Great Britain/Ireland cruises????

[cockermom]

The next trip we're saving for (our goal is to do this is late in 2006) is going to be a 3- or 4-week motorcoach tour of England/Scotland/Wales/Ireland. As much as I'm looking forward to it :D , the idea of having to pack up and change hotels every day or two is already starting to sound very unappealing. :( Then the idea came to me! :idea: What if it were possible to have the same type of trip only on a cruise ship!! It would be our base of operations, the place we'd stay every night.

What I'm envisioning is flying to Europe (London?) and boarding a ship that would take us to various ports around Great Britain and Ireland and maybe offer some of the on shore side trips that would be reserved separately. I know it may not be likely that a cruise ship could make as many stops as an almost month long motorcoach tour would, but maybe they could come close.

Do any of you experienced cruisers know if such an option exists?

Barbara

[Antyo]

HI! While I'm not sure of any exact itineraries - here's a website that has some great discounts on cruises 8)

www.vacationstogo.com

Hope this is helpful...Keep us posted on your plans!

[cockermom]

That site seems to have a little bit of everything! Will definitely bookmark it and check out the possibilities.

Thanks, Antyo!

[FLSharon]

Barbara, I realize the thought of packing every two days or so is icky.. I agree, it is. But i'm not sure you'll have the same experience like you would staying on land. I do carribean cruises which is fine for me b/c I have as much island time as I want.
However when I did the motorcoach thing in Hawaii, i was very glad I chose it over a cruise. We liked having local hotels/ food. And just in general we had a better feel for the islands. Plus, I didnt' want to run back to the ship b/c I had paid for meals there.
Anyhow, Just wanted to point out this side of it. Sharon

[cockermom]

Yes, I can see your point, Sharon. Maybe what I'll have to do is investigate a different type of motorcoach tour, a lazy butt tour (a la Moley) 8), rather than my usual commando style :shock: (see the continent/WDW in 24 hours). I'm just torn between experiencing as much as possible on this proposed trip knowing that it will very likely be our one and only opportunity and choosing a more relaxed but less inclusive style.

Many thanks, you guys, for the suggestions!

Barbara

[SammieG]

Im very late replying to your post, but I only just saw it!

I dont think there is a cruise like the one you mention... and even if there were, I dont think I would take it. Standards in the UK are very different from those you are used to in the USA - and unless I was paying a HUGE amount of money, I just wouldnt do a british run cruise.. or a european one for that matter.

In the same way if I were staying in London for the night there is absolutely no way I would go for a hotel less than 4 star....

Anyway that apart, as the UK and Ireland are quite small - you could probably stay a few days in each location and so it would not be too bad.

Are you planning on hiring a car? that would imo be the best way to get around. You mention a motorcoach - what exactly is that?? (sorry Im not familiar with the name!) is it a coach? Like a greyhound type coach... or an organised tour coach?? or what?
Personally I would hire a car myself and that would then be more relaxing imo - than a stuffy - un airconditioned coach...
(if it is something else then please forgive me!!)

If you need any help, please do just ask.. Im an England expert ;)

[SammieG]

Im very late replying to your post, but I only just saw it!

I dont think there is a cruise like the one you mention... and even if there were, I dont think I would take it. Standards in the UK are very different from those you are used to in the USA - and unless I was paying a HUGE amount of money, I just wouldnt do a british run cruise.. or a european one for that matter.

In the same way if I were staying in London for the night there is absolutely no way I would go for a hotel less than 4 star....

Anyway that apart, as the UK and Ireland are quite small - you could probably stay a few days in each location and so it would not be too bad.

Are you planning on hiring a car? that would imo be the best way to get around. You mention a motorcoach - what exactly is that?? (sorry Im not familiar with the name!) is it a coach? Like a greyhound type coach... or an organised tour coach?? or what?
Personally I would hire a car myself and that would then be more relaxing imo - than a stuffy - un airconditioned coach...
(if it is something else then please forgive me!!)

If you need any help, please do just ask.. Im an England expert ;)