From Tilbury to Le Havre · Northern Europe · 11 nights
From Tilbury to Le Havre
Small enough to operate fascinating port-intensive itineraries, but with the space for dining options, comfortable accommodation and more, sister ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena are for many the perfect size.
These four boutique style sister ships carry just 684 guests
apiece, with a comfortable, relaxed country house style and plenty
of intimate corners. We love the alternative restaurants – Oceania
is rightly renowned for great food – and the pretty little library
up on deck 10.
The reasons for locating London's only purpose-built deep water cruise terminal in Tilbury were of course pragmatic rather than aesthetic, and we're not going to pretend that this is a glamorous place to begin or end a cruise. However, the location on the Essex bank of the Thames, a short distance from the M25, means that it's a convenient turnaround port for those living in the South East, and it's only 45 minutes by train to central London. The only real point of interest in Tilbury itself is the 16th century fort, situated just along the river from the cruise terminal.
IJmuiden's proximity to capital Amsterdam means many guests use this port town as a stopping off point, but look further afield and you'll find vast beaches with a plethora of wind and water sports on offer, as well as walking and cycling in the lovely National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. You can visit Old-IJmuiden to explore country estates and ancient ruins, with remnants of fortifications and underground bunkers, and see the largest sea lock in the world! Alternatively, Haarlem's lovely cafés, canals, cobbled streets and bars are only a 30-minute train journey away.
Cosmopolitan Edinburgh, Scotland’s lovely capital, is located in spectacular countryside, always visible from the city centre. Striking architecture, lots to see and do, and great food mean that your time here will be very busy. And if your visit coincides with the Festival, you have a treat in store.
The ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen is flush with money from the North Sea oil boom, and boasts cultural attractions including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Head out into the countryside and you’ll find magnificent castles, wild mountain scenery and whisky distilleries aplenty.
Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.
Situated on a natural harbour on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The island is one of the last major strongholds of the Gaelic language, and is home to fascinating Neolithic sites such as the mysterious standing stones at Callanish.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.
The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.
Le Havre was more or less flattened during World War II, which makes the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status all the more remarkable. Rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, Le Havre is now characterised by a striking modernist style; don’t miss the towering, concrete Église St-Joseph.
