USA Departures to Amsterdam

Today we will depart our USA home cities and fly overnight to Amsterdam.  Upon arrival, we will be met by our motorcoach and taken around the area and city, to enjoy a panoramic view of this capital city and what it offers.   Afterward, we will be dropped off at our hotel to check in and the afternoon is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure.  

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 cafes. Here it’s easy to let go and give in to romantic adventures.

Amsterdam   

Today is a free day for you to enjoy the city on your own.  Do you want to spend the day at the many art museums, or relive the story of Anne Frank and visit her secret home?  You can walk the beautiful canals or take a bike ride through the countryside.  We know you will enjoy this day whatever you decide to do.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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

Cruising

Don't miss these onboard favorite activities on board such as the Rock Climbing Wall, Mini Golf, Solarium and pools to relax by.  This afternoon we will have our first onboard group gathering with Tim Taggart.

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. 

OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION -

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! Lunch stop in beautiful Beauly or area. Learn the true story which inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns.

Day at Sea

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 gathering today again with Tim Taggart.

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 Kelvingrove 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 ship-building — 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.

OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION - 

Discover the history of Belfast –we will discover the major figures from Belfast and find out how religion and cultural divisions impacted Ireland and Belfast in particular. We visit the oldest parts of town including the Cathedral Quarter and High Street where our guide will point out some amazing street art along the way and tell us the stories behind some of the stand-out pieces and how they reflect the conflict. Find out about famous people, times, and places and you'll discover how the legacy of the troubles has changed the landscape of the area. We will also have a visit to 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 her 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 her.

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 at Sea

Cork, Ireland

The real capital of Ireland — that's what the locals call Cork, a university city in the country's southwest. In the city center, situated on an island in the River Lee, you'll find one of Ireland's best foodie scenes, with laneways and streets filled with local watering holes and high-end restaurants. Cruise to Ireland to check out the prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, visit Blarney Castle and kiss its eponymous stone, and sample local culinary specialties in the English Market. Cork is just a 25-minute drive from Cobh, Ireland's only dedicated cruise terminal and the final port of call for the Titanic before it set sail for the United States.

OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION 

On this excursion from Cobh, we will discover the highlights of County Cork, including Blarney Castle, Kinsale, and Cobh. We will visit Blarney Castle & Gardens where we will have the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, explore the 15th-century castle, and wander and discover the magnificent gardens. There will also be a stop at Blarney Woollen Mills. We will also see Charles Fort where our guide will tell us the fascinating history of this 17th-century fort and the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. Be amazed by the stunning scenery and the very sad tale of The Cunard Ocean liner RMS Lusitania. The tour will also include a panoramic driving tour of Cork city. See the sights like The English Market and Shandon Bells and learn about this fascinating rebel city from the time of Vikings through to The Anglo-Norman Invasion and right up to modern times. There will also be a stop at the charming village of Kinsale. Back in Cobh, we will see the majestic Cathedral with the largest carillon of bells in Europe. Take in the stunning harbor scenery here while you learn about the ill-fated Titanic, mass emigration, and its rich maritime history.

Waterford, Ireland

The oldest city in Ireland, Waterford is home to depths of history and nature waiting to be explored. Explore the historic Viking Triangle, Waterford's heritage and cultural quarter. Climb Reginald's Tower, a 12th-century circular fortress erected by the Anglo-Normans. Cruise to Waterford to see Middle Ages artifacts, including a 15th-century wine vault, at the Medieval Museum. Shop for Waterford Crystal in its place of origin — stop into a local artisan's shop and see how it's made. Walk among rhododendrons and camellias in Mount Congreve Gardens. Or hike the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark, where steep cliffs formed by ancient volcanic activity overlook windswept waters.

Day at Sea

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 witness both the Roman invasion and the return of forces from Dunkirk in World War II.

OPTIONAL GROUP SHORE EXCURSION -

Today we arrive in London for our tour that will begin with a relaxing panoramic drive through this iconic city with our expert tour guide. Along the way, our guide will regale us with interesting stories and facts about London's long history. On this scenic journey through the city, we will see all of London's most iconic sights, including Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and The Tower of London. There will be photo stops along the way to enjoy and a highlight for sure will be as we watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horseguard’s Parade. We will also enjoy a tour inside the historic Tower of London. before returning to the ship.

Amsterdam, Netherlands to 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.