Northern Ireland Cruises

Uncover the Charms of Northern Ireland with CruiseAway

Northern Ireland is a captivating destination that sparkles with rich history, dramatic landscapes, and friendly locals. A cruise to Northern Ireland offers the chance to explore its stunning coastlines, picturesque towns, and iconic sites without the hassle of constant travelling. Whether you’re walking along the Giant’s Causeway, exploring the bustling streets of Belfast, or visiting the breath-taking Mourne Mountains, you’ll be immersed in the unique culture and beauty of this corner of the UK. Fun fact: Northern Ireland is known for its strong connections to the Game of Thrones series, with many filming locations found across the region! So, if you’re a fan, this can be a thrilling experience to attack while cruising.

Top Harbours to Visit in Northern Ireland

When cruising to Northern Ireland, here are the five harbours you’ll want to keep on your radar:

• Belfast: The capital city is a vibrant hub of culture and history. You can explore the **Titanic Belfast**, a spectacular homage to the ill-fated ship. A stroll along the historic waterfront will lead you to the **Albert Memorial Clock**. Pro tip: Be sure to stop by the **Crumlin Road Gaol** for an informative tour about the prison’s history if you’re up for some local intrigue!
• Greenock: While this port primarily serves as a stop to access Glasgow, it offers easy access to the stunning countryside. A quick train ride can take you to Glasgow, where you can visit the **Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum**. Insider tip: Make sure to explore the beautiful landscapes of the **Clyde Coast** and the nearby **Loch Lomond** during your short visit!
• Cobh: Although it isn’t directly in Northern Ireland, Cobh is a charming town that many cruises use as a gateway to the region. Famous for being the last port of call for the Titanic, you can visit the **Cobh Heritage Centre** and enjoy the colorful streets. Insider tip: Take a scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade and sample local seafood in one of the quaint restaurants.
• Dun Laoghaire (Dublin): This bustling harbour town is not far from Dublin and offers easy access to Ireland’s capital. Enjoy picturesque views while taking a stroll by the **harbour or head into Dublin** for the chance to explore the **Trinity College Library** and sip a pint at the famous **Temple Bar** district. Pro tip: Don’t miss the **Dún Laoghaire to Killiney Hill walk** for stunning coastal scenery!
• South Queensferry: A perfect gateway to the iconic **Forth Bridge**, South Queensferry presents a quaint Scottish coastal experience. Wander through the town’s charming streets or walk across the bridge for unparalleled views of the water and surrounding hills. Insider tip: There are some fantastic local pubs where you can enjoy a warm meal and a pint of traditional ale before heading back to the ship!

The Best Times to Cruise Northern Ireland

The cruising season in Northern Ireland typically runs from **April to October**, where you can enjoy reasonably mild weather. **April to June** features pleasant temperatures around **10°C to 18°C**, making it a great time to experience the lush landscapes in bloom. **July and August** see warmer weather, ranging from **15°C to 22°C**, although temperatures can sometimes be unpredictable, so prepare for rain Drizzled days. If you prefer fewer tourists, consider **September and October**, where you can admire the autumn leaves while enjoying cooler temperatures of **10°C to 15°C**.

Cost of Cruising to Northern Ireland

When considering the budget for your cruise, a one-week standard cruise to Northern Ireland typically costs between **$1,700 and $3,000**, while a two-week cruise can average **$3,500 to $5,500**. Luxury cruises might start around **$5,000** for a one-week journey. The cheapest times to cruise range in the shoulder seasons from **April to June and September to October**, while prices often peak during the summer months of **July and August** due to high demand. For meals, you can expect to spend approximately **$20 to $50 per meal**, depending on where you decide to dine!

Major Cruise Lines Operating in Northern Ireland

• Holland America Line: With a fleet of **11 ships** and **two** dedicated to Northern Ireland, the **Nieuw Statendam** and **Zuiderdam** frequently set sail from **Dover** or **Rotterdam**. This line is renowned for providing exceptional service and immersive onboard experiences that focus on local culture, making each stop more enriching.
• Princess Cruises: Featuring **17 ships** with **four** sails to Northern Ireland, the **Regal Princess** and **Majestic Princess** often depart from **Southampton** or **Copenhagen**. Princess Cruises is known for its high-quality service and refined dining experiences, ensuring guests experience the best of each stop.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: This cruise line operates **20 ships**, with **six** serving Northern Ireland, including **Norwegian Prima** and **Norwegian Dawn**. Departures typically occur from **Southampton** or **New York**. Norwegian is famous for its “freestyle cruising” concept that offers guests maximum flexibility regarding dining and activities onboard.
• P&O Cruises: With a fleet size of **seven ships**, **three** journey to Northern Ireland, including **Arcadia** and **Aurora**. Most commonly departing from **Southampton**, P&O Cruises provides a British flair to onboard experiences, offering passengers warm hospitality and a familiar atmosphere during their journey.
• Celebrity Cruises: This cruise line features **16 ships**, with **one** sailing to Northern Ireland, the **Celebrity Eclipse**. Departures typically come from **Amsterdam**, offering guests a fresh and modern approach to cruising, complete with exquisite dining options and exciting entertainment experiences onboard.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of **eight ships**, **four** travel to Northern Ireland, including **Vista** and **Sirena**. Departures generally occur from **Southampton** or **Dublin**. Oceania Cruises excels in culinary experiences with enrichment seminars led by renowned chefs, ensuring that dining onboard is as memorable as the destinations visited.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Featuring **11 ships**, **four** are dedicated to Northern Ireland, including **Viking Saturn** and **Viking Sky**. These ships often depart from **Greenwich** or **Bergen**, focusing on creating culturally immersive experiences during each port visit, complete with unique guided excursions.
• Silversea: With **13 ships** in its fleet, **four** serve the Northern Irish region, including the **Silver Dawn** and **Silver Wind**. They typically depart from **Southampton** or **Copenhagen**. Silversea promises an all-inclusive luxurious experience with personalized service, allowing you to feel pampered while onboard.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Operating with **six ships**, this luxury provider has **five** cruising to Northern Ireland, namely the **Seven Seas Grandeur** and **Seven Seas Mariner**. Departing from **Southampton** or **Reykjavik**, Regent is known for offering ultra-luxury with carefully curated itineraries that ensure each stop is perfect.
• Seabourn: This line consists of **six ships**, with **one** heading to Northern Ireland—the **Seabourn Sojourn**. Frequent departures occur from **Greenock** or **London**, ensuring an upscale cruising experience, with attention to fine dining and unique shore excursions created to immerse guests in local cultures.

Explore Alternative Regions

If you’re considering a cruise to Northern Ireland but want to explore other stunning options, check out these five alternative regions:

• Southern Europe: Known for its beautiful coastlines, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Southern Europe offers a similarly diverse and vibrant cruise experience.
• Western Europe: Combining picturesque towns and cities filled with art and culture, Western Europe showcases a remarkable range of sights for those with a flair for history.
• British Isles: Experience stunning landscapes and ancient ruins in the British Isles, which offers rich cultural experiences alongside its breathtaking coastlines.
• Norway: Renowned for its majestic fjords and stunning natural beauty, Norway presents an unforgettable mix of adventure and scenic views when exploring the rugged coastlines.
• Canary Islands: Offering year-round warm weather, the Canary Islands invite both relaxation and adventure with beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and exquisite local culture.

With breathtaking scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, Northern Ireland is a fabulous destination for a cruise adventure. Why wait? Book your dream cruise with **CruiseAway** today and explore this remarkable region!