USA Departures to Amsterdam

Today we will depart our USA home cities and fly overnight to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, we will be met by our motorcoach and taken on a half-day sightseeing tour. Next, we enjoy a canal cruise through Amsterdam before heading to our hotel. Tonight, we meet together for our Welcome Dinner and introductions.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

This morning we meet our local guide and continue touring this amazing city. Amsterdam delivers a sensory overload— from its welcoming gezellig Dutch spirit to the clinking of bicycle chains and tulips of every color. This is where 17th-century Golden Age estates meet gritty Red Light District alleys, all woven together by an elaborate system of canals. Stand amidst the bustle of Dam Square and pick fresh blooms at Bloemenmarkt. See where celebrated painter, Rembrandt, once worked and admire his masterpieces at Rijksmuseum. Nibble on Gouda amid the greenery of Vondelpark— or relax in one of the city’s quirky coffee shops. Here it’s easy to let go and give in to romantic adventures. Our tour today will include the Rijksmuseum Museum.

Amsterdam to Cruise Port - Embarkation!

Today we'll board our beautiful home for the next 12 nights, the Jewel of the Seas! 

Dover, England

Dover is England's place of poetry. Immortalized in Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach," this port town in County Kent holds remnants of England's ancient past. See Richborough Roman Fort — founded after the Romans invaded Britain in 43 A.D., it became a shore fort when the Saxons took it over in the year 277. Check out Dover Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, where you can see the Roman Lighthouse or climb the Great Tower. Cruise to Dover, England, and be sure to explore the White Cliffs of Dover — an iconic piece of the British landscape that witnessed both the Roman invasion and the return of forces from Dunkirk in World War II.

DAY 5 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $180 PER PERSON

DOVER, ENGLAND - Private Shore Excursion: This full-day tour starts at Leeds Castle, described as the "loveliest castle in the world," Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of England's queens, one of Henry VIII's castles, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. Built on two small islands surrounded by a lake, the Norman castle is very scenic. From here, you will continue to the coast to visit the famous white cliffs of Dover, overlooking the straights between England and France. Next, we visit the ancient city of Canterbury, which has been a center of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Admire the architecture in this charming village with its renowned cathedral. Canterbury became the center of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalized by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your tour includes entrance to the Cathedral and some free time to explore the atmospheric old town. Lunch on your own.   

Cruising 

Today will be a great day to move about the ship and discover all the many culinary treats that await you. Tonight, you may want to indulge in one of the specialty restaurants or even enjoy the included room service for a treat. We will have a group devotional today with Anthony Sweat.

Inverness/Loch Ness, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands are home to famous battles, historic castles, and to an even more famous legendary sea monster: Nessie of Loch Ness. Explore Inverness' picturesque riverside on foot. You'll pass by the 18th-century Old High Church and the Castle of Inverness, built of red sandstone in 1863 on the site of an 11th-century fortress. Join a Loch Ness cruise to explore Culloden Battlefield, a windswept moor where the Jacobite's last stand took place in the 1760s. Seeking even deeper roots? See a 4,000-year-old burial site built by Neolithic farmers at the Clava Cairns. 

DAY 7 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $180 PER PERSON

Join us on a jam-packed journey in the Highlands, to enjoy many iconic Scottish experiences in just one day. Your adventure begins at the legendary Loch Ness, where we'll cruise to see the ruined Urquhart Castle - prime monster-spotting territory! Learn the true story that inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Lunch on your own.

Lerwick/Shetland, Scotland

Lerwick is a seafaring town with a proud maritime and Nordic heritage. It's the only town on Scotland's Shetland Islands, which were a part of Norway until the 15th century. Originally a fishing village before becoming a major herring port, the town's harbor today is dotted with sailing ships, private yachts, and boats. Explore the Shetland Museum to learn more about the islands' complex geology and see artifacts from the Iron Age and Viking era. Explore the rocky coastline and rolling green landscape by bike on the North Sea Cycle Route and catch glimpses of the famous Shetland ponies roaming the open countryside. 

DAY 8 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $125 PER PERSON

LERWICK/SHETLAND, SCOTLAND: Discover the main town and port of the Shetland Islands with this full-day sightseeing tour of Lerwick. With your local guide, visit Clickimin Broch and a small village. We visit the Shetland Museum and Archives to learn about the history of the area. Finally, take in the views over Victoria Pier and drive down to the Croft House Museum for a look at old, rural farm life. You will enjoy learning about the history and culture of the Shetland Islands. The Croft House Museum is included. Lunch on your own.

Cruising

Don't miss these onboard favorite activities on board such as the Rock-Climbing Wall, Mini Golf, Solarium, and pools to relax by. Today we will have our second group gathering and devotional with Anthony Sweat. 

Glasgow, Scotland

Heralded as one of the world's friendliest cities, Glasgow is Scotland's cultural capital. It's also Scotland's biggest city, surpassing even Edinburgh. Glasgow experienced a cultural boom from the 18th to 20th century, giving birth to the ornate Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture you see here today. With your Glasgow, Scotland cruise check out Killingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the city's West End. You'll encounter everything from the remains of prehistoric mammals to mind-bending Dali paintings. Explore the city's deeper history in the East End, where you'll find Glasgow Cathedral, a monument of 12th-century Gothic design. Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music — stop into one of the 130 music events that are held here each week at venues like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is a thriving, fast-growing metropolitan center that's full of surprises. The city played a key role in the 19th century's Industrial Revolution when it was the world's biggest linen producer. It also had a reputation for shipbuilding — the Titanic was built here. Learn more about this claim to fame when you visit the Titanic Quarter and the city's Titanic Belfast attraction. Then, grab lunch on the terrace overlooking Edwardian City Hall, one of the best examples of Belfast's great architecture. Ireland cruises offer you the opportunity to walk among exotic trees in the botanical garden and reinvent your idea of Irish cuisine at one of the city's upscale, seafood-focused eateries.

DAY 11 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $165 PER PERSON

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND: Nestled high along the Antrim coastline, Dunluce Castle offers dramatic views and insight into the life and legends of old Irish clans. Explore ancient ruins, discover township remains, or descend into a hidden cave to experience the site that inspired CS Lewis’ Cair Paravel. Next, we visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a feat for the sure-footed. The narrow 66-foot-long (20-meter) swinging span is suspended high above the choppy Atlantic waters, connecting the Northern Irish mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Originally built more than 300 years ago by salmon fishermen—and since rebuilt with sturdier materials—the National Trust-managed footbridge is now traversed by many travelers who want to soak up the rugged coastal scenery. Our last stop will be the Titanic Belfast Museum. Titanic Belfast is located beside the Titanic Slipways, the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices, and Hamilton Graving Dock, the very place where Titanic was designed, built, and launched in 1912. Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. The self-guided Titanic Experience extends over nine interpretive and interactive galleries, which explore the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who made it. Lunch on your own.

Liverpool, England

Liverpool, England has so much to offer visitors. From stunning architecture — like The Bluecoat Chambers and The Three Graces — to epic eateries that serve up some of the best food in the U.K., there's something for everyone. If you're looking for the buzzing center of the city, head down to Royal Albert Dock, which not only has the most listed buildings in the city but is also a spot packed with galleries, museums, and more.

DAY 12 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $105 PER PERSON

LIVERPOOL AND PRESTON, ENGLAND: Liverpool served as the arrival point for hundreds of missionaries and the departure point for thousands of emigrants as they gathered in Zion throughout the 19th century. We take a tour around this famous city which, besides its LDS history, has had a long association with America (including slaves, cotton, Beatles, and the claim that the first and final acts of the American Civil War took place here). We visit the beautifully restored Albert Docks where we learn more about the life of an emigrant, see the Sea Trek monument, and discover a host of famous LDS names. Next, we drive to Preston. Our first site here is the River Ribble, where the citizens of Preston often take Sunday strolls along the promenade leading from the city to Avenham Park. On Sunday, July 30, 1837, a crowd gathered at the river’s edge curious about the baptisms taking place there. They watched George D. Watt, who had changed his clothing a short distance away, race an older gentleman to the river, claiming the honor of being the first Latter-day Saint to be baptized in England. In 1987, a plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary of the restored gospel in England and paying tribute to the many English converts was placed in Avenham Park. Our last stop will be the Preston Temple to take a few pictures before returning to the ship. Lunch on your own.

Holyhead, Wales

The largest town on the isle of Anglesey in Wales, Holyhead is all about outdoor adventures and ancient history. Separated from mainland Wales by a narrow channel, the town's international port is just a short 2-hour ferry ride from Dublin. Cruise to Wales and stroll through Holyhead's ancient town center, built around Saint Cybi's Church, which dates back to 550 AD and was built on the site of the Roman fort Caer Gybi Roman. Walk along the still-standing fort walls, or head just outside town for some coasteering — an adventure along the sea cliffs that involves light rock climbing, sea cave exploration, and (for the brave) even a dive into the waves. 

DAY 13 OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - $124 PER PERSON

HOLYHEAD, WALES - Private Shore Excursion: Caernarfon Castle is an outstanding example of 13th-century military architecture, set atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Seiont River estuary. You'll marvel at one of the most spectacular castles in Britain on this 6-hour adventure. Begin with a drive from the Island of Anglesey across historic Menai Suspension Bridge to the royal town of Caernarfon and its namesake castle. Your guided tour of this imposing fortress, part of the Ring of Iron, Edward I's collection of fortresses, will take you from the structure's well-preserved battlements to the top of one or more of its eight mighty towers. Learn the history and legends these walls have seen from 1283 when King Edward I began to build the castle to almost seven centuries later when King Charles was formally invested at Caernarfon by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, which was then as the 21st Prince of Wales. Enjoy time in the castle gift shop before the drive back to port. Lunch on your own.

Special Note: The floors and battlements of Caernarfon Castle are slippery in wet weather. Please wear rubber-soled shoes and watch your step!

Day at Sea

Fun day at sea to relax and enjoy the ship. Today will be our last onboard devotional with Anthony Sweat.

Disembarkation - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Return Home

This morning our ship will return to Amsterdam where we will transfer back to the airport with wonderful memories to last a lifetime of our experiences in the British Isles!