When we talk about travel and exploration, we seldom associate it with the rich tapestry of literature and poetry. However, the United Kingdom, with its rich history of lyrical and narrative poetry, offers a unique opportunity for this very amalgamation. Islands, isles, and the sea have been subjects and backdrops of some of the country’s most significant poems and literary works. In this article, we will delve into the best UK cruises that allow you to explore these poetic landscapes and their historical significance.
Exploring British Poetry Through Cruises
The British Isles offer a great way to experience the history of British poetry. The Scottish isles, Ireland, and other regions have inspired countless poems. A cruise can be an excellent way to explore these locations and how they have shaped British poetry.
Irish Sea and the Poetic History of Ireland
Your journey could start with a cruise through the Irish Sea. This region has inspired many great poets, including W.B Yeats, one of Ireland’s most famous poets. Take a day to visit the Isle of Innisfree, immortalized in Yeats’ poem of the same name. As you traverse the Irish Sea, you can appreciate the beauty that inspired Yeats and other poets of his time.
The Scottish Isles: A Journey through Time and Verse
From Ireland, your itinerary could take you north, to the Scottish Isles. Here you can find the landscapes that inspired such poets as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. The Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland all offer unique insights into the history of British poetry.
The isle of Jura served as a haven for George Orwell while he penned ‘1984’. The rugged terrain, the isolation, and the stark beauty of Scotland’s islands have birthed some of the most memorable verses in British literature.
Cruises that Offer the Best Exploration of the United Kingdom’s Poetic History
There are numerous cruises available that allow you to explore the United Kingdom’s poetic legacy. The best among them offer not only an itinerary that includes visits to significant locations, but also onboard lectures and discussions about British poetry.
The British Isles Explorer
The British Isles Explorer offers a 15-day itinerary that takes you to Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. The cruise includes guided tours to historical sites and places of literary significance, including Yeats’ Tower in Ireland and the birthplace of Robert Burns in Scotland.
The Scotland, Orkneys & Norway: Footsteps of Vikings
This cruise not only takes you through the Scottish Isles but also includes a detour to Norway. This unique itinerary includes visits to the Orkney and Shetland Isles, both of which are rich in poetic history. The cruise also includes onboard lectures about Old Norse sagas and their influence on British poetry.
Why Choose a Suite on Your Cruise?
When embarking on a cruise to explore the British Isles and the history of its poetry, consider choosing a suite for your stay. Not only does it provide comfort and luxury, but it also enhances your experience.
In a suite, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the isles right from your room. Many suites also offer exclusive amenities like a personal butler and access to private lounges. Additionally, suites often have priority for shore excursions. This means you can be among the first to disembark and explore the rich poetic history of the Isles.
Preparing for Your Poetic Cruise
Before embarking on your journey, take some time to familiarize yourself with the poets and their works that you will explore during the cruise. Reading their poems will give you a deeper understanding of the landscapes you will visit and the history you will uncover.
Remember, the experience of a cruise exploring the history of British poetry is not just about seeing new places. It’s about immersing yourself in the world of those who once stood where you stand, seeing what they saw, and feeling what they felt, translated through their verse. It is a journey of discovery, not just of the British Isles, but of the heart and soul of British poetry.
Remember, when you embark on a cruise to explore the history of British poetry, you are not just travelling. You are stepping into a living poem, a world of verse brought to life. So, whether you’re a literary enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a traveller with a love for the unique and extraordinary, these cruises offer an experience like no other.
Navigating the British Isles: Isles of Scilly and Shetland Islands
Moving further on your cruise, you will voyage to the Isles of Scilly. These isles have been muses to poets like Charles Causley. The enchanting beauty of the islands, their undulating landscapes, and the tranquil sea can inspire any visitor. The Tresco Abbey Garden, with its exotic plants and vibrant flowers, is a sight to behold. The Old Town Churchyard is the final resting place of the famous British poet, Sir Harold Wilson. The Isles of Scilly, indeed, are a testament to the very essence of the United Kingdom’s lyrical heritage.
From Scilly, the cruise will sail north to the Shetland Islands. These islands have a rich poetic tradition, heavily influenced by Old Norse sagas and folktales. The crofting heritage, Norse roots, and the stark beauty of these islands have inspired poets across the centuries. Skaldic poetry, a form of oral poetry associated with the Vikings, has its roots here. George Mackay Brown, an acclaimed Orcadian poet, once said, “The essence of Orkney’s magic is silence, loneliness, and the deep marvellous rhythms of sea and land, darkness and light.”
Small Ship Cruises: An Intimate Experience
Small ship cruises offer an intimate and immersive way to explore the United Kingdom’s poetic past. With a lower guest count, these cruises tend to be more personal and allow for a higher activity level. This means you can engage more deeply with the history and poetry of the areas you visit with a more tailored program length.
One such cruise is the Northern Isles Small Ship Cruise, which ventures to Scotland, the Shetland Islands, and Northern Ireland. The onboard lecture Q&A series, dedicated to the history and impact of British poetry, is a unique feature of this voyage. This online lecture series is led by noted historians and scholars, making it a highly engaging online program.
In Conclusion: A Journey Like No Other
Embracing the poetic history of the British Isles is an extraordinary journey that takes you beyond mere sightseeing. You don’t just view landscapes, but you also experience the emotions, thoughts, and inspirations of some of the world’s greatest poets. A cruise through these historic waters is truly like stepping into a living poem.
While the suite deck of your cruise ship affords a luxurious vantage point, the real luxury is the slow unveiling of the British Isles’ poetic legacy. With each hour starts a new chapter in this lyrical journey, making every hour lecture a precious verse in your travelogue.
Whether you are looking at the Isle of Lewis from the deck of your ship or exploring the historic landmarks of Scotland, every moment on these cruises is steeped in poetic history. So, when you embark on a cruise to explore the history of British poetry, remember – you are not just travelling, but voyaging through centuries of lyrical expressions that have shaped the soul of the United Kingdom.
