Cruising through the British Isles
Sitting atop Scotland like the crown of Great Britain, the archipelago of Orkney clearly takes its place in the world seriously.
And so it should – this group of islands has a rich history of Vikings and Picts, with evidence of human habitation dating back 8000 years. In fact, at Skara Brae, a storm washed away a sand dune in 1850 revealing 8 stone huts dating to around 3000BC.
The archipelago’s mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar point to rituals from more than 5000 years ago, while wind and wave renewables generate more energy than Orkney uses.
Its massive harbour, Scapa Flow, was also headquarters for the British fleet in both world wars.
So, what’s the best way to take in all this incredible history?
That’s where Columbus comes in.
The aptly named cruise ship circumnavigates Great Britain, stopping at islands such as Orkney, Skye, Mull, the Isles of Scilly and Guernsey, as well as Amsterdam, Dublin and the northwestern French city of Honfleur.
It’s a comfortable way to see places off the beaten track, which might take some effort to get to if you were exploring by land.
Facilities on the 1400-guest Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ ship include the main pool deck, dining options (from the buffet to the Waterfront dining room, plus speciality venues), a showroom, spa and a variety of bars and lounges.
But the main attractions are the sights.
Portree port in Skye and Tobermory port in Mull boast charming buildings painted in pastels, wrapping around the waterfront.
On Skye, explore Dunvegan Castle, home of the MacLeod clan chieftains for 800 years. Over on Mull, the 13th-century Duart Castle, seat of the Maclean clan, stands proud.
Learn the history of clans while contemplating waterways such as Loch Dunvegan, the Sound of Mull, Loch Linnhe and the Firth of Lorn.
Next come the Isles of Scilly, where warm weather, turquoise seas, clear blue skies and white sand beaches bring to mind our very own Yorke Peninsula.
This subtropical archipelago, 45km off Cornwall, is home to the Tresco Abbey Garden. Here, you’ll find plant species from all over the world, from giant New Zealand tree ferns to Australian banksias.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey in the Channel Islands – close to France but loyal to the British Crown – has its own currency, stamp, flag and breed of cattle.
A drive around the triangular island shows military remnants of German occupation in WWII which still loom large in local chatter.
After island-hopping, head to Amsterdam to explore the huge Keukenhof gardens, stop in Dublin to taste-test the Guinness brewery or stroll around Honfleur’s pretty harbour on the Seine.
How else but cruising could you see so much with such ease?