Category Archives: Round-Britain Cruise
Titanic, Part 2: Why all the fuss in Belfast?
As promised, here is part 2 of our visit to the new Titanic Belfast project, currently under construction in Belfast. Why is there such a big fuss in Belfast over a ship that sank a long time ago? ”At the time … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Round-Britain Cruise
Can England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland Compete Against the Med?
My round-Britain/Ireland cruise aboard Holland America’s Westerdam, which concluded yesterday, was one of the best voyages I’ve taken in years. And while the ship was superb (especially the food and service), what made it so special was the itinerary. We … Continue reading
Filed under Destinations, Round-Britain Cruise
Titanic, Part 1: Doomed Ship or Magical Journey?
It’s always struck me as highly ironic that the mighty Titanic, which was launched with much fanfare and then sank in the Atlantic on its first voyage, is responsible for introducing cruise travel to a whole new generation of travelers. … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Round-Britain Cruise
I Am So Sorry
As I bounced up to a motorcoach yesterday on the pier at Greenock that would take us on a tour where we’d spend the day riding bicycles and paddling in canoes at Scotland’s Loch Lomond, my proffered shore excursion ticket … Continue reading
Filed under Advice, Cruise Lines, Dining, Opinion, Round-Britain Cruise
Waterford – No Longer Just Crystal
When big ships like Westerdam call list Waterford as a port of call they’re really stopping at Dunmore East, a small village with a picturesque harbor that’s about a 30-plus minute drive from the bigger city. It’s also a bit … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Destinations, Round-Britain Cruise
Eye Openers in Guernsey
Having visited Guernsey’s St. Peter Port several times on cruise ship calls and loving it (it’s definitely on the list for a more in-depth, non-cruise-related holiday in future), I looked forward to yesterday’s call there on Westerdam. But this time … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Destinations, Round-Britain Cruise, Uncategorized
The Eggs Benedict Test
The “eggs benedict test” is my ritual go-to quality indicator when onboard a cruise ship. Let me explain: On every cruise I take that’s longer than a few days, I head down to the ship’s main restaurant and order the … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Dining, Luxury Cruises, Opinion, Round-Britain Cruise
Westerdam Gets Warm Welcome to Wales
When a cruise ship pulls up in Naples, or Helsinki, or even Edinburgh, there’s a bit of a collective ho-hum yawn from the citizenry. Understandable, of course, when you see ships (and the thousands they disgorge) daily during spring, summer … Continue reading
Filed under Destinations, Round-Britain Cruise
I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside
Where do you really go when your cruise ship docks at England’s Portland? You go to the seaside resort of Weymouth! Our cruise was officially underway Tuesday with Portland, on the Dorset coast, as our first port of call. This … Continue reading
Filed under Destinations, Cruise Lines, Round-Britain Cruise
Welcome onboard. Please have a fresh grilled lobster tail.
On cruise holidays, the first day is usually the most fraught. Leaving home, heading to the ship (whether it’s via an overnight flight or a few-hours drive, still…stressful), queuing up to board, adjusting to new digs, unpacking when your suitcase … Continue reading
Filed under Cruise Lines, Dining, Round-Britain Cruise
