Embark on an unforgettable 16‑night escorted journey departing 29 July 2026 aboard the luxurious Majestic Princess, combining a cruise of the British Isles with a land‑based tour of some of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Hosted by celebrated Australian historian and author Jim Haynes, the tour includes guided sightseeing in London (with Buckingham Palace and Greenwich), a cruise through Scotland’s Loch Ness and the Orkney and Hebridean islands, stops in Belfast, Dublin and Cork, a visit to France (including Normandy D‑Day beaches), and concludes with time in Bath before returning via London.
Jim Haynes OAM is one of Australia's most prolific and successful author/historians. He has written and compiled 33 books and released many albums of songs, verse and humour. Jim has worked on ABC Radio and Sydney commercial radio for over 30 years and is now on 2GB Weekends with Luke Grant. Jim lives in Moore Park, Sydney, with his wife Robyn.
DECK
PLANS
The Majestic Princess, is a spectacular example of the next generation of innovative Princess ships. From the breathtaking Atrium & Piazza – over 50 per cent larger than other ships’ atriums in the line and featuring exciting new eateries – to signature features like The SeaWalk, a dramatic glass-bottom walkway, which has been called one of the “Top Gee-Whiz Features at Sea”, you’ll quickly come to love the many exciting dining and entertainment options available on this majestic ship. Majestic Princess offers a truly luxurious cruise experience.
During the day, casual clothing is typical, although shorts and swimwear are not permitted in the restaurants. During the evening on formal nights, a jacket and collared shirt is required for gentlemen and eveningwear for ladies. Casual nights require a collared shirt for gentlemen. The self-service restaurants are casual.
About a third of people on the cruise travel alone. We will match people in twin-share cabins when available, saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone, the Travelrite tour manager will be looking after you. There will be group activities almost every day.
The cruise is fully escorted and will be great fun holidays with plenty of activities. Each evening you will dine with the group at our reserved tables. You will meet an interesting group of people and have a fabulous time!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Wednesday, 29 July 2026 London
The tour commences at our group hotel in London. Please arrive by midday. This afternoon we will have an overview sightseeing tour of the city. Our sightseeing concludes with a trip on the London Eye to enjoy 360 degree views of the city!
DAY 2 Thursday, 30 July 2026 London
This morning we will visit Buckingham Palace and enjoy a tour of 19 spectacular State rooms. The afternoon will be free for more sightseeing or shopping at your own leisure, in one of the world's great cities. Jim will give a talk on the Australian Maritime history and the Australian connection - James Cook, First Fleet, Arthur Phillip and the K-1 Chronometer. This evening we will enjoy an included welcome dinner.
DAY 3 Friday, 31 July 2026 London
Today, we will visit the Natural History Museum and learn about the Art of the First Fleet and explore the Watling Collection. In the afternoon, there will be an optional visit to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
DAY 4 Saturday 1 August 2026 London
Today we will visit the Maritime Museum, Greenwich, where we will explore the history of navigation that led to the discovery and colonisation of Australia. We will visit the beautiful clipper ship, Cutty Sark, and stand on the Zero Meridian. We will have a group photo at the famous statue of Captain James Cook. In the afternoon, you have time to explore this amazing city.
DAY 5 Sunday, 2 August 2026 Embarkation
Mid-morning we will depart London and be transferred to Southampton to board the Majestic Princess for our voyage around the British Isles.
DAY 6 Monday, 3 August 2026 At Sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon join fellow group members for Jim's History Talk. The Australian Scottish Connections, Governors Hunter & Macquarie.
DAY 7 Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Loch Ness, Scotland
This morning we arrive in the port of Invergordon Scotland. We have a sightseeing tour to Loch Ness. We visit the spectacular Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness and then the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre that details the history of the Loch and information about the Loch Ness Monster.
DAY 8 Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Kirkwall, Scotland
Today we call in to the Orkney Islands. On our sightseeing tour today we will see the striking 12th-century sandstone Norse St Magnus' Cathedral. We also see some of Europe's finest archaeological sites, including the 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and the Stone Age Ring of Brodgar.
DAY 9 Thursday, 6 August 2026 Stornoway, Outer Hebrides
We will enjoy a tour of the Isle of Lewis today beginning in the historic port and Viking town of Stornoway. We will learn about the Hebridean island's distinctive history and culture and visit the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, the 19th-century Blackhouse, Arnol, and the 2,500-year-old Carloway Broch.
DAY 10 Friday, 7 August 2026 Edinburgh, Scotland
Today we arrive in the port of Glasgow and travel the one hour to Edinburgh, the royal and ancient capital of Scotland. On our sightseeing tour we see the ancient Royal Mile with its cobbled streets which forms the backbone of the Medieval Old Town and leads from the Palace of Holyrood all the way to Edinburgh Castle. We visit the Castle and have a chance to see the historic rooms and the Crown Jewels of Scotland. This evening we enjoy one of the highlights of the tour, the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. We return to the ship after midnight.
DAY 11 Saturday, 8 August 2026 At Sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon join Jim for a History Talk - the Australian Irish Connections, Convicts & Rebels.
DAY 12 Sunday, 9 August 2026 Belfast, Northern Ireland
This morning we arrive at Belfast. We travel along part of the beautiful coastal road to take in the stunning views on our way to the Giant's Causeway to see the remarkable rock formations. We then stop at the Titanic Dry Dock and visit the famed Titanic Museum before a brief tour of the city of Belfast.
DAY 13 Monday, 10 August 2026 Dublin, Ireland
Today we arrive at Dublin. We will have a sightseeing tour of the city which includes visits to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College where we see the famous Book of Kells. We see the famous Ha'penny Bridge, the GPO in O'Connell Street, St Stephen's Green, and Grafton Street.
DAY 14 Tuesday, 11 August 2026 Cork, Ireland
This morning we arrive at the port city of Cork. Today we visit Blarney Castle, famous the world over for being the place where you can kiss the 'Blarney Stone'. We then return to the city of Cork so you can have some free time to explore the towns and pubs, some of which will be hosting live music.
DAY 15 Wednesday, 12 August 2026 At Sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon join fellow group members for Jim's History Talk the Australian Connections WW2 in Europe.
DAY 16 Thursday, 13 August 2026 Le Havre, France
This morning we arrive at Le Havre. Today we travel to the historic Normandy beaches and visit the landing site of the allied invasions on D-Day the 6th of June 1944. We will see the reopened D-Day Museum and one of the war cemeteries in the area. Tonight will be your last night on board the Majestic Princess as she crosses the English Channel. Join us for farewell drinks to celebrate a successful cruise.
DAY 17 Friday, 14 August 2026 Disembark London
Early this morning we arrive back in Southampton. We travel to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath where we will see the fabulous Roman Baths and the famous 'Pump Room'. We will then visit the grave of our first Governor, Arthur Philip at Bathampton Church before being transferred to Heathrow Airport for evening flights. The tour concludes.
| Cabin/Description | Deck | Twin-share | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB Inside | 8,9,10,11,12,14,15 | $8,990 | $11,990 |
| BW Balcony (Obstructed) | 8 | $9,690 | $13,190 |
| DW Balcony (Obstructed) | 8,15,16 | $9,890 | $13,590 |
| BD Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $10,190 | $14,190 |
| BB Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14,15 | $10,390 | $14,490 |
| DC Balcony | 15,16 | $10,690 | $14,990 |
| DB Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $10,790 | $15,190 |
| MC Minisuite | 8,15,16 | $10,990 | $15,690 |
| MB Minisuite | 10,11,12,14,15 | $11,190 | $15,990 |
| Included ship gratuities | $329 | $329 | |
| Included port & handling charges and cruise taxes | $782 | $1,142 | |
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call Travelrite International on 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Majestic Princess is operated by Princess Cruises and the cruise is subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Princess Cruises brochure. All passengers must complete the Princess Cruises online check-in on www.princess, com as well as a Travelrite International booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,200 per passenger should be sent with a booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed (usually within 24 hours) a cruise confirmation advice will be forwarded to the client. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the fly, tour and cruise holiday. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to all payments by credit card. If fares and air taxes change due to government and airport regulations and currency fluctuations Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1 June 2025 Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Cancellations over 91 days will result in loss of deposit. Cancellations between 90-65 days before departure will result in a 50% loss of full fare. Cancellations 65 days or less will result in a 100% loss of full fare. Nonappearance/no written notice will result in a 100% loss of full fare.
REFUNDS:
The cruise is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect to accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport. An Electronic Travel Authorization is required for the UK. If not an Australian passport holder, check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from such events such as illness, accident, death etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for one large suitcase for the coach arrangements to join and return from the cruise.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite Intemational Pty Ltd, it's agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/cruise/stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority, Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/cruise/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise/stay holiday and/ or make such changes in the fly/cruise/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of Princess Cruises passage contract, detailed on Princess Cruises website.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $1,200 per person to: Travelrite International Pty Ltd 423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning Toll Free: 1800 630 343 Phone: (03) 8803 6868 Email: sales@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has a fully licensed (ATAS No. 10538) office at Balwyn which is accredited IATA. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel industry Association - ATIA.
“Thoroughly fulfilling. Well organised and the Tour Manager kept the tem efficient. Goodwood Revival Festival was excellent.”
“Excellent small group of people. Everyone got along”
