Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury.
Destination of the Day
Belfast, Ireland
The capital of Northern Ireland is a vibrant city with a rich array of cultural and historical attractions to explore. Belfast first grew into a city thanks to its prolific shipyards where workers built boats to cross the seas—including the famed Titanic. The late 1960s brought the start of the Troubles, but peace finally arrived in Belfast with the Good Friday agreement of 1998. Find out how to plan the best trip to Belfast with tips on what to see, where to stay, and a look at the culture of the dynamic city.
Things to Do
Without ever forgetting its turbulent past, Belfast has moved beyond the time of the Troubles, experiencing a kind of Renaissance starting in the cool Cathedral Quarter, all the while ensuring that beloved landmarks like St. George's Market and Cave Hill remain an important part of city life today. From iconic stops like the Belfast Castle to a self-guided street art tour, here are the top things to do in Belfast.
What to Eat and Drink
Food in Belfast tends to be hearty fare like stews and roasts that offer a bit of warmth in the cool, wet climate. In recent years, seafood has grown in popularity, and fresh catches are popping up on menus around the city. For a local specialty, try a Belfast pastie, a kind of fried sausage patty that is popular at fish and chip shops. Of course, going out to the pub for a few drinks is common, and Guinness is incredibly popular. However, mixology has caught on in recent years, and many chic cocktail bars are also to be found in the city center.
Day Trips From Belfast
There is always lots happening in Belfast, but the capital city can also be a great base for exploring other parts of Northern Ireland. The top day trip destination from Belfast is, without a doubt, the fabled Giant's Causeway, but there are also options for history buffs, whiskey aficionados, and even "Game of Thrones" fans. Don't know where to begin? We've got you covered.
Your Packing List
The longest and warmest days arrive in Belfast between June and August. However, nights can remain cool—a cardigan will be put to good use.
Shorts are probably not necessary; lightweight shirts and pants are all you need to enjoy the relatively warmer days in comfort.
Rainfall is less in summer but still possible, so a collapsible umbrella is a good idea, particularly in August which is wetter than June and July.
First-time visitors to Old San Juan simply cannot leave without visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Called El Morro (which means "promontory" in Spanish), the fortress encapsulates Puerto Rico's role as a guardian of the New World. Perched on the northwestern-most point of Old San Juan, this daunting citadel invites visitors to bear witness to nearly 500 years of military history that began with the Spanish conquistadores and ended with World War II.
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