Did you know that in 2018, Ireland will welcome more cruise ships than the popular ports in Venice and Nice?
It’s true.
Cruisers have turned their attention to the Emerald Isle, and cruise lines are responding by sending more cruise ships to the country than ever before.
To be more specific, some 400 cruise ships will visit Dublin, Cork, Belfast and more over the 12-month period.
While most of these vessels will visit Ireland on day trips, there is a number that will embark from the country to offer locals and visitors a range of local, European and trans-Atlantic itineraries.
So if you’re looking to ‘sail away’ from Ireland on your next visit, here are just a few of the cruise ships you can choose:
SCENIC ECLIPSE
Image: Scenic
When the world’s first 6-star Discovery Yacht launches in January next year, Ireland will be one of its first departure destinations.
The 228-passenger cruise ship with two onboard helicopters and a seven-seater submarine will operate a 10-night ‘Discover the British Isles’ cruise leaving Dublin Port on 25 May 2019.
The itinerary includes stops at Isle of Man, Belfast, Iona, Tobermory, The Hebrides, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Lerwick and Bergen.
In addition to helicopters and submarines, guests on Scenic Eclipse will have access to a 450sqm onboard spa, a Jacuzzi, separate yoga and pilates studio, and nine boutique restaurants.
For more information, click here.
ROYAL PRINCESS
Image: Princess Cruises
She’s the Princess Cruises vessel that almost everyone is familiar with thanks to her equally as ‘royal’ godmother, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Royal Princess is taking Irish folk and their visitors across the Atlantic to New York City from 6 September during a 19-night ‘Ring of Kerry’ cruise.
The trip begins in the city of Limerick and includes stops in Killarney, Cork, Southampton, London, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bergen, Belfast, St. John’s and finally, NYC.
Along the way, cruisers can use their at-sea days to walk along The Seawalk, a glass walkway extending 28-ft beyond the edge of the ship, take part in The Voice of the Ocean, try chocolate designed by a Master Chocolatier or check out original on-stage productions.
For more information, click here.
L’AUSTRAL
Image: Ponant
There’s only one way to explore part of the UK’s coastline with luxury and intimacy, and that’s by the French ship, L’Austral.
The mega-yacht is heading off on a seven-night Irish & English journey on 29 April 2019 with its ‘Celtic Shores’ cruise.
Starting in Dublin, the 132-room vessel will stop by Belfast, Douglas, Liverpool, Cork, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and Portsmouth.
Throughout the week, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on an intimate cruise ship that personalises service and serves up mouth-watering gastronomic cuisine. Oh, and it has a Hammam – Turkish bath – so, don’t forget to check that out.
For more information, click here.
SILVER CLOUD
Image: Silversea Cruises
White glove service, boutique intimacy and expedition adventure – that’s the type of cruise heading out of Ireland on 23 May 2019.
Silversea is sending its recently refurbished Silver Cloud on a 12-night ‘Dublin to London’ expedition taking in Iona, Lunga, Oban, Mallaig, Portree, St. Kilda, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Noss, Aberdeen, Eyemouth, Hull, Ramsgate, and London.
Thanks to the ship’s compact size, guests can disembark at smaller and off the beaten cruise ports while enjoying 5-star onboard luxury with butler service and a Relais & Chateaux restaurant.
OCEANIA NAUTICA
Image: Oceania Cruises
What better way to explore Ireland’s coastline than on an elegant vessel such as Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Nautica.
Leaving Dublin on 19 and 27 June 2019, the 684-passenger ship will set off around Ireland on an eight-night ‘Gaelic Glory’ cruise.
The ship will make its first stop in the country’s oldest city, Waterford before cruising onward to Cobh, Bantry, Galway, Londonderry, Belfast and Douglas.
Over the eight nights, guests will see some of Ireland’s historic towns and cities while taking time out for body wraps and massages in the onboard Canyon Ranch Spa, enjoying drinks, comedy shows and live music in the ‘Lounge’, as well as tasting fine wines and European-inspired dishes at one of six restaurants.
For more information, click here.
STAR PRIDE
Image: Windstar Cruises
If you’ve ever wanted to feel rich enough to cruise on a private yacht, then the 212-passenger Star Pride is as close as you’re going to get.
The boutique vessel is taking its tranquil presence over to Ireland on 20 June 2019 for an eight-night ‘Dublin to Edinburgh’ cruise.
Guests will take in the self-governing Isle of Man before cruising on over to Portrush, Tobermory, Portree, Kirkwall, Invergordon, and finally disembarking in Edinburgh.
Between shore excursions, the newly refurbished Star Pride will keep guests entertained and satisfied with Fitness Centre, WindSpa, a screening room and several lounges and clubs. Oh, and those keen to check out the Captain’s quarter can ask for a visit to the Bridge.
For more information, click here.
AZAMARA PURSUIT
Image: Azamara Club Cruises
She’s the newest addition to the exclusive Azamara Club Cruises fleet, and she’s headed to Ireland in the next couple of years.
Specifically, the ship will conduct a 14-night ‘British Open Voyage’ departing Dublin from 6 July 2020.
Stops will include the suburban city of Douglas, Belfast, Glasgow, Kirkwall, Invergordon, Dundee, Leith, Dover and Southampton.
Among the benefits of cruising on an Azamara ship are the overnight stays, which give guests the opportunity to experience a destination’s nightlife.
Extra shore-time aside, Azamara Pursuit has seven restaurants on board, a pool, several lounges and a spa.
For more information, click here.
Looking for more cruises departing from Ireland? Click here for a full list.