The British Isle

Many an adventurer spent years sailing the high seas in search of magic, only to find it hidden in a nook behind his very own humble abode. While scouring the ends of the world is exciting and mesmerizing, one should never neglect the beauty of one’s own turf.

A fantastic cruise around Britain will not only be a convenient and hassle-free way to spend your next vacation (imagine that, spending more time cruising than flying!), but it will also gift you some pretty spectacular experiences. The ports of call included in a British Isle cruise are varied and offer the discerning cruiser many different attractions and off shore activities.

The ideal cruise for anyone wishing to explore more of his or her neighbouring gems, a cruise round the British Isles needs little preparation; no struggling with foreign languages and no precious time spent on planes or airport lounges. To be honest though, the convenience of a British Isle cruise is only the cherry on the cake. The coastlines of Britain, Scotland and Ireland are absolutely stunning and, being in such close proximity to each other translates to more time offshore and less time onboard.

Most cruise lines offer round-trips from Southampton and include an enviable number of stops, even on short trips. Take P&O Cruises ‘Around Britain’ voyage: it covers the best of the area and includes seven different ports on their 10 night itinerary, whish is rather impressive. Not convinced yet? Well read on my sceptic friends and get a titillating taste of what our gorgeous British Isles have to offer.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Home to some of our most revered literary geniuses, like Jonathan Swift and William Yeats, Dublin is one of those cities that is addictive for all the good reasons. Offering plenty of historical and cultural attractions, a full day spent exploring the streets of the Irish Capital will reward the fussiest of travellers.

Dublin has undergone a major facelift in the last few years, and has emerged as a worthy contender of the area’s top holiday destinations’ list. Her pubs and bars are internationally acclaimed, her shopping opportunities top-notch and if that’s not enough, her array of off-shore activities more than you possibly imagine.

Take a river cruise to enjoy unparalleled views if Dublin’s main attractions, or explore the city’s cultural side by joining a ‘traditional Dublin’ tour which includes a folkloric show, traditional lunch and of course, a generous pint of Guinness. You can also do a half-day countryside tour, to take in the natural wonders of the nearby areas, or simply get lots in the maze of narrow streets in the heart of Dublin, and absorb the atmosphere and charm of the city at your own leisure.

Liverpool, Great Britain

Liverpool, Great Britain

Liverpool is a cruise port which needs little introduction. Birthplace of the Beatles, and a rather famed Football Club, Liverpool exudes history and charm like few cities in Britain.

Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic centre to admire the amazing architecture, or join a guided tour to the city’s main highlights, from the comfort of a guided coach tour.

Beatles fans shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit John Lennon’s home on one of the many themed tours on offer, and followers of every creed will be utterly impressed with Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, the largest of its kind in Europe. The Walker Art Gallery is a must for art aficionados and St. George’s Hall (right in the centre of town) a marvellous example of the neo-classical style which swept the city in the mid 1800s.

Greenock, Scotland

Greenock, Scotland

Greenock, merely a stone throw away from bustling Glasgow is a stopover with a difference. Set on the foot of picturesque Clyde Regional Park, Greenock is a delightful small town offering big rewards for those willing to explore it on foot.

The surrounding mountains and hills offer countless chances for a day’s hike, and gift astounding panoramic views to boot, so if you’re in the mood to stretch your legs you’ll certainly have plenty of choices to do that in Greenock.

Glasgow can be reached by train from Greenock Central Station, on a ride which takes merely half an hour. Once there, hit the city centre for a spot of shopping or visit the Botanic Gardens on Byres Road, the colossal Glasgow Cathedral, or spend a few hours in the city’s most loved museums: Kelvingrove and Hunterian.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

The once notoriously troubled city of Belfast has transformed into a sophisticated hub, chock full of cultural and historical sites and brimming with superlative bars, cafés and trendy eating establishments.

Recently awarded the honour of being the ‘safest city in the UK’, Belfast’s attractions are gaining international popularity, with many foreign visitors choosing this vibrant city as a unique and varied holiday destination.

The city centre is easily navigated on foot, yet you may wish to join an organised ‘walking tour’ to get the most out of your visit. Easily arranged from your cruise line on-board activity co-ordinator, a walking tour will start on Queen’s Square before making its way to the shipyards where the Titanic was built. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the magnificent City Hall and you’ll also be taken to a rustic pub for a delicious afternoon tea.

Jersey, British Channel Islands

Floating contently just north of the French coastline, Jersey is a wonderful stopover on a British Isle cruise, and usually the last port of call before returning to Southampton. This appealing island packs in an awful lot of attractions on such a compacted scale! Long stretches of pristine sandy beaches, unspoilt rugged coastlines itching to be explored on foot and a vast array of drinking and dining options (including Michelin starred restaurants!); your biggest challenge in jersey will be tearing yourself away at the end of the day.

Jersey, British Channel Islands

Neolithic caves dating back 6000 years are scattered on the island ready to be discovered (by you), and the exhibition of the German invasion during WWII at the Jersey War Tunnels is well worth your time and is a poignant reminder of the island’s painful past.

Glorious Mont Orgueil Castle, set atop a hill overlooking Gorey Harbour, is a place one could spend hours exploring: take a guided tour through the maze of medieval stairways and towers and step back into the 13^th Century, even for just for a wee while.

While these ports of call represent only a flavoursome fraction of all that is on offer on a British isle cruise, they certainly give you a good idea of the phenomenal sites and experiences to be found so close to home. So hop aboard a luxury cruise liner and discover the wonderland that is your very own back yard.

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It’s a question I frequently get, and I usually answer “books”, “magazines”, “other magicians”, and “I make it up!” 

All true, but I have the most fun learning magic at magic conventions.  It’s my chance to recharge and be inspired.  I’ve attended the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians convention each year since 1997 when it was held in Calgary.  (I won the “Bag of Tricks” contest there.) 

This year Shawn Farquhar hosted the convention on board the cruise ship the Norwegian Pearl.  (Shawn is one of my favorite magicians and recently won the Grand Prix at FISM, the Olympics of magic!) 

We sailed from Vancouver B. C. to Los Angeles and made stops in Astoria, OR and San Francisco.  Highlights included the incredible street performer Chris Capehart (Philadelphia), suave close-up conjuring of Eric Decamps (New York), and the king of late night jam sessions Geoff Williams (Minnesota).  I bought nearly all of their lecture notes and am already performing some fun new stuff! 

I also co-hosted a “Science is Magic” workshop with Frank Padilla.  Frank lives is in southern California and we’ve met at numerous magic conventions over the years.  We both do science-themed programs for schools and shared some of our ideas and demonstrations with the group which were well-received. 

The trip was capped with a visit to the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  Magician John Lovick and juggler Tyler Linkin were hilariously funny and smart.  Like my previous two visits to the Castle, there were plenty of “star sightings.”  Magicians Sylvester the Jester and Bill Malone were both holding court at different times. 

But cruising isn’t all nose-to-the-grindstone doing magic!  I also played ping pong, basketball, and even climbed a rock wall all on board the ship. 

Thanks to the crew of the Norwegian Pearl for their friendly service.