Quick answer
British Isles cruises circle England, Scotland, Ireland and sometimes Wales and France, mostly from May to September, round-trip from Southampton or Dover.
- Cruise season
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Best months
- Jun, Jul, Aug
- Typical length
- 7–14 nights
- Main departure ports
- Southampton, Dover, Liverpool
- Popular ports
- Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh (Leith), Invergordon, Kirkwall, Liverpool, Cork (Cobh), Guernsey
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 9
Why cruise here
- Scottish isles and castles
- Easy no-fly cruising from the UK
- Combine with a London stay
Weather by month in Dublin
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
| Avg low °C | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Rain days | 13 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 |
Ports of call
- Dublin
- Belfast
- Edinburgh (Leith)
- Invergordon
- Kirkwall
- Liverpool
- Cork (Cobh)
- Guernsey
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing British Isles & Ireland
Mainstream ocean cruises
Premium ocean cruises
Expedition & polar cruises
Coastal, sailing & small-ship cruises
Visas for British Isles & Ireland cruises
The UK and Ireland each need their own visa for many passports, including India; Ireland's British-Irish Visa Scheme lets some UK visas cover Ireland.
Guides: UK visa, Schengen visa (Europe).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise British Isles & Ireland?
The cruise season is Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; the best months are June, July, August.
Do I need a visa for a British Isles & Ireland cruise?
The UK and Ireland each need their own visa for many passports, including India; Ireland's British-Irish Visa Scheme lets some UK visas cover Ireland.
How long is a typical British Isles & Ireland cruise?
Most are 7–14 nights, usually from Southampton, Dover, Liverpool.
Which cruise lines sail British Isles & Ireland?
P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Viking (ocean & expedition), Cunard, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Saga Cruises, Adventure Canada, Hebridean Island Cruises, Noble Caledonia.