British Isles Cruise with Holland America
Setting sail for Inverness, I was immediately struck by the stunning Scottish scenery. Having never travelled this far north before, I hadn’t realised just how much beauty the UK has to offer and I loved every minute of it.
Life on Nieuw Statendam
Check-in was smooth and I was soon settled into my spacious balcony cabin with a partial ocean view. With a comfortable bed, sofa, vanity and private balcony, it was the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee and watch the world go by.
There was a fantastic choice of dining on board, from the buffet with fresh salads, pasta, meats and delicious cakes, to speciality restaurants and casual options by the pool.
I also loved the adults-only pool area, which was perfect for relaxing with a cocktail and enjoying the scenery. In the evenings, there was plenty to do, from dinner and live music to cocktails at the bar.
Exploring the British Isles
Our first stop was Stornoway, where I explored the local town and quaint shops before enjoying a relaxing top-to-toe massage in the spa. That evening, I had an incredible three-course meal at the speciality steakhouse – including the best surf and turf I’ve ever had!
Next was Belfast, one of my favourite ports. As a huge Game of Thrones fan, visiting the Game of Thrones experience was a highlight – and yes, I even got to ride a dragon! 🐉 We stayed late in port, giving us time to enjoy a local meal and traditional Irish music before returning to the ship.
In Glasgow, I loved exploring the architecture and meeting the friendly locals before finishing the day with a theatre show and cocktails.
Liverpool was another favourite. I explored Albert Dock and visited the Beatles Story before heading back on board to enjoy the Crow’s Nest and its amazing 360-degree views over the city.
Our final stop was Dublin, where I explored the city before enjoying another fantastic three-course meal at the Asian speciality restaurant.
The Orange Party
One of the highlights of the final night was Holland America’s famous Orange Party. With everyone dressed in orange, a special menu, drinks and plenty of entertainment, it was a brilliant way to finish the cruise.
Final Thoughts
Nieuw Statendam is a great-sized ship – large enough to offer plenty of activities and dining options, but small enough to still feel personal. The crew were fantastic and even remembered guests’ names and favourite drinks, which added to the experience.
The Have It All package is also well worth considering, with drinks, onboard spending money and speciality dining included. It made it easy to relax and enjoy everything the ship had to offer without worrying about the extras.
Overall, my British Isles cruise was the perfect combination of exploring new destinations, incredible food and plenty of time to relax. From the Scottish Highlands to Belfast, Liverpool and Dublin, every port offered something different – and I came home with some fantastic memories! Check out our offer here.
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