2026 Dublin to Edinburgh Luxury Cruise

Climate

The average maximum daytime temperature in Ireland and Scotland in late June is in the low 60s. The average night-time temperature is usually in the low 50s. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

Currency

The official currency in Ireland is Euros and in Scotland the Pound Sterling. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

Languages

English

Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and more

If you will have a birthday or celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

Connect with Other Guests: Join the Facebook Group

If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join 2026 Dublin to Edinburgh Luxury Cruise Facebook Group.

Passport and Visa

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation. U.S. citizens DO NOT need to get a visa ahead of time. U.S. citizens do NOT need to get a visa ahead of time. If you are not from the U.S., please check with your consulate for proper Visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) sometime in mid-2025. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.

Starting mid-2025, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries. While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications HERE once the ETIAS site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 7 Euros. It is free for people over the age of 70. These ETIAS are good for up to 3 years with unlimited entries.

Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, and Mobility

If you have any medical, mobility needs, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant, please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

Vacation Stretchers

We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Dublin and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Edinburgh. Please check back for more information, available approximately 9 months prior to sailing.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”

Windstar FAQs

Click here to view some frequently asked questions about Windstar and what to expect on your cruise.

Air Travel

Airports

You will need to fly into Dublin (DUB) and out of Edinburgh (EDI). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

Airfare Discounts

Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Airfare discount codes will be available approximately 330 days prior to departure date.

Flight Arrival and Departure Times

If you are arriving on embarkation day, please schedule your flight to arrive in Dublin by 12 pm. Your flight out of Edinburgh should be booked after 12 pm to allow enough time to transfer to the airport after disembarkation.

Luggage Allowances

While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers to the Ship

Airport transfers are not included. More information about purchasing a group transfer through Windstar will be provided in the Cruise Guide, which will be emailed approximately 30 days prior to sailing. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a rideshare service. The transfer time from the Dublin Airport to the cruise ship terminal is approximately 25-30 minutes.

Alcohol on Board

Guests are allowed to bring aboard two (2) bottles of wine or champagne per cabin. If consumed in public areas, there is a small corkage fee (approximately $15 USD + 18% gratuity). All additional alcohol (wine, beer, and/or hard alcohol) including alcohol purchased at ports of call, will be kept by ship’s staff and delivered to your cabin the last evening of the cruise.

Electricity

All staterooms are equipped with 110- and 220-volt electricity. These outlets are provided beside the dressing table mirror in your stateroom.

Excursions

Excursions may be booked online approximately 30 days prior to departure. To facilitate the online booking process, you will be assigned a booking number and sent detailed information regarding shore excursions, including how to book.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d’, and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. Tips to your local guides on excursions are not included and are recommended.

Below is a suggested guideline per person:
Local guide: half day—$5 / full day—$10
Bus driver: half day—$2-$4 / full day—$4-$6

Internet and Email

Wifi plans are available onboard for your laptop or mobile devices. Pricing will be posted on board.

Laundry Services

Laundry and pressing service is available onboard. Dry cleaning is not available. Check onboard for pricing.

Medical Services

There is an onboard infirmary. Medical services entail an additional fee.

Money: On-Board Purchases

All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. All charges will be billed in US dollars. Please check with the front office onboard for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone which you may use to call cabin-to-cabin, and to the various onboard facilities. There is an additional fee to use this phone to call outside of the ship; cost is available on board. We recommend using WhatsApp or FaceTime to make phone calls via wifi.

Smoking Policy

All indoor areas onboard, including cabins and verandas, are non-smoking, including vaping. Outdoor public smoking areas will be posted.

Spa Services

The onboard spa offers facials, massages, and many other services for an additional fee.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation will begin once the ship has cleared customs at approximately 8 am.

Transfers to the Airport

You will be able to purchase a transfer to the Edinburgh Airport on board the ship for flights departing after 12 pm on June 25, 2026.

Vacation Stretchers

We will offer a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Edinburgh. Please check  back for more information, available approximately 9 months prior to sailing.