Wild British Isles: Ireland & Cliffs Of Moher

Pricing is based on departure date: 22 June 2027

Sail from Amsterdam’s golden canals to the wild Atlantic edges of Scotland and Ireland, where ancient stones, misty cliffs, and storytelling cities await. From Viking echoes in the Hebrides to literary Dublin and Ireland’s dramatic coastal wonders, this journey blends culture, legend, and raw natural beauty into one unforgettable northern odyssey.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary highlights

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, United Kingdom

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Belfast has emerged from decades of conflict to become one of Ireland’s most intriguing cities. In the 19th century, its location on the banks of the River Lagan made it an industrial center for ropemaking, shipbuilding, tobacco and textiles. And this legacy shaped much of its architecture: Grand Edwardian and Victorian municipal buildings and warehouses are found throughout the city alongside telltale scars of its more recent past.

While the legacy of Belfast’s complex conflict known as The Troubles still looms, there are many other sides of Northern Ireland's capital to explore, from the quaint streets of the Cathedral Quarter to the newly regenerated Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was constructed.

Belfast is also gathering momentum as an up-and-coming gourmet destination, with a new generation of chefs producing food to get excited about. Beyond the city limits, County Down and neighboring County Antrim have a wealth of things to see and do. Any lingering negative preconceptions will evaporate after a short time in this fascinating and welcoming city.

Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland

Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin is an historical and contemporary center for the arts, education, administration and industry, and was home to Yeats, Shaw, Wilde and other literary giants.

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, United Kingdom

Greenock, only a stone’s throw from Glasgow, is the deepwater port for Scotland’s largest, and many would say most exciting, city.

The site of a human settlement as early as 4000 B.C.E., Glasgow and its residents endured occupation by the Romans (who withdrew in 162 C.E., only eight years after completing the Antonine Wall which sits a few miles north of the current city limits). Glasgow's flourishing medieval and Renaissance eras began when its church was elevated to the status of a cathedral around 1120, and furthered when it received a Royal Charter from William the Lion some 60 years later.

While much of the old city that Daniel Defoe praised in 1707 as "the cleanest and beautifullest, and best built city in Britain, London excepted," has been demolished, today's Glasgow is a monument to Victorian architecture at its finest. It is worth a visit if only to have a look at its magnificent built heritage, though the city offers much more.

Glasgow has reinvented itself many times over the years. Today, brushing aside its onetime reputation for grime and crime following rapid deindustrialization in the 20th century, it has become a cosmopolitan center of culture and a vibrant city of universities, art and music.

Greencastle (Londonderry), Ireland

Step ashore at Greencastle, gateway to historic Londonderry. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, enjoy a scenic drive through the Inishowen Peninsula, and watch talented sheepdogs in action—all available through memorable shore excursions. Rich culture and coastal beauty await.

Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland

Killybegs has offered mariners a safe haven from the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean for centuries. Its sheltered deepwater harbor opens out into Donegal Bay and the vast northeastern Atlantic. In ancient times, the town consisted of no more than a huddle of small beehive-style huts called “Na Cealla Beaga,” a Gaelic phrase from which the town takes its current name. Fast-forward to today, and the maritime theme is just as strong. Modern-day Killybegs is a tight-knit seafaring community with Ireland’s largest fishing fleet.

This part of County Donegal is also home to a number of traditional industries and artisan workshops, where craftspeople specialize in carpet-making, weaving and knitting. Killybegs is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscape Ireland has to offer. As a stop along the 2,500-kilometer-long coastal route known as the Wild Atlantic Way, there are several stunning spots you can’t miss, including the white, sandy expanse of nearby Fintra Beach and the vertigo-inducing cliffs at Slieve League. Come here to soak up the small-town atmosphere and drink in the natural beauty that abounds.

Galway, Ireland

Set on the Corrib River, with the scenic sweep of Galway Bay beyond, Galway is one of Ireland’s most charming cities, small yet vibrant, with a decidedly bohemian feel. It is also known as the City of Tribes, as its public and commercial life during the Middle Ages was dominated by a group of 14 influential merchant families, whose surnames—including Morris, Joyce, Kirwan, French and D'Arcy—are still in evidence today.

Galway’s spiritual heart is Eyre Square, but the real attraction is its medieval quarter, a jumble of narrow streets and landmarks like the Spanish Arch, which perches on the quayside where river and sea meet. Take a stroll along Galway’s seaside promenade at Salthill, just west of the city center, to take in stunning Atlantic panoramas.

Galway has a thriving cultural scene and has been designated a UNESCO City of Film. Its rich artistic heritage is epitomized by the annual International Arts Festival held each July, but you can find traditional music in its bars and pubs any day of the week, year round. Venture beyond the city to immerse yourself in the haunting landscape of Connemara, and get lost among its pewter lakes, lonely bogs and silver sand beaches.

Scenic cruising Cliffs of Moher

Marvel at one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks — the legendary Cliffs of Moher, which rise more than 700 feet above the vivid blue sea. From the comfort of your spot on deck, enjoy a unique vantage point of this UNESCO Global Geopark. Keep an eye out as you scenic cruise past the cliffs; they are a breeding ground for tufted puffins and one of the best places in the country for birdwatching. Dolphins and seals also make their homes here. Whether you're lucky enough to spot wildlife or not during scenic cruising, the cliffs in shades of emerald, charcoal, and sienna will take your breath away.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland

Corkonians are fiercely proud of their hometown, so much so that it’s jokingly referred to as the People’s Republic of Cork. And there is a lot to love about Ireland’s second city. Hugging the banks of the River Lee, it takes its name from corcaigh, the Gaelic word for "marshy." With its origins in the 7th century, Cork enjoyed a flourishing period as a merchant center in the 18th and 19th centuries, with grand buildings like the elegant Cork City Hall bearing testimony to this status. On the north bank of the River Lee is the quaint neighborhood of Shandon with its landmark clock tower of St. Anne’s Church. The city’s heart is set on an island sandwiched between two channels of the Lee that open out into one of Europe's largest natural harbors at Cobh.

Cobh brought the city prosperity (and also happened to be the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic). And it was from Cobh that over 2.5 million immigrants caught their final glimpse of their home country as they departed in search of a better life in the United States between 1848 and 1950.

There’s a more modern side to Cork, with a thriving university quarter, pubs, bars and restaurants. Whatever your interests, you will find a side of Cork to love too.

Your Ship: Zuiderdam

Classic nautical finishes, modern amenities and a spectacular art collection make Zuiderdam a continued favorite and the new home for our annual Grand World Voyage. Numerous enrichment and entertainment activities keep guests going from the moment they wake on this cruise ship. When it comes to dining, there are options for everyone, from steak at the Pinnacle Grill to burgers and fries at Dive-In to exquisite Italian cuisine at Canaletto. Hear your favorite tunes all evening long at music clubs, such as the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.

What’s included with your vacation

Your vacation essentials are always included. Savor a variety of delectable complimentary dining options. Enjoy captivating entertainment, from live shows and music to themed dance parties and more.

• Standard beverages like water and coffee
• Complimentary meals and snacks available in a variety of restaurants
• Live shows and entertainment
• Most onboard activities and games

Call your travel agent to upgrade to Have It All for even more inclusions!

Amsterdam → Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) → Belfast → Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) → Greenock (Glasgow) → Greencastle (Londonderry) → Killybegs → Galway → Scenic Cruising: Cliffs of Moher → Cobh (Cork) → Amsterdam 

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.