Hi Everybody: For those of us whose ancestors came from Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England this could be the perfect way to see the homeland.  No getting up at four o'clock every morning to pack your bags and get on a bus to travel to a new destination.  Once on board the ship unpack your bags and enjoy 10 days of heavenly sailing and interesting Ports of Call.  Remember how fantastic the food and entertainment is on cruises  . Thought I would let you know that my daughter Lori  is putting together a 10 DAY GROUP CRUISE  JUNE 11 - 21  2005  CRUISING THE BRITISH ISLES.  Sail roundtrip from SOUTHAMPTON (London), ENGLAND, Featuring Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.  Includes:  DUBLIN, Ireland, BELFAST, Northern Ireland, HOLYHEAD, Wales, GREENOCK, Scotland, KIRKWALL (Orkney Islands), Scotland, and EDINBURGH, Scotland.  The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland is located in Belfast.  Why not trace your Irish Family Tree while you are visiting.  Admission for personal research is free and staff are on hand to advise. The cruise sails from London (Southampton) up thru the British Isles.  We Fly out of Buffalo, NY or Pittsburgh, Pa but she can arrange transportation from any destination.   Here is the Itinerery: Were met at the airport and taken to the Cruise Ship (or you could arrange your own transportation if you'd like)  Guess it is 1 1/2 hr ride to Southampton from London.  You could also spend a day or two in London either pre or post cruise. 1.   London (Southampton)       (You can board the ship anytime after noon)     Sails  from Southampton at  5:00 pm Saturday 2.  At Sea  (Sunday) 3. Dublin, Ireland  8:AM until 12:59 Am   (Monday) 4.  Lv Dublin 12:59 AM (Tuesday) Arrive in Holyhead, Wales  1PM until 6PM (Tuesday) 5.  Belfast, Norhern Ireland  8 AM until 6PM  (Wednesday) 6. Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland  8AM until 7 PM  (Thursday) 7.   At Sea (Friday) 8.    Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland  7 AM until 6 PM    (Saturday) 9.    Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Scotland  7 AM until 7 PM  (Sunday) 10.  At Sea   (Monday) 11.   London (Southampton), England       Docks 5 Am    Depart ship after 6:30  AM  Cost: Cruise, Port charges and Tax      $1,757.00  (deduct $50.00 for early booking) Transfers  (to & from Airport)          $   152.00 CRUISE Only:      $1,757.00    Or   TOTAL Package Including Cruise, Round Trip Airfare from Buffalo or Pittsburgh, Taxes, Transfers, Dock Charges               $2,788.00 For Airfare from other cities contact: Lori at LoriJMarzka@aol.com A Sample of the Sights and Ports of Call: Welcome to London, England! The history, grandeur and glamour that is London is one of life's great experiences. From world-famous architectural landmarks to groundbreaking cultural trends, from the ever-alluring opportunities in theatre, shopping, and museums to the always-fascinating doings of Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family, this electrifying world capital never ceases to amaze, captivate or inspire all who visit. THE ROYAL RESIDENCE No matter how many times you've seen pictures of Buckingham Palace, nothing compares to viewing the neo-classical beauty in person. This grandest of all royal residences is over 360-feet long and contains some 600 rooms. Located in a 40-acre garden, it has been the monarchy's main home since King George III purchased it in the 18th century. The changing of the guard just before noon is one of the world's most famous displays. HOLY AND HISTORIC St. Paul's Cathedral, the great Gothic masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, and Westminster Abbey, with its identical square towers and superb archways, are two of the greatest examples of ecclesiastical architecture. The most important rituals take place in the Abbey, (most of England's rulers were crowned and lie buried here), and nearly every great figure in English history has left his or her mark here, from Shakespeare to Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria to Princess Diana. TOWERING LANDMARKS With over 1,000 rooms, the Gothic Revival-style House of Parliament is one of the world's largest and most elegant government buildings, and the clock tower at the eastern end houses the world's most famous timepiece, “Big Ben.” Equally impressive are the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in 1067 and home to the crown jewels and the famous Beefeater Guards, and the towering Nelson Column at the center of Trafalgar Square. CHIC SHOPPING No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Harrod's. Created by Henry Charles Harrod in 1849, the impressive department store in fashionable Knightsbridge draws thousands through its doors each day. Everything imaginable is under its roof, including superb food courts. Welcome to Dublin, Ireland! On the east coast of Ireland, Dublin is located at the mouth of the River Liffey, which runs through the city. There's no shortage of sights to explore in Dublin. Visit a castle, or take a walking tour through the Georgian streets of Merrion Square. Shop O'Connell Street or ride on top of the city's hop-on hop-off double-decker tour buses. Or just kick back at the St. James's Gate Guinness Brewery and enjoy a tasty pint with a perfectly, frothy head. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL An imposing Norman structure dating from 1190, St. Patrick's is the national cathedral for the Protestant Church of Ireland. Many historically significant articles of history are housed here, from ancient battle flags to banners of the Knights of St. Patrick, founded here in 1783. The choir section contains the largest church organ in all of Ireland, and it was here that Members of the Cathedral Choir took part in the first performance ever of Handel's Messiah in 1742. GREAT CASTLES Dublin's architectural golden age is exemplified by the 18th-century Georgian restoration of Dublin Castle, originally built in the 13th-century. Wander through the elegant rooms and view the lavish decorations and beautiful antique furniture. A trip to the countryside leads to picturesque Malahide Castle where the Talbot family reigned for 791 years. FROM SCHOOL TO SHOPPING Explore Trinity College, Ireland's premier university. The priceless Book of Kells, a brilliantly illustrated medieval text of the four gospels, is displayed at the Trinity College Old Library. Nearby is Grafton Street, the city's most exclusive shopping experience. Look for elaborately stitched Aran sweaters and world-renowned Waterford crystal. CULTURAL CLASSICS Stories tell how Joyce, Yeats and other famous writers found inspiration, where else, but in the pubs of Dublin. The Irish drink nearly 500 million pints of beer a year, mostly stout, a rich, creamy dark-brown brew. Also sample generous portions of traditional pub dishes such as Dublin Bay prawns, Galway oysters, and Pig Trotters. Take a walking tour of Dublin's Georgian District or sample a Guinness at an Irish pub. Welcome to Holyhead, Wales! The busy ferry port of Holyhead is located on the far west of the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, and welcomes visitors to all the beauty and history that is Wales. From its proud Celtic roots to its indelible connection to the British Monarchy, Wales is a land rich in art, folklore, and regal pageantry. BUILDING A BRIDGE In 1810, Thomas Telford was commissioned to build a new access road across the Menai Strait. The result of his efforts was building the Menai Bridge, the first major suspension bridge in the world. Telford's graceful bridge carries the Holyhead road 100 feet above the water and was opened in 1826. WALES, "LAND OF CASTLES" The grandiose Caernarfon Castle is one of the world's most formidable architectural masterpieces in Wales. Charles, Prince of Wales, received his title here in 1969, part of the centuries-old tradition to invest the British crown prince with the title of Prince of Wales. Visitors to the castle can walk the battlements, climb the high towers and imagine the bustling activity that once filled the massive green courtyard. Together with the Caernarfon, the castles of Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech represent the most remarkable buildings of their kind in all of Europe. THE OLDEST TRAIN IN THE WORLD Ffestiniog Railway claims to be the oldest independent railway company in the world, still fully operational with regular services between Portmadoc and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Ride the train and travel along the same route as the original railway while enjoying superb mountain scenery and experiencing engineering feats such as "the spiral" and the Moelwyn Tunnel. THE LLECHWEDD SLATE MINE Don your hardhat, board a mine tram, and descend to the lowest depths of this fully-restored Victorian slate mine. As Welsh choral and harp music fills the tunnels, discover how millions of tons of rock were removed using primitive tools, gunpowder and muscle. Nothing in today's modern world compares. Take a ride on a restored narrow gauge steam train or tour historic Caernarfon Castle. Welcome To Belfast!    Belfast is not just any city - politics, history and religion are inescapable parts of its fabric. For visitors it is compact, with relatively light traffic and conveniently located points of interest. The major central landmark is Donegal Square, surrounded by imposing remnants of the Victorian era. It is in the west of the city that the poverty shows and that (Protestant) Shankill Rd and (Catholic) Falls Rd run - Six O'Clock News names if ever there were. Separate taxi services run tourists around the two mural-lined precincts for around £10. Donegall Square is dominated by the City Hall, a true example of muck-and-brass architecture. Also on the square is the Linen Hall Library, which houses a major Irish literary collection. The area north of High St is the oldest part of Belfast, and is known as the Entries. It was badly damaged by bombing during WWII, and today only a handful of pubs are left to reflect the character of the past. The River Lagan runs through Belfast, and the cranes of its shipyards still dominate the western skyline. Queen's Bridge, a lovely bridge with ornate lamps, is just one of those spanning the Lagan. The Crown Liquor Saloon displays Victorian architectural flamboyance at its most extravagant. As much a museum as hostelry, the Crown's exterior is covered in a million different tiles, while the interior is a mass of stained and cut glass, mosaics and mahogany furniture. It's impossible to get a seat, and even standing room is rare, but the Crown is well worth putting on your itinerary.The Grand Opera House across the road is another of Belfast's great landmarks. It's been bombed several times, and at the moment has been restored in an abundance of purple satin. History and culture are on show at the Ulster Museum near the university; the collection includes items from the wrecked Spanish Armada of 1588. On the outskirts of Belfast are its splendidly located and well laid-out zoo; the Cave Hill Country Park; Belfast Castle, which dates in theory from the 12th century, but the existing structure was built in 1870; and Stormont, the former home of the Northern Ireland parliament, and now home to the Northern Ireland Secretary. Welcome to Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland! About 30 miles east of Greenock, Glasgow is known as the "Second City of the Empire." One of Britain's liveliest cities, a recent rejuvenation along with many priceless art collections draws visitors to the city center, built along the north bank of the river. Stroll around the renovated Merchant City, along Byres Road in the West End, or down Buchanan Street, one of the city's principal shopping thoroughfares. ARTFUL TREASURES Glasgow is best known for its fine collections of art, with more than twenty worthwhile museums and galleries. The renowned Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum features a collection of European armor and paintings by the artist Whistler. The famed Burrell Museum features over 8,000 items from Sir William Burrell's collection of Dutch masters, French Impressionists, ancient artifacts and medieval tapestries. GLASGOW'S BIRTH SITE The Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent example of pre-Reformation Gothic architecture, and the only medieval church on the Scottish mainland to survive the 1560 Reformation. The ground was consecrated for Christian burial in 397 A.D., making this hallowed ground for over 1500 years. UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS Other places of interest include The College of Piping, established in 1944 it's Scotland's oldest centre for teaching the bagpipe, and Fossil Grove, the remains of an ancient forest in Victoria Park more than 300 million years old. INVERARY CASTLE A treasure trove of Scottish history can be found just north of the city at Inverary Castle, ancestral home of the famous Clan Campbell. Take in the grandeur of the chief house of Argyll and the lush surrounding gardens, learn of the Clan's notorious feud with the Clan MacGregor and the celebrated "Rob Roy," and treat yourself to an authentic Scottish kilt. The kilts of the 42nd "Black Watch" regiment are patterned on the Campbell tartan. Take a tour of Inverary Castle or take in Glasgow's sights on a scenic drive. Welcome to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland!   A group of more than 70 islands, graced with temperate weather warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Orkney Islands feature some of the most dramatic coastal scenery anywhere, from 1,000-foot sea cliffs to soothing white-sand beaches. Yet even more fascinating are the more than 1,000 prehistoric sites that have been found here, the greatest concentration in all of Europe. All of this is yours to behold in all of its timeless wonder. STILL STANDING With its beautiful stained glass windows, the impressive St. Magnus Cathedral still dominates the town centre of Kirkwall, over 860 years after the initial building began. Other surviving buildings are the 12th-century Bishop's Palace, and the 16th-century Tankerness House, now a museum displaying artifacts from the islands' 5,000 year history. THE MYSTERY OF THE STONES The Ring O' Brodgar is a prehistoric ceremonial monument in Stenness featuring a ring of 60 stones -- 27 of which are still standing as they have for thousands of years. One legend has it that the stones jutting from the landscape are frozen giants that were caught off guard when the first light of day interrupted their colossal, moonlight dance ritual. FROM THE OLDEST HOMES TO THE FINEST MANSION A fierce winter storm in 1850 uncovered what is considered the best-preserved prehistoric site in Europe, Skara Brae. Stroll the rough paths to see an entire village made of nothing but stone, from its one-room homes to tables and beds. In the nearby dunes, Skaill House stands in dramatic contrast -- the finest mansion in all the Orkneys, featuring an unusual blend of architectural styles spanning four centuries. STOP FOR A DRAM, STAY FOR A BOTTLE Visit the 200-year-old Highland Park Distillery, where you'll discover the secret to making the famous 12-year-old single malt whisky. Hint: it definitely is something in the water! After sampling this native beverage, you'll want to purchase a bottle at the gift shop to enjoy back at home. Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland! Rosyth, in the county of Fife, is a gateway to the North Sea and an ideal start for other parts of Scotland.   Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. To explore Edinburgh is to step back in time as it can be easily said that someone famous either lived in or visited almost every residence. From medieval Old Town to Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is a gracious city famed for the elegance of its architecture, dramatic skyline, parks and open spaces. ROYAL LINEAGE Dominating Old Town at the top of the Royal Mile is the famed Edinburgh Castle, which proudly houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, and includes the magnificent St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest landmark in Edinburgh. Also visit the apartment of Mary Queen of Scots, and the birthplace of her son, James. NOBLE RHYTM Outside the 12th-century castle, the expansive Esplanade is where each year the Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates with a parade of bagpipes and Scottish military drums. Stroll from the Esplanade down the Royal Mile to the heart of Old Town. At the lower end of the Royal Mile is the splendid Holyrood Palace, a royal retreat since the 16th century. LITERARY IMAGES In Princes Street Gardens, a 200-foot monument honors Sir Walter Scott's contribution to Scottish literature. The historic 1622 Lady Stair's House exhibits work by Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. At the National Gallery of Scotland is art by the Old Masters and French Impressionists. FOOD AND WHISKY Stop by the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center to see the history and distilling process of Scotland's most famous export. Scotch boasts a worldwide reputation with over 2,000 brands. Also sample traditional cuisine of stovies, haggis or a Scotch broth made from mutton, barley and fresh vegetables. For  more Information Contact Lori at LoriJMarzka@aol.com or myself Bev Hopkins at   BJHErie@aol.com.   We would love to have you join this cruise.