Happy Thursday from soggy Dallas! Just when we thought the sun was finally here to stay, the downpour started again! Our backyard is literally a pond, and I’m thisclose to building an Ark! The pups are in even more distress, since they refuse to go outside to potty. Actually, that distresses me since I’m constantly worried about finding a ‘surprise’ on the rug!
Today I’m wrapping up the recaps from our British Isles cruise with Princess, and it’s all about Scotland. With nine ports on the 12-day trip, there was a lot to see! Usually, my Trip Reports are comprehensive guides of where we stayed, and what we did and ate…but these are mostly just what we were able to see in a day! To see more pics and how the full itinerary flowed, check this post for Week 1 and this one for Week 2.
Glasgow, Scotland
It was a gray, drizzly day in Glasgow, which only lent to the mystical, Harry Potter vibe of this bustling city. We wandered the streets by foot and Uber, taking in the Victorian and art nouveau architecture. We stayed warm and dry by taking refuge in the cutest cafe, Kember Jones, and Champagne Central.
Excursion: We booked ‘Glasgow On Your Own’ through Princess Cruises, and they provided the round-trip bus shuttle from the ship to city center (about 30 minutes).
HIGHLIGHTS:
University of Glasgow / Botanic Gardens / Champagne Central / Kember Jones
Trench Coat | White Jeans | Loafers (love these, too!) | Crossbody Bag (30% off!)
His Messenger Bag (so great for travel & day bag!_
Trench Coat | White Jeans | Loafers (love these, too!) | Crossbody Bag (30% off!)
Collared Sweater | White Jeans | Loafers (love these, too!) | Trench Coat | Crossbody Bag
Orkney Islands & Kirkwall, Scotland
The Orkney Islands are the northern most part of Scotland, and completely remote. Our half-day excursion stopped at the Cliffs of Yesnaby and the Standing Stones of Stenness, both of which left us speechless…and instantly smitten with the Scottish coastline.
Once back in Kirkwall (the port city), we wandered the little village and had a delicious lunch…and more scones.
Excursion: ‘Ancient Standing Stones’ via Princess Cruises…a 3-hour tour through the countryside and coast.
Highlights:
Cliffs of Yesnaby / Standing Stones of Stenness / Town of Kirkwall
Jacket | Fleece Pullover | Hat | Jeans | Sneakers
Dunrobin Castle (Invergordon), Scotland
Invergordon has a slew of different excursions and sites to choose from, but we opted for one of the grandest castles in Scotland. Dunrobin Castle is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the early 1300s.
The grounds and rooms are impeccably maintained, and even has a delicious cafe with amazing baked goods. Mr. SP’s day was made when they allowed him to play the Steinway grand piano.
Excursion: We booked ‘Dunrobin Castle’ via Princess Cruises, and it included the 45-minute bus ride, plus small group entry in the castle.
Packable Puffer Jacket | Leopard Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Crossbody Bag | Pom Hat
Packable Puffer Jacket | Pom Hat
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh has been at the top of my list for years, and it did not disappoint! The surprisingly hilly city is elegant and medieval, and compact enough to navigate on foot (and the occasional Uber if you’re pressed for time!). Sadly though, my camera and phone batteries died early in the day, so the memories will have to stay in my mind. Or perhaps we’ll just have to go back, because this city has so much to offer!
Excursion: We booked ‘Edinburgh on Your Own’ via Princess Cruises, and they provided bus shuttle to and from the city center.
Highlights:
Victoria Street / Dean Village / Circus Lane
Utility Jacket | Sweater (on sale!) | Gingham Shirt | Jeans | Loafers (love these, too!) | Crossbody Bag
We’ve learned there’s no way to see everything in a day, so we try to balance seeing as much as we can, with actually enjoying the vibe of each city. That’s the perk of cruising…the opportunity to visit so many places, but only having to unpack once!
Some stops we add to our list to return, and others are perfect for a day visit. There are so many cruise itineraries available…you can literally cruise around the world! #bucketlist And I’d 100% recommend any of them with Princess Cruises…they are literally like the Ritz Carlton of the seas!
I hope my recaps gave you a glimpse at the beauty of the British Isles, and the fun of cruising with Princess! What is your bucket list cruise itinerary?
[See more of British Isles Cruise]
Travel Diary | Week One
Travel Diary | Week Two
Charming Coastal Towns of the British Isles
British Isles Cruise | Dublin & the Irish Coastline
Cruise Style | What to Wear Evenings on the Ship
*See more of our cruise experiences here. All photos taken with this Sony camera or my iPhone 7-plus.