Cruise - The Emerald Isle, Ireland with Åse & David

Cruise - The Emerald Isle - Ireland

The Bolette, our home for the week docked proudly alongside the iconic Liver Buildings, ready to carry us around the Emerald Isle. Stepping aboard felt like stepping into a different world—calm, elegant, and full of promise. As we settled into our cabins and explored the ship, the engines stirred to life. From the pool deck, drinks in hand, we waved goodbye to the Liverpool skyline as the ship eased out into the Irish Sea

Dressed up and beaming, we mingled with crew and fellow cruisers ready for the Captain’s Toast. We enjoyed music, drinks, and nibbles before settling into a secluded dining space for an exquisite à la carte meal.

We were invited to something few passengers ever get to experience: a private visit to the bridge. Led by the first, chief engineer, and the captain himself, we stepped into the nerve centre of Bolette, where technology, tradition, and human expertise come together. Walls of instruments blinked softly—radar screens, sea-depth monitors, nautical charts, and rows of navigation controls each played their part in keeping us safely on course. The captain shared fascinating details about how the ship is steered, how course corrections are made, and what happens when the autopilot is disengaged. We were allowed to peer through the powerful bridge binoculars and even stand at the commanding helm—where the ocean stretched endlessly ahead.

It was off to the lively town of Dún Laoghaire. A traditional pub lunch set the tone before we began our excursion into the heart of Dublin. Our guide led us past the Irish Parliament and the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington before arriving at Foley’s—our first stop for an afternoon of music and merriment. Three charismatic locals brought traditional Irish music to life with infectious energy, dancing and playing as we clinked glasses of Guinness.

We awoke to the dramatic skyline of Belfast unfolding outside our windows, a city steeped in history and resilience. As we sipped our morning coffee and tucked into breakfast, the towering Harland & Wolff cranes loomed in the distance—iconic yellow giants marking the birthplace of the Titanic. Their sheer scale was breathtaking, a visual reminder of Belfast’s shipbuilding legacy. Our excursion began with a short drive to the Titanic Belfast Experience, located on the very slipways where the ship was built and launched. The exhibition was nothing short of extraordinary with state-of-the-art displays, immersive galleries, and powerful storytelling that transported us back to the early 1900s. Standing on the same ground where thousands once toiled on the construction of the ill-fated ship gave us a profound sense of connection to its history. It was moving, informative, and unforgettable.

We loved making a splash in the outside pool, practising our swimming finished by relaxing in the warm jacuzzi.

Arriving at the dock, Galway welcomed us like an old friend. The town had an easy-going charm—its narrow medieval streets bustling with life yet never overwhelming. Vibrant bunting fluttered between the buildings, and street musicians filled the air with lilting tunes on fiddles and tin whistles. Our visit to the Galway City Museum gave us a fascinating window into Ireland’s deep roots—exhibits on ancient myths and folklore stood beside moving accounts of the country's path to independence. It was a gentle but powerful reminder of the pride and resilience that runs through Irish history.

Every night we were wowed by some incredible entertainment. From some of our most loved musicals to comedy acts. One of our favourites was from the talented Danny Posthill, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist. He delivered a performance packed with laughter and spot-on impressions—from the swagger of Elvis to the sharp wit of Billy Connolly. His energy was infectious, and he had the entire lounge in stitches.

From line dancing to karaoke there was something for everyone. We loved participating in all the activities on offer. By the end of the week we had perfected the dance routine and had several compliments from the other guests on our fabulous singing.

Our days on board were always filled with fun. It was all to play for on the ping pong table and there were some great rallies. There were gym sessions, the art studio, where they tried their hand at watercolours and experimented with blending pastels, surrounded by gentle music and the soothing motion of the ship. After another delicious lunch, the leisurely tone of the day continued. Some took part in board games, friendly rounds of Scrabble and cards that