Failte means welcome in Gaelic, the original language of Ireland. And that's exactly what you'll receive when you set foot in the country. There is so much to experience once you get there, like the Giant's Causeway, the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Mohr and the traditional music of Galway. And getting there is half the fun if you decide to travel across the Atlantic by boat. Much more than a plane trip, your ocean voyage includes meals and entertainment before even reaching your destination. What an adventure awaits you.
Apply for a passport at a passport office located in your local post office. You'll need to check their operating hours as they differ from regular post office hours. Don't forget your birth certificate or naturalization certificate and two photos. Get forms from the Department of State website in advance to save time. It usually takes about six weeks to process.
Get travel insurance. Insurance rates rely heavily on the ports of call you'll be visiting so be sure to tell your agent the names of the cities you're visiting in Ireland. Mention the duration of your trip to help your agent get you the best price available. Get coverage for travel disruptions or other unforseen problems. This provides reimbursement for alternative travel arrangements you may have to make.
Book a cruise on a ship like the Cunard Cruise Line, home of the famous Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. The ocean liners offer a transatlantic cruise with ports-of-call including Cork and Dublin. Ships depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and New York City, New York. The company maintains at least one sailing a month between the Southhampton and New York ports from April to November, usually taking seven nights. Crossing the Atlantic by ship doesn’t cost more than a business-class flight. For example a fare for two people sharing the Britannia state room on the QM2 is about $1,780 per person each way, including all meals and entertainment. Prices vary and you can usually find special offers at different times of the year.
