Are you longing for an unforgettable vacation filled with discovering new places, learning about fascinating cultures, and making wonderful memories? A cruise around the storied British Isles and the remote Faroe Islands could be the ideal once-in-a-lifetime journey for you!
After carefully considering the weather, crowds, and overall experience, the month of May emerges as the top choice for cruising these incredible island destinations. Let’s explore why a springtime cruise allows you to fully appreciate both the famed British Isles and the hidden gem Faroe Islands.
Why Cruise the British Isles?
Here are some meaningful reasons why you should choose the British Isles cruise:
Pleasant Spring Weather
During May, the British Isles and Faroe Islands enjoy mild spring temperatures that make being outdoors an absolute delight. Across the region you can typically expect highs around 55-65°F (13-18°C) and lows around 40-50°F (4-10°C). This allows you to stay nice and comfortable without getting too cold or overheated.
While the North Atlantic waters around the Faroes remain quite cool even in May at around 45-50°F (7-10°C), the warmer air temperatures make it comfortable to appreciate the islands’ jaw-dropping coastal scenery from your cruise ship. Just be sure to pack some warm layers!
Fewer Spring Showers
In general, spring offers drier conditions across these northern islands compared to the heavier rains of autumn. While you can never guarantee perfect sunshine, you’ll have better odds for pleasant weather before summer’s increased precipitation arrives.
Smaller Crowds of Tourists
One of the greatest advantages of an early season cruise is dealing with much smaller crowds compared to peak summer. With most schools still in session, you’ll experience shorter lines when going ashore and a refreshingly calm atmosphere everywhere you go.
This is especially beneficial in the British Isles’ most famous destinations like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. And it allows you to truly immerse yourself in the serenity and cultural authenticity of the Faroe Islands without hordes of other visitors.
Spring’s Blooming Splendor
Nature’s vibrant colors and beauty will be fully on display during a May cruise through the British Isles and Faroe Islands. Across the British countryside, gardens, and parks, you’ll be treated to gorgeous blooming spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, and wisteria.
Meanwhile, the rolling green hills, fields, and forests of both island regions emerge lush and verdant after winter’s dormancy. The Faroe Islands’ dramatic cliffs and craters will be accented by wildflowers clinging to the volcanic slopes. It’s truly a spectacular period of rebirth and natural wonder.
Best Time for Cruising
Being so far north at around 62° latitude, the Faroes experience cool temperatures year-round with significant cloud cover, wind, rain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. However, the months of late spring through early autumn tend to be more mild.
Many cruise lines offering Faroe Islands itineraries choose to visit in the summer months of June through August. This maximizes the chances for somewhat drier and sunnier conditions, making the most of the long daylight hours. Temperatures typically stay in the 40s to 50s°F (8-15°C) even during summer.
While not exactly warm weather, summer tends to be the most hospitable time for exploring the islands without battling blizzards, frozen landscapes, and long stretches of darkness. It’s still wise to pack plenty of waterproof and warm layers no matter when you cruise the Faroes.
Incredible Destinations
Whether you book a dedicated British Isles itinerary, Faroe Islands voyage, or a combined cruise hitting both regions, you’ll be able to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking sights and cultures:
British Isles Highlights
- Iconic London with Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and more
- Dublin’s lively pubs, Celtic pride, and historic charm
- Edinburgh’s stunning medieval old town and hilltop castle
- Picturesque villages like Cobh, Tobermory, and Wales’ fairytale castles
- The remote island scenery of Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland chains
Faroe Islands Wonders
- Incredible bird colonies nesting on sea stacks and cliffs, including puffins
- Mind-blowing natural wonders like 2,300-foot Rà gviður Raði sea cliffs
- Traditional turf-roofed houses and Nordic architectural styles
- Peaceful villages like Saksun nestled in green valleys
- Learning about the unique Faroese language, food, music, and crafts
No matter which itinerary you choose, you’ll experience unforgettable history, culture, and stories everywhere your cruise ship docks.
What to Pack
To best enjoy all the sights and activities during a spring cruise through the British Isles and the Faroe Islands, you’ll want to pack a versatile variety of layers, including:
- A waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Warm sweaters, long pants, and moisture-wicking base layers
- Lighter short-sleeved shirts and shorts for sunnier days
- Broken-in waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
- A warm hat, gloves, scarf, and compact umbrella.
Remember other accessories to enhance your trip, such as a camera, binoculars, backpack, and refillable water bottle. Having small bills and coins in the local currency is also wise for shopping or getting snacks in port.
For the Faroes especially, you’ll want solid outerwear and tough shoes for potentially sloppy, wet terrain when hiking to see jaw-dropping coastal views and scenery up close.
An Unbeatable Cruise Combo
By combining the famous historical wonders of the British Isles with the isolated, otherworldly natural splendor of the Faroe Islands, you’ll experience an incredibly diverse and unforgettable array of sights and cultures on one cruise vacation.
In destinations like London and Dublin, you can walk in the footsteps of centuries of legends and marvel at iconic landmarks. Then in the remote Faroes, you’ll witness landscapes that feel plucked from a storybook, sculpted over millennia by the harsh North Atlantic elements.
With pleasant mild weather, smaller crowds, and gorgeous spring blooms putting on a show, May is simply the prime month to set sail and appreciate the full breadth of these two contrasting yet equally spectacular island regions.
Conclusion
So pack your bags, grab your camera and the rest of the things, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! A cruise through both the renowned British Isles and the secluded natural wonderland of the Faroe Islands promises memories that will stay with you forever.