When you have the entire world at your fingertips, you don’t have to look very far for a cruising experience you’ll never forget. The British Isles are a destination packed with enriching itineraries and beautiful scenery, and at Bolsover Cruise Club, we have all the recommendations and information you need to book the ultimate UK and Ireland cruising holiday.

Sailing Familiar Shores: The Best British Isle Cruise Highlights

As a cruise destination, the British Isles offer a bounty of amazing opportunities to experience the joys of cruising. Your passport can take you all over the world, but some of the best days at sea can be found on our own shores. So, what cruise lines sail the British Isles​, and what destinations can be discovered? Here are some of our top picks.

Fred. Olsen Cruises: The Islands of the North

On board a Fred. Olsen cruise ship, guests can sail northward and experience some of the most incredible shorelines found in the British Isles. From the historic Lews Castle in Stornoway to the incredible wildlife in the waters surrounding the quiet town of Lerwick (Shetland Islands), there’s so much to discover on this exciting itinerary. On the way home, stop in Kirkwall (Orkney Islands) for a chance to explore the ruins of Earl’s Palace and German wrecks dating back to World War I.

Ambassador Cruise Line: Relish in City Hopping

With Ambassador Cruise Line, a cruise around the British Isles becomes an action-packed adventure through some of the most famous cities in the world. Setting off on a cruise from London, guests head for the beautiful city of Aberdeen before navigating the best ports of the Scottish Highlands. Turning south, they can look forward to the joys of Belfast, from the Titanic Museum to the Giant’s Causeway, before exciting stops in Liverpool and Cobh, the gateway to Cork.

Princess Cruises: The Best of Britain and Ireland

Get the whole package when you embark on a Princess Cruises British Isles cruise. Starting on a cruise from Southampton, guests venture west to Falmouth for a day of enjoying the beaches and restaurants for which Cornwall is so beloved. What follows is a perfect blend of Irish and British city escapes, docking in Cork, Dublin, Liverpool and Belfast for day after day of fun. Stops in Glasgow and Invergordon add an essential Scottish charm (as well as a chance to visit the famous Loch Ness) before guests head home again. 

Do You Need a Passport to Go on a British Isles Cruise?

Regardless of where you’re going, cruise guests are required to provide a passport as their primary form of proof of identity and nationality when sailing between different nations. Even if your itinerary only includes port stops in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands, you are still required to take a passport when you board your British Isles cruise.

Why Do You Need a Passport for a UK Cruise?

If you are a UK citizen, it may seem strange that you require a passport to travel within the same nation, but the reason you need a passport to sail the British Isles actually makes a lot of sense. 

Cruising can sometimes be subject to changes in route due to uncontrollable factors such as weather. Cruise lines are able to accommodate itinerary changes and detours much more easily when they are safe in the knowledge that all passengers have a valid passport. Packing your passport, therefore, guarantees as smooth and seamless a holiday as possible.

Passport Validity: Everything You Need To Know

To ensure a smooth and simple cruising experience, please check the expiry date on your passport. For cruises through Europe (including Northern Europe and the Mediterranean), your passport must have at least six months of remaining validity from the date of embarkation, but for British Isles cruises, it must have at least three months’ validity.

Passengers are solely responsible for ensuring they have a valid or renewed passport before boarding their cruise. Our top tip: double-check your passport before booking your dream holiday! Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Whether you’ve never cruised before or love sailing around the world, get ready to book the cruise getaway of a lifetime with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.