On the North Eastern corner of the island, Belfast lies as Ireland's undisputed second city. When you cruise over to this fantastic destination, prepare for nothing but the best. With so much to explore in Belfast and beyond, there will be plenty of excitement to occupy your days and your nights.

Belfast began its storied history like so many other population centers: along a river. The river Feirste is no longer the shipping channel that it once was, but a walk along High or Bridge Streets will remind you of the reason for the city's existence. There's almost nothing like a misty Irish stroll, and by booking your cruise with Carefree Travel and Cruises, that experience, and so many more, can be yours.

The area was settled in the 17th century by a group of enterprising Scots, who brought with them much of the region's character. The native Irish peoples later rampaged through the region, and to this day the event stings the local protestant community.

Indeed, much has been made of the long-standing feud between Protestants (as loyalists to the English crown), and Catholics. Both religions maintain large populations in the cities, and scuffles often break out on certain parade days that are culturally significant to both sides. However, none of this historical tension affects cruise goers, and Belfast prides itself on its hospitality more than anything else.

Modern Belfast history centers mostly on the relationship between Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. The three-way argument has gone on for so long it's hard to remember who is on whose side, but since neither the Scots nor the Irish have much love lost for the English Crown, it basically boils down to a question of religion.

The Scots were upset with the way Catholic Church had begun to distance itself from the teachings of the Bible. The Irish were beginning to embrace Catholicism more and more, while the English Church was less concerned with any kind of Protestant Reformation (Henry VIII only formed the Church of England so that he could get a divorce), and more concerned with maintaining the status quo.

These three powers came to loggerheads, with the Scots only marginally preferring to stick with the crown, and that is where we are today.

Belfast, Ireland - Attractions

If you love dry docks, you've come to the right place, as the world's largest dry dock is located in the city. The Harland and Wolff shipyard is a nice site to see: it's where they built the Titanic. Fortunately for us, ships have far better Navigational equipment than they did back then, making an iceberg collision virtually impossible. Another interesting fact is that today's modern cruise ships are actually built far larger than the Titanic, a fact that would be driven home if the two were sitting in a harbor together.

The Crown is one of Belfast's oldest bars, and with its Italian crafter tile mosaics it is one of its loveliest as well. Cozy up in one of the pub's famous "snugs"; ring a bell for service, and down a pint of Ireland's best ale or lager.

When you book your travel with Carefree Travel and Cruises, you can rest assured that this will be the cruise of your lifetime, and with so many destinations on your transatlantic itinerary, the memories will last you a lifetime.

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