Four countries, one unpacking, no flights: twelve nights out of Southampton around Ireland and up through Scotland. It is the definitive no-fly way to see the British Isles, and Princess has made it a summer fixture.
The route at a glance
Roundtrip from Southampton, twelve nights, usually with 3-4 sea days. Princess's Majestic Princess sails the circuit each summer: the 2027 departures call at Falmouth for Cornwall, Cork (Cobh), Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast and Greenock for Glasgow, with some years adding the Orkneys or a French call. Season runs May to September; July and August bring the warmest sailing weather and the busiest castles. There is a shorter 10-day British Isles Explorer in our route library if twelve nights is too much. For the Scottish legs, see what Scotland's islands cost.
Who this route suits
Best for history travelers, garden and castle people, ancestry visitors and anyone who wants a UK departure without airports. The ports are mostly dock (not tender) and the cities are walkable from shuttle drop-offs, which suits limited-mobility travelers. Less ideal if you want guaranteed sun - this is a sweater-and-photographs cruise, and the sea days in the Irish Sea are part of the point.
What it costs
Majestic Princess's 2027 British Isles season (April to September) lists inside cabins from $1,764 to $1,900 per person depending on date. That is roughly $150 a night for a 12-night summer itinerary - good value against any comparable week in the Med. Budget a separate line for excursions: private drivers in Ireland and castle admissions add up quickly, and the ship's sold tours typically run $80-180 per port.
The five-minute version
- Twelve nights, roundtrip Southampton, no flights.
- Falmouth, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow.
- Mostly dock ports; gentle walking options.
- Inside from about $1,800, around $150 a night.
- The no-fly flagship for UK departures.
- Cork days dock at Cobh - walk off straight into town, with the pier-side heritage centre covering the Titanic's last port of call.