Turf & Thistle – Dublin, Skye & Edinburgh

About this cruise

A 14-night sailing gives you something shorter trips can't: the feeling that you're not just visiting places but actually living somewhere else for a while. This one leaves Dover on September 3, 2027 and visits Amsterdam, Leith (Edinburgh) and Invergordon, with additional stops along the British Isles & Western France. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. The British Isles & Western France route takes in Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland, 3 countries, and the differences show up in the food, the architecture, and the mood. People come back from this cruise talking about Belfast: Titanic's birthplace, reborn and thriving. Around 10 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. Nieuw Statendam keeps you well fed. 12 places to eat, with 6 included in the fare and a few specialty spots if you're in the mood. There are enough performances, events, and social mixers on a cruise this length that you couldn't do them all if you tried. And that's a good problem. This one's for people who really want to switch off. No half measures. Block out the calendar. If you can, add a night in Dover before boarding. It's a good city to wander. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. 10 ports, 3 countries, one suitcase. That's the appeal.