Top Cruise Holiday Destinations from Ireland

Swim in sun-kissed Mediterranean seas. Watch stars twinkling in the Norwegian sky. Visit Stingray City in the Cayman Islands and make some flappy new friends. 

In fact, with a cruise, you can have all this and more in just one holiday. A cruise is a great way to have different kinds of holidays all at once. Every day brings the unlimited possibility of a brand new destination - and you can start it all from one of Ireland’s many cruise departure sites. 

For an itinerary with so much scheduled, JustCover is here to make sure you don’t miss a moment of fun. Or to cover you if you have to. 

Discover the best cruise destinations from Ireland

1. Find your calm in the Caribbean
   There really is nowhere on earth quite like the Caribbean. No matter which island you head for, you’re guaranteed stunning tropical vistas. With some of the most luxurious cruise ships in the business heading out that way, you’ll travel in style and comfort to soak up the sun and immerse yourself in local traditions - if you time it right, you may actually get to experience a Caribbean carnival!
   
   The top Caribbean cruise destinations from Ireland include:
   
   • Jamaica
   • Cayman Islands 
   • Barbados 
   • Aruba 
   • The Dominican Republic
2. Rediscover magic in the Mediterranean
   The glittering jewels of the Mediterranean coast extend for 27,000 miles, giving you plenty of destinations to explore, each with their own unique history and personality. You can stroll Las Ramblas or see the Sagrada Familia, then hop over to Greece to see the Acropolis and walk in the footsteps of mythical gods. Drink crisp Italian wines one day, and savour a sip of Rakija in Croatia the next.
   
   The top Mediterranean cruise destinations from Ireland include:
   
   • Croatia
   • Spain 
   • Italy 
   • Greece
   • France 
3. Experience the starry skies of Scandinavia
   Home to some of the happiest countries in the world, the stunning skies of Scandinavia stretch across vast fjords, lush forests, and charming villages. Wander through the vibrant streets of Copenhagen and look out for their Little Mermaid, or try to catch the Northern Lights painting the sky above Norway. And make sure you catch a sauna while you’re in Finland - it’s not quite the same anywhere else!
   
   The top Scandinavian cruise destinations from Ireland include:
   
   • Sweden
   • Finland 
   • Iceland 
   • Norway 
   • Denmark 

Which cruise is right for you

Putting together or choosing the perfect cruise itinerary involves more than just booking a ticket and setting sail. With so many options available, it's essential to think carefully about your preferences, budget and what you want to see. So, what should you consider before booking?

Duration: Short stays or extended escapes

Cruises vary in length, from quick weekend escapes to lengthy voyages lasting several weeks. If you're tight on time or looking for a quick getaway, short cruises (typically 3-5 days) are ideal. These tend to focus on a specific region, allowing you to explore several destinations in a brief period, often with more time spent at sea to unwind and enjoy onboard amenities.

If you have more time to explore a larger area, longer cruises, usually 7 to 14 days, may be for you. These types of cruises often cover a broader range of destinations and may offer themed itineraries such as cultural explorations, historical tours, or nature-based expeditions. 

Weather: Choosing where to explore

The climate at your destination is another crucial factor when planning a cruise. If you're dreaming of lounging on sun-soaked beaches and enjoying warm weather, a tropical cruise to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean will likely suit you. 

However, if you are more drawn to cooler temperatures or enjoy seasonal variations, cruises to northern destinations like Scandinavia or even the Arctic might be better suited to you.

Onboard experience: Which ship should you call home?

The onboard experience varies significantly between different cruise lines, so it's essential to consider what type of vacation you want while at sea. Do you prefer a family-friendly environment with plenty of activities for children and a lively atmosphere, or are you seeking a more tranquil, adults-only experience?

Luxury liners offer all-inclusive services with high-end dining and spacious suites. If you are looking for a more refined atmosphere with fine dining, wellness programs, and curated excursions, a luxury cruise may be the right choice.

For families, many cruise lines offer a wide array of family-oriented activities, from water parks to kids’ clubs, and entertainment designed to keep the entire family enthralled.

And… most importantly…

Choose the right travel insurance.

JustCover’s cruise travel insurance

Choosing the right travel insurance for your cruise doesn’t have to be a hassle. We know how much effort goes into planning the perfect cruise – with so many moving parts, even a tiny hiccup can end up costing you. We’ve put together a customisable cruise insurance policy to take the stress out of this decision - so you can focus on researching what to do at each of your stops. 

Cruises often involve significant upfront costs, such as the price of the trip, excursions, and onboard services, all of which could be lost if your trip is unexpectedly cancelled or delayed. Our cruise travel insurance offers peace of mind by covering issues such as trip cancellation, interruption, or delays, even if you have to cancel or postpone because of a pre-existing condition.  

Beyond medical coverage, cruise insurance can also protect you from the unique risks associated with vacationing at sea. Our cruise insurance policies cover baggage loss or damage, as well as emergency assistance and even trip interruption due to a missed port or a late return to the ship. We can also cover weather-related delays, or situations like ship-wide illnesses that end up with you confined to your cabin and unable to disembark.

Frequently asked questions

Which cruises depart from Ireland?

Several cruise lines offer departures from Ireland, particularly from Dublin and Cork, including Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruises often explore destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, and even the Caribbean. Passengers have an increasing number of convenient and exciting choices for their next sea-based adventure.

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Yes, travel insurance for a cruise is highly recommended. It can even be a necessity - sometimes your cruise operator won’t let you board without it. A cruise relies on so many things that can be unpredictable, from medical emergencies at sea to itinerary changes. Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, delays, medical expenses and even evacuation if needed. At JustCover, we even cover you for pre-existing conditions. 

Can I book a family cruise from Ireland?

Yes, you can! Several cruise lines offer family-friendly options departing from Irish ports, such as Dublin and Cork. These cruises cater to all ages, providing kid-friendly activities, family suites, and entertainment suitable for everyone. Lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are known for their family-oriented programs, offering kids’ clubs, themed excursions, and fun-filled activities onboard. Families can enjoy a variety of shore excursions, tailored to different age groups, from cultural experiences to adventure-based trips.