Belfast, Northern Ireland
A major port heralded for its shipbuilding heritage, Belfast has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance unrivaled in the rest of Europe. The influence of Britain is everywhere in this polished capital of Northern Ireland. Some of its most striking buildings exude Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance amid its famous Irish charm. Along the Golden Mile, high-end boutiques are reminiscent of those found in Paris, and the opulent Grand Opera House stands as a hub of Belfast culture.
A major port heralded for its shipbuilding heritage, Belfast has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance unrivaled in the rest of Europe. The influence of Britain is everywhere in this polished capital of Northern Ireland. Some of its most striking buildings exude Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance amid its famous Irish charm. Along the Golden Mile, high-end boutiques are reminiscent of those found in Paris, and the opulent Grand Opera House stands as a hub of Belfast culture.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Historic Belfast City
Enjoy a tour of the main sights of Belfast, including its noteworthy monuments and structures.
Highlights of Northern Ireland’s Capital
Enjoy a tour of the main sights of Belfast, including its noteworthy monuments and structures. Take in the highlights of Northern Ireland’s capital, including the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial Clock, Queen’s University and Botanic Gardens. As you pass the impressive Renaissance-style Belfast City Hall, catch sight of the marble Titanic Memorial, erected to commemorate the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic. You will learn about Northern Ireland’s troubled past from your local guide as you pass by Stormont, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. You will also have the chance to see the former Crumlin Road Courthouse, Her Majesty’s Prison Belfast—also known as Crumlin Road Gaol (jail)—and the Peace Line. Be sure to keep watch for Belfast’s political wall murals—a unique cultural touchstone.
Hinch Distillery & Scenic Seaside
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a renowned distillery and admire the beauty of a charming seaside town.
A Taste of Irish Whiskey and Charming Newcastle
Get a behind-the-scenes look at a renowned distillery and admire the beauty of a charming seaside town. Depart Belfast for a scenic countryside journey into the heart of County Down to the Hinch Distillery. Established in 2020 on the grounds of Killaney Estate, this award-winning distillery is known for its distinctively bold-charactered and smooth-flavored Irish whiskeys. On your guided tour, gain insight into the history of Irish whiskey and the unique production practices and techniques used at Hinch. Cap your visit with a whiskey tasting, before continuing to Newcastle, a seaside hamlet, nestled between Slieve Donard—the highest peak in the Mourne Mountain range—and the Irish Sea. After a delicious lunch, enjoy free time to explore on your own, admiring the picturesque sea vistas and mountain panoramas, before returning to your ship.
Belfast Food Trail
Experience the flavors of Northern Ireland with this exciting walking tour centered on cuisine.
A Taste of Northern Ireland
Experience the flavors of Northern Ireland with this exciting walking tour centered on cuisine. Set out for the city, where you will connect with your experienced local guide. You will have the opportunity to soak in Belfast’s rich heritage and culture as you make your way through historic neighborhoods, all the while enjoying delicious foods with a local food connoisseur who knows and loves Northern Ireland’s specialties, as well as the best spots in town to sample them. Tastings are frequent and generous; you will encounter local producers, learn about the food of Northern Ireland and enjoy sampling favorite foods and drinks from the region along the way.
City Drive, Crumlin Road Jail & Birthplace of the RMS Titanic
Witness the captivating history and maritime traditions of Northern Ireland’s capital city.
Belfast Sights & Historic Jail Experience
Witness the captivating history and maritime traditions of Northern Ireland’s capital city. Enjoy an informative drive through Belfast, originally named Béal Feirste—Gaelic for “mouth of the sandy fjord.” Pass historic and popular sights, and stop for photos at City Hall. See the Shankill area, which was at the center of the fighting in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century. Here, two conflicting neighborhoods are separated by a series of Peace Walls, on which you can view brightly painted political murals. Then, step back in time as you walk the halls of the Victorian-era Crumlin Road Jail. During a self-guided tour, see what prison life was like throughout the ages and learn about the dark secrets of its eerie past. Enjoy lunch in this storied building, then visit the Titanic Belfast Museum—birthplace of the RMS Titanic—before returning to your ship.
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, a Royal Residence
Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the official residence of His Majesty King Charles in Northern Ireland.
Exclusive Visit to a Historic Georgian Estate
Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the official residence of His Majesty King Charles in Northern Ireland. Embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Hillsborough, a delightful hamlet known for its floral blooms. Here, you will discover more than 300 years of history. View opulent staterooms that have hosted members of the British royal family for generations as well as visiting dignitaries, including President George W. Bush. Hear about the pivotal role that the castle played in Northern Ireland’s peacebuilding process, resulting in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement that saw the end of the Troubles in 1998. View works of art and fine pieces of furniture in the elegant Throne Room, the ceremonial heart of the castle. Afterward, take a stroll around the ornamental gardens and admire the woodlands and meadows before returning to your ship.
A Day in St. Patrick’s County
Delve into the fascinating history of Ireland’s patron saint.
Highlights of County Down
Delve into the fascinating history of Ireland’s patron saint. Ride by motor coach through the city of Downpatrick, the medieval capital of County Down. You will visit the Saint Patrick Center to enjoy an interactive experience that shares the saint’s intriguing story. Continue to the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, widely known as Down Cathedral. Here, you will learn about the origins of the building and its history through the ages, and visit St. Patrick’s grave. After lunch you will travel to Saul Church, quite possibly the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland. Then, head back to Belfast via a short ferry crossing at the southern end of the Ards Peninsula, acknowledged as one of the most important conservation sites in Europe. Your drive will also take you through Greyabbey, founded in 1193 by Affreca, the daughter of Godred, Norse King of the Isle of Man, before returning to your ship.
Irish Whiskey Walk & Tasting
Savor the taste and history of Irish whiskey during a guided walk through Belfast.
History of Northern Ireland’s Connection to a Famed Distilled Spirit
Savor the taste and history of Irish whiskey during a guided walk through Belfast. While the origins of this distilled spirit remain lost to time, stories abound with tales of Irish monks bringing back the “water of life” from Scotland more than a thousand years ago. Northern Ireland is also home to the world’s oldest distilling license, granted to Old Bushmills in 1608. Join a local Irish whiskey reviewer on an exploration of the modern Irish whiskey scene in Belfast. Your walk will lead you to a lively establishment, where you can relax amid its traditional hostelry decor. Test your palate with a whiskey tasting accompanied by a food pairing. Learn about nosing, finish, mouthfeel and more while sampling three different styles, such as single pot still whiskey—a signature Irish whiskey born of ingenuity and innovation.
Titanic Belfast Walk
Immerse in the story of the RMS Titanic during a captivating walk through Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Iconic Shipyard and State-of-the-Art Museum
Immerse in the story of the RMS Titanic during a captivating walk through Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Launched in 1912 from the city’s docks, the Titanic was billed as “unsinkable”; unfortunately, it sank during its maiden voyage, becoming one of history’s biggest maritime disasters. You will travel to the Titanic Quarter, located on Belfast’s iconic waterfront and a showcase for the city’s maritime and industrial legacy. Follow your guide to the former shipyard of Harland & Wolff, now a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to telling the fated ship’s story. See the slipway and pump house before touring the museum. Gain insight into the ship’s design, construction, its infamous voyage and its final resting place. After time to explore the museum, you will board your motor coach for a panoramic drive through Belfast en route to your ship.
Coastal Drive & Glens of Antrim
Discover the verdant beauty of Antrim’s world-famous glens, and enjoy a picturesque ride along the coast.
Outstanding Natural Beauty
Discover the verdant beauty of Antrim’s world-famous glens, and enjoy a picturesque ride along the coast. Journey by motor coach past views of dramatic headlands and scenic bays. On a clear day, you may even be able to enjoy views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre. From the town of Larne, an 80-mile stretch of cliffs runs north along the coast of County Antrim. Among these cliffs lie nine deep glens. Glenariff, the “Queen of the Glens,” is considered by many to be the most beautiful.. The area of Glenariff Forest Park, which has been attracting visitors for over a century, features a trail skirting its sheer, plunging gorge. You will have the chance to enjoy this “gateway to the Glens” at your own pace before continuing on to the famous Glenariff Tea House to enjoy tea, coffee and delicious homemade scones. After, you will return by coach to your awaiting ship.
Giant's Causeway
Explore the majesty and mystery of Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jewel in the Crown of the Antrim Coast
Explore the majesty and mystery of Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will journey inland, through Ballymena and Bushmills, to the dramatic North Antrim Coast. Here, You will discover an aggregation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns—the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. For millions of years, the unique rock formations of Giant’s Causeway have stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns both intrigues and inspires. You may be astonished by this ancient natural marvel as you scan the mysterious stones for structures that resemble objects, such as the Organ, Giant's Boot, Camel's Hump and Chimney Stacks. Returning to port, You will stop for photographs at the magnificent clifftop Dunluce Castle, and, time permitting, at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that spans a chasm 80 feet deep.
Countryside & Sheep Farm Visit
Journey through scenic countryside to Glenshane Country Farm and learn about life as a sheep farmer.
Watch Sheepdogs at Work and Lunch at a Historic Pub
Journey through scenic countryside to Glenshane Country Farm and learn about life as a sheep farmer. Enjoy views of Slieve Gallion, the Mournes and Slemish Mountain during your ride as you hear stories about Saint Patrick’s life as a shepherd, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Arrive at Glenshane and meet Jamese McCloy, who has lived in these parts since he was a child. You will accompany Jamese out into the fields to meet his talented working dogs, and watch an entertaining demonstration of sheep herding. Afterward, you will head out to a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty lunch at Friel’s Historic Bar & Restaurant, where you will savor traditional Irish fare and experience a warm welcome. Listen to stories about its history during the Great Famine of 1845, tales of folklore and how Friel’s played an important part as a soup kitchen. Afterward, return to your ship.
Panoramic Belfast & Irish Céilí
Discover Belfast’s fascinating past and vibrant culture, and a traditional Irish céilí.
Sights of Belfast and a Traditional Show
Discover Belfast’s fascinating past and vibrant culture, and a traditional Irish céilí. Set out on a drive past iconic landmarks that have played an important role in the cultural development of the city. See the Grand Opera House, the Albert Memorial Clock, City Hall and Queen’s University, and pause to view the famous political murals that tell the story of Belfast’s turbulent history. Stop at a local venue for refreshments then take your seat for a lively performance, featuring world-championship Irish dancers and talented musicians. Tap your feet to the rhythm of the harp, uillean pipes, flute and violin, then try your hand at dancing a sean-nós—a traditional, free-form Irish dance style known for its expressive footwork—to melodies once heard in the shipyards, mills and markets of old. After, bid farewell to your hosts and return to your ship.