My first cruise around the British Isles was something I had never planned — and one I’ll never forget.
From stepping onboard with a mix of excitement and nerves, to exploring new destinations and discovering just how much I enjoyed life at sea, this trip completely changed my perspective on cruising.
Here’s the full journey — from my first sailaway to each of the unique ports we visited along the way.
My First Cruise Experience – British Isles on Regal Princess
A complete account of my first-ever cruise — from embarkation and life onboard to sailaway moments, food, and everything in between.
Shore Stops
A relaxed introduction to the cruise, with an easy stroll around St Peter Port and a slower pace to ease into life ashore.
Colourful streets, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere made this one of the easiest and most enjoyable stops on the journey.
A quick but memorable introduction to Dublin, exploring iconic sights and wondering if a few hours is enough to truly experience the city.
A more personal visit to Belfast, guided by locals, with meaningful conversations, great food, and unexpected discoveries.
A long-awaited visit filled with historic streets, hidden closes, festival energy, and stunning views across the city.
A slower, quieter stop in Normandy, choosing to stay local rather than head to Paris — and discovering a different side of the journey.
Final Thoughts
This cruise was full of contrasts — busy cities, quiet towns, planned moments and spontaneous discoveries.
But more than anything, it showed me that cruising isn’t what I thought it was.
And yes… I’ll definitely be doing it again.