• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Price

Embark on an enchanting 16-night British Isles voyage aboard P&O's Arcadia. Departing roundtrip from Southampton on May 25, 2026, this journey offers immersive experiences in the rich cultures of the British Isles. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to historic cities, as you visit ports including Cobh (Cork), Holyhead, Killybegs, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Greenock (Glasgow), Belfast, and Liverpool.
  • Arcadia 
  • 16 nights
  • 25th May - 10th June 2026
  • From £1689 per person

Price correct at time of publication 21/01/2025 

Ports of Call: Southampton, UK – Cobh (tours to Cork), Ireland – Holyhead, UK – Killybegs, Ireland – Kirkwall, UK – Lerwick, UK – Stornoway, UK – Scottish Isles Coastal , UK – Greenock (tours to Glasgow), UK – Belfast, UK – Liverpool, UK – Southampton, UK Plus five days At Sea.

Itineraries

Day 1

Southampton, UK

The Southampton cruise port offers a city centre full of charm and a mix of old city walls plus a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored when in a cruise from Southampton. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Day 2

At Sea

Day 3

Cobh (tours to Cork), Ireland

In Cork you may hear the locals refer to the city as the ‘real capital of Ireland’. The country’s second city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and plays host to a thriving festival and Irish music scene. Visit St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork City Museum and the 19th Century Cork Jail. Blarney Castle is also a short ride away where you can kiss the Blarney Stone! In Blarney you can experience ancient Irish folklore to the max by kissing the famous Blarney Stone. Be warned, you may head home with a newfound gift of the gab.

Day 4

Holyhead, United Kingdom

Found on Holy Island, just off Anglesey, the Welsh town Holyhead is home to spellbinding scenery. Soak up the views on a coastal walk or visit the Roman walls and 13th-century church for an insight into the area’s eventful past.

Day 5

At Sea

Day 6

Killybegs, Ireland

The charming working town of Killybegs, in Donegal, has a long tradition of fishing and is Ireland's largest fishing port. You'll get a good overview of the town's history at the Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre. Set in the factory of Donegal Carpets, whose rugs adorn the White House and Buckingham Palace, you can sometimes see its hand-knotting loom (the world's longest of its kind) at work.

Day 7

At Sea

Day 8

Kirkwall, United Kingdom

You'll find that the original ancient Norse town has been beautifully preserved and provides an intriguing place to while away your time. For such a small town, there is plenty to see and do. Visit one of Scotland's finest town houses - The Tankerness House Museum - where examples of Orkney's rich archaeology are on display. Alternatively there are two palaces to explore; the mid-century Bishop's Palace and the stunning Earl's Palace, with its French Renaissance style of architecture. And there's St. Magnus Cathedral, which was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald Kolson in memory of his uncle Saint Magnus. The island's 5,000 years of culture ensures you will find history around every corner.

Day 9

Lerwick, United Kingdom

Today most of its historical architecture can be seen along the waterfront, including sandstone buildings, which date from the 18th century. Perched on the hillside, over the harbour, the town's lanes retain their charm. As you stroll the narrow streets, you will discover a mix of shops and restaurants, whilst up on the hillhead stand more recent additions including villas, public parks and the Town Hall. The Shetland's have an internationally celebrated musical heritage, in particular, their fiddle playing, which you might get the chance to sample whilst here. They also have a fascinating story to tell through the many, rich archaeological sites that can be found here, with remains dating back some 5,000 years.

Day 10

At Sea

Day 11

Stornoway, United Kingdom

Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland's Outer Hebrides - an area renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. The history of Lewis dates back thousands of years and around the island lie myriad ancient stone circles and standing stones, including the famous Carloway broch - a round Iron Age fortification.

Located on the east coast, Stornoway is a phonetic translation of 'Steering Bay' - a name given by Vikings first visiting this natural sheltered harbour. This attractive, bustling town was built on traditional trades including fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, and today you can enjoy fascinating insights into these industries in the local museum and the Lewis Loom Centre.

Just west of the town lies the neo gothic Lews Castle. Built between 1847-57 as a country house for Sir James Matheson - who purchased the island a few years previously - it was funded by his Chinese Opium fortune.

Day 12

Scottish Isles Coastal, United Kingdom

Enjoy the unseen sights of Scotland’s beautiful islands (weather dependent). From the Isle of Mull to the Sound of Jura, the Isle of Arran to Fingal’s Cave, bring your binoculars to take in the stunning scenery of Scotland’s islands.

Day 13

Greenock (tours to Glasgow), United Kingdom

In 1990 it was voted European City of Culture and today it's known for its fabulous designer shops and unique culture. Art lovers will certainly enjoy this city. Visit the Glasgow School of Art, a building that's reputed to be the greatest architectural work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It's here that Mackintosh met his future wife and much of the work on display here is borne of their artistic collaboration. As well as his iconic furniture designs, you'll see work from other artists and designers who collectively created "The Glasgow Style". Nearby the 18th century Hunterian Art Gallery houses Scotland's largest print collection, while the Burrell Collection contains a number of important artistic artefacts donated by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy shipowner and collector. Other attractions include the Museum of Transport and the 13th century cathedral and necropolis.

Day 14

Belfast, United Kingdom

Founded in the 17th century, the city was one of the world's leading industrial names, home to Harland and Wolff - the shipbuilders who built the ill-fated Titanic. Despite its more recent political troubles, Belfast is today an alluring destination. Amidst its majestic Victorian buildings, shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness, or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park. The city's centrepiece is the City Hall, completed in 1906, with its domed roof and grand Italian marble staircase. Must-sees include the Crown Bar. Owned by the National Trust, it's still a vibrant drinking venue, with an amazingly rich and ornate interior of brightly coloured tiles, carvings, stained and etched glass, period gas lighting and cosy snugs.

Day 15

Liverpool, United Kingdom

From a centre of world trade and maritime industry to a hub of culture, Liverpool has evolved so much over the centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Royal Albert Dock. Join a guided stroll among the stunning Grade I listed buildings here to discover architectural gems as well as a local gin distillery where you can try various varieties of the delicious nectar.  

Day 16

At Sea

Day 17

Southampton (Disembark)

The Southampton cruise port offers a city centre full of charm and a mix of old city walls plus a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored when in a cruise from Southampton. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

The indulgent explorer. Arcadia combines the chic with the classic, a relaxed pace, stylish surroundings and more than a hint of extravagance.

  • Exclusively for adults
  • Full-board dining from 3 venues
  • Water, fresh pressed coffee & tea
  • 2 swimming pools, including 1 with retractable roof
  • Screening room
  • On-board entertainment including shows, live music, comedy and more
  • Sports court
  • Gym & range of fitness classes
  • Tips included
  • Flights

From £1689 per person (inside cabin)