What's the best cruise to Ireland?

[kaymoz]

It's St. Patrick's Day so I have to finally pose this question that's been on my mind for a long while: 

                              what's the best cruise to/around Ireland? 

 

While I am happy to hear everyone's reasons for "best" (which is how we learn!), my current criteria might be something like: good itinerary, not too many days at sea, lots of portstops, maybe some overnights in an Irish port, long days in port, with bonus points for the smaller ships and an English speaking on-board situation.  I'm OK with combining with one other country (like Iceland or Scotland), but am not interested in trying to cover too much territory -- want to keep an Irish focus! 

 

[LHT28]

I will play

Best is  subjective

first  what cruise lines circumnavigate Ireland

Oceania

what lines go to a few ports in Ireland

Celebrity, Princess,   possibly others

 

What ships meet your definition of small ships?

They range  from 8- 12 days

 

depends on what you are looking for

 

[kaymoz]

Relatively speaking, the smaller ships are probably those under 1000 passengers, but I am not going to rule out a great itinerary just because of ship size!

[LHT28]

Also check P & O   or maybe Fred Olsen  a couple of British lines

 

happy sailing

[sailing bears]

Oceania has some sailings that do pretty much Ireland only (10-day circumnavigation).  Look at the September 28, 2020 Nautica sailing.  Not inexpensive but you get more than just a couple of Ireland ports like the major American cruise lines. 

[PhilbeachTraveller]

Just received the new Azamara brochure and they have a terrific 'Ireland Intensive' cruise in May 2020.  Leaving Southampton to Dublin (overnight), Belfast, Londonderry, Donegal, Galway, Foynes, Cork, Waterford, Southampton. Most are full days at port (8am to 10pm). Very tempted myself!