NancyIL Posted May 22, 2004 #1 Share Posted May 22, 2004 We will be on RCI's Jewel of the Seas Scandinavia/Russia cruise in July 2005. We'll fly to London using frequent-flyer miles, and we're allowed one stop within Europe in addition to our London "gateway." As the travel planner for our family, I'm considering either Edinburgh, Scotland or Dublin, Ireland for a long weekend visit after the cruise ends. I'll be traveling with my husband and 3 kids, ages 14, 17, and 20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukbound Posted May 22, 2004 #2 Share Posted May 22, 2004 My daughter and I went to both cities when she was 14. Although both are full of wonderful activities, we both fell in love with Edinburgh. She loved visiting the castle and shopping in town. We were only there for one day and that wasn't enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globaliser Posted May 22, 2004 #3 Share Posted May 22, 2004 I don't know Dublin well enough to make a comparison between the two, but you can't go wrong with Edinburgh - it's a great city. Are you going to give London some time too? It needs about a month to see it properly. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted May 22, 2004 Author #4 Share Posted May 22, 2004 We spent a week in London in 2000, and we're planning on flying to London 2 days early to recuperate from jetlag and see the sights. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cberge Posted May 22, 2004 #5 Share Posted May 22, 2004 I have been to both,and either one would be good,BUT re the age of your kids I would go to Dublin.They will love it.It is a compact city to get around,they will enjoy Grafton Street,and it is a city of young people,The Temple Bar area is even good for kids.It is quite rich in history,has the Hop/ons for sightseeing,the Book of Kells,funky shops etc.You could always to Edinburgh by train if you go to London again,but to be able to fly to Dublin is a great way to go with your one stop.JMHO..[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Karen Ü Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthGal Posted June 7, 2004 #6 Share Posted June 7, 2004 I did both last summer with Princess, and they were both wonderful! For a weekend stopover though - I'd choose Edinburgh - its heart is very compact and there are things to see and do for all ages. Both cities have the Hop On Hop Off buses. Edinburgh's landscape had more of an impact! between The Royal Mile, the Fort, the park/gardens below! it was spectacular. Either will be great, but I vote Edinburgh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheboro Posted June 8, 2004 #7 Share Posted June 8, 2004 Both are great places. Dublin is a cool happening place- your family will love it. The night life is wonderful, and the Guinness is great. Irish music and dance is everywhere. The countryside is beautiful. The flight time from London is very short, less than an hour I think. The Budget airline Ryanair flies there very cheaply. How about extending your trip and doing both, using this airline. Edinburgh is also a very special place.I was there at Christmas and was amazed at how friendly and helpful everyone was. The shopping is great, a mixture of everything, from the many souvenier shops to the upmarket designers. Harvey Nicks is a must visit. In summer there is always going on. Check for events- at the very least there will be pipe bands etc. Someone mentioned the train journey from London- it does take you through some spectactular scenery, and along the coast line from the North-east of England through the borders of Scotland. Dublin or Edinburgh?? Tough choice- good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted June 8, 2004 Author #8 Share Posted June 8, 2004 I considered visiting both Edinburgh and Dublin. My great idea was to fly from Gatwick to Edinburgh on EasyJet after the cruise, then fly Edinburgh to Dublin on Aer Lingus (an American Airlines partner) and home from there. The problem with my great idea is that we'll have much more luggage (and weight) than is allowed for those budget airlines. Unlike the 70 pounds per bag allowed on international flights from the US, EasyJet limits you to 20 kg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheboro Posted June 8, 2004 #9 Share Posted June 8, 2004 I see your point about the weight limit on Easyjet. Ryanair have the same limit. Have you considered the train? You could get from Gatwick to Kings Cross on the Express, then it is a straight run up the east coast to Edinburgh with no changes. That way you could see both cities- it seems a shame to come so far and then have to choose between the two. By using the train you could use Aer Lingus to get to Dublin. You come out of the train station in Edinburgh and are on Princes Street(the main street). Lugging your bags may be a drag, but there would always be someone around to help. Anyway I hope you find a happy solution, and have great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globaliser Posted June 8, 2004 #10 Share Posted June 8, 2004 To be fair to easyJet (possibly the first time I've ever said that), Ryanair's baggage allowance is actually only 15 kg total per person. And reports are that they are very strict about making you pay for every extra kilo. It's the classic case of hooking people who only look at the headline price of the flight and ask no further questions - people often then find that they've paid more for their trip door-to-door than they would have done if they'd flown a quality major airline instead. easyJet at least is prepared to give you the international standard baggage allowance of 20 kg. It's generally only flights to, from, or within North America that attract the piece count system. ____________________________________________________________ Jewel of the Seas 1-3 May 2004 - see [url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&s=927093444&a=tpc&m=904107102&f=069097554"]my review here[/url], and [url="http://community.webshots.com/album/140741580OdzpCX"]my photos here[/url]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduffys Posted June 16, 2004 #11 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Wow--what a tough choice. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] We have spent a week in both cities and could have happily stayed another week. Dublin is a more modern looking city than Edinburgh. Both have lots to offer. You will love whichever city you choose. Have fun!! MARIANNE AND NORM WHO CAN'T WAIT TO BOARD THE ROTTERDAM ON 7/10/2004 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted August 1, 2004 Author #12 Share Posted August 1, 2004 My husband and I talked about it, and we decided to fly to Edinburgh the week before the cruise starts instead of after it ends. We'll probably spend a few nights there, then make one stop in England via train - possibly York - before arriving in London 2 days before we cruise. Thanks for all your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheboro Posted August 18, 2004 #13 Share Posted August 18, 2004 Good choice, and a great idea to visit York. Will you be staying over in York? If so, the Ghost walk is great fun. It leaves from The Shambles at 8pm. If you are looking for a nice place for lunch, or early dinner, try Oscar's Wine Bar. There is an extensive, very reasonably priced menu, and good wine and beer. It is very popular, but usually you can get a table. There is an outside area with patio heaters which are fun on cooler evenings. The easiest way to find it is to go through Brown's department store. At the back of the shop behind the ladies underwear is a door which takes you onto a back street. Bear left out of the door and follow the street right. Oscars is about 50 yards on the right. If you have any questions about York please let me know. I live about45 minutes drive away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted August 24, 2004 Author #14 Share Posted August 24, 2004 uptheboro - thanks for the info about York! I looked at BritRail pass prices today, and discovered that we could save money (about $120) by getting 4 Flexi Party Passes for 2 adults and my 2 older kids (17 and 20) rather than 2 adults/2 youth FlexiPasses. A 4-day FlexiPass would cover 2 stops within the UK (Edinburgh-York and York -London), as well as to and from the port in Harwich. Only problem is...the train times to and from the port are cutting it kind of close. Hmmm...at least I have a long time to think about things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted August 27, 2004 #15 Share Posted August 27, 2004 Nancy, You will really enjoy Edinburgh. I have been there a few times and will be visiting the area next month on an upcoming cruise. My sister-in-law and her husband live right near Edinburgh. There is much to see right there and if you have time there are many scenic drives within an hour of the area. Last time we were there we drove with them about an hour away to a town where most buildings were several hundred years old. Overall, I think that Scotland is highly underated, likely because many people have never seen it. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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