery. From here, you could travel to see the geometric columns of Giant’s Causeway, created as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set beside one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Cobh is a seaside town renowned for its brightly coloured waterfront buildings. The Gothic Revival St Colman’s Cathedral perches on a steep hillside overlooking the town. The busy port was the embarkation point for 2.5 million people who emigrated to America between 1848 and 1950. The Titanic Experience, which is in the town’s former White Star Line ticket office, retells the plight of the ill-fated ship which made her last stop here. Alternatively, visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, a captivating and emotive exhibition showcasing the maritime history of the area. From Cobh you can visit the riverside city of Cork on an included excursion.

Included excursion

Enjoy a visit to the historic city of Cork, whose attractions include the Victorian Gothic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the 18th-century English Market, a covered food market.

Optional excursion

Visit Blarney Castle and its famous stone. The 600-year-old castle sits amid 60 acres of gardens and parklands, including the poison garden, home to some of the world’s most dangerous and toxic plants. The Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle tower, is said to give the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Falmouth is a thriving port town, well-known for its rich maritime heritage and was converted into a seaport at the suggestion of Sir Walter Raleigh. Positioned on the Cornish coast at the Fal Estuary, today the town is the start and finish line for many record-breaking sea voyages including those of Dame Ellen MacArthur and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Included excursion

Choose from one of our included excursions, which include visits to the Maritime Museum or Pendennis Castle.

Optional excursion

Enjoy the scenery as you trace the Cornish coast to Lands End.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Proud of its illustrious naval and maritime heritage, Portsmouth is centred around the restored dockyards and the modern landmark Spinnaker Tower – at 560-feet high, it is the tallest building in England outside London. Other attractions include the D-Day Museum and the house where Charles Dickens was born.

Included excursion

Explore Portsmouth during an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Visit the grounds surrounding Portchester Castle, built originally in the late third century. This architectural wonder is one of the best preserved examples of a ‘Saxon shore’ fort.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.