British Isles

Submitted by BJ Peterson - Bursch Travel Rochester Sept 23, 2008

I recently cruised the British Isles on the Grand Princess for 12 days, a trip that started with two days at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel which is so close to the center of London that the address is ONE Piccadilly. The day tour of London was the highlight of my trip. Included were Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard, Covent Garden, the Tower of London, a Cruise on the Thames River and the London Eye which at over 400 ft is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.

The Grand Princess was built in 1998 and is a beautiful ship that is in excellent condition and at over 900 ft long and weighing 109,000 tons.

The specialty restaurants include Sabatini's (Italian) and Sterling Steakhouse both were excellent. The anytime dining also exceptional, and I never experienced a wait at any of the restaurants.

"Movies under the Stars” a favorite of many guests onboard and although the evenings were cool the staff who were always helpful and pleasant provided pillows and blankets for our comfort.

Ports visited were Cork/Cobh â€" Tour of Blarney Castle and shoppong at the Blarney Woolen Mills.

Dublin â€" City tour, scenic tour of countryside, and a visit to the monastic ruins at Glendalough which were founded in the 6th century.

Liverpool â€" Short walk into city. Went down Penny lane and Mathew Street with lunch at the Grape, a Pub just down the street from the Cavern Club where the Beatles started. Liverpool has many modern buildings and excellent shopping centers.

Belfast â€" Tour to the Giants Causeway. The coastal scenery adjacent to causeway is some of the most beautiful you are likely to find anywhere.

Glasgow â€" City tour and shopping. Toured a cathedral and university. Then we went to the city square and saw several posters with President Bush's picture showing him as the World #1 Terrorist. ????

Inverness â€" Tour to Loch Ness and Urquhart castle ruins. Loch Ness which at its deepest point is 754 ft deeper than the height of London's BT Tower at 620 ft.

Edinburgh â€" Tour to St. Andrews with a tour of The Old Course (The home of Golf) and a city tour. The countryside was covered with Heather, purple everywhere.

Paris â€" Day tour which included The Opera House, Tuileries Gardens, The Louvre, Pont-Neuf, The Cathedral of Notre Dame, The Eiffel tower. The Highlight of this tour was a 2 hour Seine River lunch cruise were the photo opportunities were fantastic.

I would recommend cruising the British Isles for the best overall experience.