U.K Holiday & Cruise

A 28-day adventure by Brian Kirkwood & Angela Read more

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Trip start
April 27, 2024
U.K Holiday & Cruise
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Day 1
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1:12 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 6 m
New Zealand Nelson Airport -41.299289, 173.22530841°17’57” S 173°13’31” E
So it begins
April 27, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Luggage checked in and we are on our way 1st stop Auckland
So exciting!!! Look forward to following your trip xx
4/26/24Reply
TravelerExciting!! Look forward to following your adventures!
4/26/24Reply
TravelerExciting, have an amazing trip and so look forward to your daily updates 🛫🌎🥂
4/27/24Reply
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Day 1
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 20 m
New Zealand Auckland International Airport -37.006857, 174.78220137°0’25” S 174°46’56” E
2
Hurry up and wait!
April 27, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Traveler Vancouver airport
4/28/24Reply
Looks like fun and nice meal enjoy!! Love Francie and John! [John van Petegem]
4/28/24Reply
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Day 1–3
April 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM - April 29, 2024
2 nights
🌧 10 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Canada BC Place 49.278349, -123.11622249°16’42” N 123°6’58” W
2
Vancouver Day 1
Apr 27–29, 2024 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 10 °C
Arrived in Vancouver. Did a little walk around hotel block where Brian played tourist at the fire station, Fire Engine was way bigger than those at home. Had dinner at Original Joes's which is next to the Hotel and now for a relaxing evening after 13 hour flight.Read more
TravelerSounds fun!!
4/27/24Reply
Traveler Loving the fire engines Brian??? Did you get to wear the hat and have a ride??
4/28/24Reply
TravelerNo... they were actually on a training day when we were there so no rides! Although, since our hotel is across the road, we hear the sirens all hours of the night!
4/29/24Reply
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Day 2
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11:03 PM
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Canada BC Place 49.278241, -123.11602149°16’42” N 123°6’58” W
Vancouver Day 2
April 28, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
Played Tourist in the rain (rain coats we bought for Ireland were put to use today). We went to Gastown and checked out the souvenir shops and the steam clock. Checked out the war memorial and the Pacific Centre (biggest mall in Vancouver).Read more
TravelerGreat pics
4/29/24Reply
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Day 3
Monday, April 29, 2024 at 11:17 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Canada Vancouver International Airport 49.194831, -123.17837749°11’41” N 123°10’42” W
Fly out day from Vancouver
April 29, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Vancouver day 3.
The day we are slated to leave for the U.K., and the sun comes out!
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Day 4–7
April 30, 2024 at 9:30 AM - May 3, 2024
3 nights
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England National Maritime Museum Gardens 51.479612, -0.00906451°28’47” N 0°0’33” W
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London Day 1
Apr 30–May 3, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Made it to London. Flight from Canada was delayed and then stuffed like sardines in a tin can for 9 hours. No sleep on plane 😪 3 trains and a wee walk (haven't received our U.K sim yet so no google maps) we made it to our accommodation for next two nights. Had a 2 hour nap as no sleep for 24hrs then went for a walk around Greenich. Ordered what I thought was bread and dips but was toast with butter and jam🤣Read more
TravelerWelcome to Europe! You guys are gonna love all the historical shit here, a story around each corner. The time difference between us is practically non existent now too so we can call at more convenient hours lol
4/30/24Reply
TravelerNo mental gymnastics needed to figure out what f*cking time it us!
4/30/24Reply
TravelerSuch awesome photos guys!!
4/30/24Reply
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Day 5
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:31 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 22 m
England National Maritime Museum Gardens 51.479572, -0.00901151°28’46” N 0°0’32” W
London Day 2 - Part 1
May 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Glad we came to London and seen some of the famous landmarks, but as we are both not city people, it was very draining on the brain, especially navigated around people at Buckingham Palace. We did, however, conquer public transport... I may have put us onto the other Greenich train (who knew there was two🤣) so we ended up in another station 50 minutes from hotel instead of 6 minute walk but we got on the double decker bus and was only 3 minutes from hotel, so win in my eyes 😁 The Thames river cruise was lovely and relaxing. Tomorrow brings us another public transport puzzle to get us to Southampton for our next adventureRead more
TravelerYou never get lost you just have adventures♥️😊
5/1/24Reply
More selfies too please x
5/1/24Reply
TravelerPublic transport dramas can provide lots of great memories!! So pleased you’re having fun!
5/2/24Reply
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Day 5
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:58 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England National Maritime Museum Gardens 51.479586, -0.00900851°28’47” N 0°0’32” W
London Day 2 - Part 2
May 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
There are too many photos for just one footprint for today. These are more from the River Cruise and our well-deserved drinks 🍸
You guys look like total seasoned travellers xx [Sarah]
5/3/24Reply
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Day 6–7
May 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM - May 3, 2024
1 night
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 20 m
England Southampton 50.902535, -1.40418950°54’9” N 1°24’15” W
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Southhampton
May 2–3, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Took the train from London to Southampton today. It took around 1.5 hours and was lovely to see some of the countryside. Hotel is above our expectations and is gorgeous. Porter collected our bags from taxi and brought them up to our room, all very fancy. Then we were off to the Westquay shopping complex, you could get lost in there! We needed another suitcase but decided to do two carry-on cases and see how we go. Then we brought our very tired feet back to the hotel, so a nap before our dinner reservations. The couple next to us in the dinning room were having trouble with their phone when I spotted the cruise app... conversation was started and we had a lovely meal while finding out all about cruising from our new American acquaintances. She is 70 in July and honestly doesn't look a day over 50 - must be due to the 21 cruises they have done, maybe the new fountain of youth 🤷‍♀️ Tomorrow, we embark on our 12 night cruise of the British Isles.Read more
TravelerLooks like you are settling into being tourists well.😊♥️
5/2/24Reply
TravelerIt looks amazing!! I’m so happy you are having a great time!
5/2/24Reply
Traveler THE PINK FLORADORA Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin, Funkin Rhubarb Syrup, Franklin and Sons Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, Fresh Raspberries, Mint Spring
5/3/24Reply
Looks so good Brian a little questionable. Xx [Sarah]
5/3/24Reply
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Day 7–19
May 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM - May 15, 2024
12 nights
🌬 11 °C
Altitude: Sea level
English Channel 50.2766, -1.832650°16’36” N 1°49’57” W
Cruise Day 1 - Embarkation
May 3–15, 2024, English Channel ⋅ 🌬 11 °C
First day of cruising. The ship is huge, so many restaurants & bars. We are on deck 11 with a balacony, and we have Kevin! Kevin is our personal go to person for anything we need. We just have to push a button on the phone. He also drops off any info we need. The food selection is huge and we have only gone to buffet restaurant. Tomorrow is "at sea" day so will do some more exploring of the ship... after my massageRead more
TravelerYou’re living my dream!! I’m so delighted for you!
5/3/24Reply
TravelerWow that looks amazing. Now on the bucket list, enjoy 🥂🍻
5/3/24Reply
TravelerThey may have to roll me off the vessel and use a forklift to get me back on land!
5/4/24Reply
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Day 8
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:18 PM
🌬 12 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Celtic Sea 50.59538, -8.33938250°35’43” N 8°20’22” W
Cruise Day 2 - At Sea
May 4, 2024, Celtic Sea ⋅ 🌬 12 °C
Today was our day at sea. I had a full body massage, and it was absolutely amazing. I believe this was the first time Brian and I have been apart since we started our epic trip. We looked around the ship a bit more but otherwise had a very lazy day, we both needed it.Read more
Sounds bliss x
5/4/24Reply
That is what a cruise is about ,A great restful holliday!! [Frances van Petegem]
5/4/24Reply
TravelerGlad u having a great time
5/4/24Reply
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Day 9
Sunday, May 5, 2024
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 4 m
Ireland Cobh Heritage Centre 51.8489, -8.299351°50’56” N 8°17’57” W
1
Cruise Day 3 - Cobh, Ireland
May 5, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Arrived in Cobh, Ireland to a beautiful sunrise. I went for a walk around township with camera while Brian went on a shore excursion to Spike Island, he said it was pretty cool.
Our first time truly seeing ship from land and it is massive.
We ended the day with ice cream, trivia show and apple martinisRead more
TravelerIm enjoying your trip photos. Looks amazing.
5/5/24Reply
Amazing feel at home lived there for so long. [Sarah]
5/6/24Reply
Happy birthday my boyfriend cxx [Simon]
5/6/24Reply
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Day 10
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Ireland Dun Laoghaire Ferry Port 53.2963, -6.132853°17’47” N 6°7’58” W
Cruise Day 4 - Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
May 6, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Today we started Brian's birthday off with cappuccinos delivered to our stateroom to be consumed in bed, then another lovely breakfast (where Brian found European Marmite does not taste the same as NZ's marmite) then we had a wee ride in the life boats to the port of Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (ship to big to dock at port). Spot of shopping and walk around, where Brian visited the national maritime museum of Ireland. We ended our day with a 5-course Italian meal at one of the specialty restaurants on board and a play in the casino.Read more
TravelerHappy Birthday Brian. Love the photos.
5/6/24Reply
TravelerHappy Birthday Brian!
5/6/24Reply
TravelerHappy birthday SIL. Glad you having a great time
5/6/24Reply
TravelerThanks Pop!
5/7/24Reply
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Day 11
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:52 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Northern Ireland Musgrave Channel 54.625296, -5.88540854°37’31” N 5°53’7” W
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Cruise Day 5 - Belfast, Ireland
May 7, 2024 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Today we went into downtown Belfast and looked through the Titanic Museum. City Hall building interior was absolutely amazing, beautiful stain glass windows. Brian absolutely loved the taxi drivers, they spoke his "language". Wee nap before dinner and concert in the plazaRead more
Traveler Looks amazing
5/7/24Reply
TravelerGreat to see you enjoying the surroundings ♥️😊
5/7/24Reply
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Day 12
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Scotland Wellpark Mid-Kirk Church 55.947342, -4.75647255°56’50” N 4°45’23” W
Cruise Day 6 - Glasgow, Scotland
May 8, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Today, we arrived in Greenock port of Glasgow, Scotland. Our shore excursion was visiting some of the lochs in Scotland, including Loch Lomond. Was amazing traveling up to the highlands and seeing all the old houses / estates. Once again, we ate too much for dinner, now ready for a food coma. Tomorrow is a "at sea" day, which I think we both need as I haven't been feeling the best these last few days. Cruise life is pretty good 🥰Read more
TravelerAll looks amazing - enjoy that sea /rest day
5/9/24Reply
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Day 12
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 4:02 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 262 m
Scotland Loch Restil 56.225653, -4.8566856°13’32” N 4°51’24” W
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Highlands of Scotland
May 8, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Even in the highlands of Scotland, I still find a nice wee tarmac hill climb! Who knew!
Traveler 🩵
5/8/24Reply
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Day 13
Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland 57.773945, -6.22442157°46’26” N 6°13’28” W
Cruise Day 7 - Relaxing at Sea
May 9, 2024, Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Today has been a relaxing day on a very foggy morning. After a late breakfast, Brian watched an enrichment show while I watched the officers vs guests bean bag toss challenge, and then we both watched the aviator challenge in the Plaza. Unfortunately, Brian was still in the show when the paper planes were being made by guests as I think he could have won it. We are just having a relaxing evening with no plans.

Brian went to watch a guest speaker in one of the onboard theatres. His name is Simon Weston & he was in the Welsh Guards & fought in the Falkland islands conflict. He was on board Sir Galahad in the ironically named Port Pleasant when she was hit by a bomb from an Argentine A4 Skyhawk and received burns to 46% of his body. His story was both fricken hilarious & sobering enough to bring a lump to your throat & tear to the eye! Skin grafts from his bum were used on his face and he regularly broke the sadness of his story with kissing his butt jokes when talking about somebody kissing his cheeks! A truly amazing man & story. Go check him out online.Read more
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Day 14
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Scotland Bight of the Sletts 60.153566, -1.1465460°9’13” N 1°8’48” W
Cruise Day 8 - Lerwick, Scotland
May 10, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Today we woke in the Shetland Islands, Lewick. It's been a foggy, cold day. I actually wore my beanie on our walk around the wee town. Once again we traveled by tender (life boat) into shore and were greeted by vikings. Walked around the town and Fort Charlotte.Read more
TravelerFabulous!! Nice to see Tūī and Niki reunite yesterday!
5/10/24Reply
TravelerAmazing places you are seeing cool pics ♥️♥️
5/10/24Reply
TravelerWhat a gorgeous place 😍😍
5/11/24Reply
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Day 15
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Scotland Invergordon Railway Station 57.688134, -4.17021957°41’17” N 4°10’13” W
Cruise Day 9 - Invergordon, Scotland
May 11, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Arrived into Invergordon this morning to a very nice spring day. We left for our shore excursion at around 8am to go visit Loch Ness and ruins of Castle Urquhart. Was definitely the highlight for us so far on the cruise. Was good to see a bit more of the countryside as well.Read more
TravelerLooks like a gorgeous day there! Stunning photos x
5/11/24Reply
TravelerLove the photos, scenery is amazing
5/11/24Reply
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Day 16
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Scotland Queensferry 55.988902, -3.3925655°59’20” N 3°23’33” W
Cruise Day 10 - Edinburgh, Scotland
May 12, 2024 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
We arrived in South Queensferry, Scotland. Our shore excursion was for 8am, we traveled to shore in a boat rather than tender today. Boarded a coach and traveled to Edinburgh, Capital of Scotland. Our excursion was for the national museum, which we both found boring (if you know Brian, that is a rare thing), so we ditched the group and went walking through the city. It's amazing how very little modern buildings we observed throughout our visit. Was lovely walking (Brian might call it a crawl as I was a bit slow today) through the garden in the middle of the city, the temperature was cooler and air felt fresher, was also lovely to see people enjoying a relaxing Sunday either reading, snoozing or rolling down the grassy hills.Read more
TravelerLooks amazing! And another gorgeous looking day for you to explore x
5/12/24Reply
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Day 17
Monday, May 13, 2024 at 3:58 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: Sea level
North Sea 51.96641, 2.2598951°57’59” N 2°15’36” E
Cruise Day 11 - At sea
May 13, 2024, North Sea ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Sleep in day today.... then the children ring from NZ 🤣 didn't make it to breakfast, so we had an early lunch. Decided best to get the laundry done today (only chore I do on cruise) so we can pack the majority of our stuff. Then it was to the bar, finally found a cocktail I like. After few drinks it was time to go for a rest before dinner and change as it's formal night where more cocktails were consumed with the company of Desiree and Steve, whom we met before the cruise started.Read more
TravelerHappy birthday gorgeous lady! Hope the cocktails don’t kick back to hard 🤣
5/14/24Reply
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Day 18
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 7:00 AM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 13 m
France Place de l'Hôtel de Ville 49.493898, 0.10797349°29’38” N 0°6’29” E
1 1
Cruise Day 12 - Paris
May 14, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Arrived in Le Havre this morning, we went to Paris but due to bus leaving late and the congestion we didn't have as much time as we had planned which was disappointing. Meet up with Brie and went and seen the Eiffel Tower. Had champagne with lunch and walked what felt like a hundred miles, so very tired when we got back to ship. Quick change and off again to our dinner reservations at the specialty restaurant Sabatinis. The staff came out with a cake and sung happy birthday, which was cute but a little embarrassing. Tomorrow brings the next part of our epic adventure but will be a little sad leaving cruise lifeRead more
Traveler Hope you had a great birthday 🎁 🎂 🎈 love 🥰 ❤️ 🧡 Teena & Dad xxx
5/14/24Reply
TravelerHappy Birthday for yesterday Angela I did think of you yesterday. 😘
5/14/24Reply
TravelerHappy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 did you have frog legs 😊💙
5/14/24Reply
TravelerNo frogs or snails!! lunch was a chicken burger with champagne and then dinner was Italian with Kahlua
5/15/24Reply
TravelerSounds good to me 😊💙
5/15/24Reply
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Day 19
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Ireland IFSC 53.352745, -6.2601453°21’10” N 6°15’37” W
Travel day from Southhampton to Ireland
May 15, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Today was traveling and waiting day. We left the cruise and it was a bit sad, I am going to miss Kevin cleaning my room and making my bed. We traveled for 2 hours by bus to get to airport and flight to Ireland only took around an hour. We finally got our 2nd stamp in our passports. Went to local restaurant for dinner before coming back to hotel for some rest as tomorrow we play tourist in Dublin.Read more
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Day 20
Thursday, May 16, 2024
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Ireland IFSC 53.352739, -6.26016253°21’10” N 6°15’37” W
Dublin Adventures
May 16, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Woke up in Dublin, and we are now both sick, so unfortunately, we weren't in full tourist mode. We did have breakfast out, full cooked breakfast for €6.95 each, which included coffee/tea. We did look around the city using the hop on/off bus (I couldn't do much walking today) Ireland is now changing their signage to have Gaelic then English underneath, the government doesn't want the national language to dissappear, which I think is pretty cool but have heard it is a hard language to learn. Went to St Michan's Church and looked at the underground vaults / crypts. I only did the one as I hurt my hip coming out, but Brian did a full tour and highly recommends. Back to the hotel for rest and then went to wax museum and dinner out, Brian enjoyed an Irish stew. Early night for road trip tomorrow, and hopefully we will be feeling better.Read more
TravelerHope a good night sleep helps!
5/17/24Reply
TravelerGreat pics, looks very picturesque there
5/17/24Reply
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Day 21
Friday, May 17, 2024
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Ireland Shannon 52.714947, -8.86194852°42’54” N 8°51’43” W
Ireland Road Trip
May 17, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Picked up the rental car and traveled to Labbacallee Wedge Tomb, which is the largest Irish wedge tomb and dates from roughly 2300 BC. Drove through Fermoy, we didn't stop as we are both still sick, so we just wanted to get to our hotel in Shannon Springs and hopefully tomorrow we will be up for a bit more site seeing. The countryside is beautiful, the roads are very narrow, unfortunately there was nowhere to stop for photos hopefully tomorrow we will have more luck.Read more
TravelerFingers crossed you're both better soon!
5/17/24Reply
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