Legends Of The Celtic Seas

Explore London and move along the River Thames past key sites including Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory. Dock near Tower Bridge and pass beneath it while viewing HMS Belfast. Walk toward Westminster Bridge and see Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, and the London Eye across the river. Visit the British Library and view manuscripts and historical documents. Go to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens for open space and quieter surroundings.

Explore London and move along the River Thames past key sites including Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory. Dock near Tower Bridge and pass beneath it while viewing HMS Belfast. Walk toward Westminster Bridge and see Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, and the London Eye across the river. Visit the British Library and view manuscripts and historical documents. Go to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens for open space and quieter surroundings.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouere, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).

While you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean, the gorgeous oasis of St. Mary’s is very much in England. The Isles of Scilly enjoy a climate that is among the mildest, warmest, and sunniest in the United Kingdom. And very few ships visit, making it an ideal remote getaway. Among the smattering of islands strung off the tip of Cornwall is the thoroughly enchanting St. Mary’s with a population of almost 1,800 and covering an area of about three-square miles, the largest island of the five and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. While St. Mary’s is laid back, you’ll find you can still enjoy an active day, whether you rent a boat or go paddle boarding. Hugh Town, St. Mary’s central hub, holds plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and cafés to spend a leisurely afternoon. Nearby lie three beaches – Porthmellon, Town Beach and Porthcressa – for a relaxing beach day.

The wondrous County Cork is a destination filled with rich heritage. From here, the famed Blarney Castle and its equally renowned stone beckon you for a kiss in exchange for the gift of gab. Whiskey lovers rejoice as Cork is the site of the Old Jameson Distillery, a beautifully restored and self-contained industrial complex taking you to the heart of the cherished whiskey-making tradition. Traverse the bridges arching over the River Lee, taking in the many cathedrals and their ornate gargoyles as you make your way to a typical Irish pub for a taste of the iconic Guinness stout. Near Cork lies the picturesque sailing town of Kinsale with vibrant streetscapes and delicious restaurants. Affectionately known as Ireland’s "real capital" by its proud locals, this city is speckled with bridges that lend it a distinctive European flair and landmarks like St. Fin Barr’s Cathedral that add to its rich tapestry.

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.

Liverpool lies on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary and has a long maritime heritage since its founding in 1207. Putting a fine point on the city’s romance with the harbor is the preservation work at Albert Dock, famous as a buzzing district in itself. Further along toward the Pier Head are the Three Grace buildings, part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, when in Liverpool you must walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. See where the Fab Four worked before becoming famous, drive down the famed Penny Lane and pass Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon attended garden parties as a child.

Anticipate a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and friendly locals as you make your way through the historic city of Belfast. Traipsing the city center calls for a stroll through Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees near Queens University. Emerge from the gardens at the Ulster Museum, a well-designed space with exhibits on Northern Irish history, art, and natural history. It’s also the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption attracting visitors from far and wide to this corner of north Antrim to come marvel at its majesty and mystery.

The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.