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Overview
Itinerary
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Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on this spectacular 13-day voyage. You'll enjoy some splendid Jubilee celebrations on board, including a wonderful Captain's Jubilee gala dinner.
We start our journey by taking in the beautiful Gardens of Cornwall & Normandy, before setting sail on a magnificent round-Britain cruise. From the lonely lochs and glens of Scotland to lively Dublin and London, there's so much to explore as you enjoy the celebrations.
Portsmouth • Isles of Scilly • Falmouth • Honfleur • Dover • Kirkwall • Tobermory
Dublin • Isles of Scilly • Tilbury • Dover
Where Will You Go?Take a look at our fantastic optional excursion programme. There's something to suit everyone - from relaxing coach tours to guided walks. Choose from 30 enticing trips to the best landmarks, scenery and cultural treasures. Excursions for this cruise include options from the British Isles and Gardens of Cornwall & Normandy cruises. Simply, click the booklet to download.
Depart 17.00
Setting sail for the Isles of Scilly
Arrive 10.00, Depart 21.00
Today we celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee! We arrive this morning at St Mary's one of the Isles of Scilly, for a fascinating insight into Island life. This afternoon why not join our optional excursion is the island of Tresco, introducing you to one of the most exotic gardens in the world – Tresco Abbey Gardens. This evening we enjoy the Captain's Jubilee Gala Dinner.
Arrive 06.00, Depart 18.00
The Lost Garden of Heligan, The Eden Project – Falmouth's excursions continue the garden theme in stunning style. What's more, the delights of Cornwall don't stop there! Take in the views from Land's End and the Lizard Peninsula or explore St Ives. The beautiful coastline boasts wooded creeks, quiet inlets and sandy beaches.
Arrive 12.15, Depart 22.00
We arrive today in Normandy, in the lovely 17th-century harbour of Honfleur. The wooden church and bell tower were built around 1500 by ship carpenters. We have not forgotten the gardens – wander about Le Jardin des Personnalités, Le Jardin Retrouvé or take a tour to see the garden that inspired Monet at Giverny.
Arrive 08.45, Depart 15.00
We arrive this morning at Dover one of the UK's busiest Ferry ports, home to the famous White Cliffs and gateway to the South Downs, Canterbury and the South coast of England. Explore the town's amenities or join us on one of the optional excursions before we set sail for our cruise around the British Isles.
Time to relax and take advantage of the wide range of amenities on board. Take a stroll, play deck games, relax in one of the lounges – so much to do
Arrive 07.00, Depart 13.00
The Orkney Islands, here you will find gentle green fields, heather moorland and beautiful lochs. Kirkwall, the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, seems more Scandinavian than Scottish – indeed, for a period of time in history it was. The town is dominated by St Magnus Cathedral, with red sandstone walls and vaulted ceiling, it is known locally as the Light of the North.
Arrive 08.00, Depart 14.00
Explore the delightful town of Tobermory. Capital of the Isle of Mull, this pretty town has much to discover, including its attractive, colourful harbour side, the fascinating Mull Museum, Mull Pottery, Tobermory Distillery and the Isle of Mull Brewery. It's also ideal for wildlife watching, with the chance to see eagles, otters and seals – perhaps even whales and dolphins!
Arrive 07.30, Depart 16.00
Today we arrive in Dublin, one of the most vibrant capitals in the world, rich in cultural heritage. Famous landmarks include Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, with the Book of Kells and Dublin City Hall. Cross the River Liffey, visit Temple Bar or discover how Ireland's national drink is made at the Guinness Storehouse. So much to see!
Arrive 08.30, Depart 20.00
We head to the Isles of Scilly, a group of over 200 islands, 25 miles off Land's End. Only five of the islands are inhabited and we call at the largest, St Mary's. Alternatively, our tours include Tresco and the famous Abbey Gardens, the beautiful cliffs and countryside of St Mary's or enjoy a walking tour with our local expert guides.
Time to take advantage of the ship's many amenities as you relax with your fellow travellers. Today we enjoy our Village Fete, with all the traditional side show stalls including guess the weight of the cake and how many sweets in the jar? Opened of course by the Mayor and finished off in style with the duck race finale!
Arrive 06.00, Depart 23.00
We moor in Tilbury on the River Thames, the gateway to London. Enjoy the many attractions of the capital by joining one of our optional tours. There's so much to discover, the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, Covent Garden – the choice is yours!
Arrive 07.00
Time to say goodbye and disembark the Athena.
The Athena features a wide range of cabins offering different levels of comfort to suit all tastes, from standard inside two-bedded cabins to the spacious balcony suites.
Whichever you choose, you’ll receive excellent service from your friendly cabin steward.
Cabin layouts may vary from those shown. Some cabins also have one or two upper berths or a sofa-bed allowing for third or fourth person sharing. Standard Outside Cabins and Junior Suites have portholes; Superior Outside and Superior Junior Suites have picture windows.
Take a look at Athena's deck plan and find out more about your ship here
LATEST BOOKING OFFER: Save up to 40% – Book from just £898pp
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"We had such a fantastic time on our very first cruise. Norway was everything we’d hoped for and more. But the holiday was really made by the Shearings staff and the friendly crew on the ship."
"One of the friendliest cruises I’ve ever been on."
"Overall, an excellent holiday - superb in every way. Many thanks to the staff at Shearings. 10/10!
"Superb holiday – the staff couldn’t do enough to help, particularly with my wheelchair. Food was out of this world and the choice for vegetarians was very good. Absolutely perfect!"
"We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise – it was excellent. More please!"
"We have been on two other cruises with [competitors], but this one was by far the best."
"Very good and great value for money."
"It was my first cruise – but definitely not the last. High marks all round."
"A very well organised cruise. Everyone was so friendly and very helpful."
"It was our first cruise and was over and above our expectations. We could find no fault."
"Our first experience of cruising was very good. Super cabin, food and staff. There were lots of activities to choose from and the staff were super."
"Thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise. Everything was superb. The staff were excellent and so was the food. The size of the ship meant it wasn’t too impersonal either."
"We consider Shearings to be a very reliable company, always concerned with customer care and satisfaction. We wish you every success, especially with cruise holidays."
"We’ve been on lots of Shearings holidays and look forward to many more. The cruise was great and we’ll be taking more cruises in the future."

To book, call our dedicated Cruise Team on 0844 824 6353
EARLY BOOKING OFFER: Save 25% – From just £1199pp
Map
Why Choose Shearings?
Historic Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Gardens of Cornwall & Normandy
Jewels of the British Isles
Norway & Land of the Midnight Sun
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