About Our Destination

Currency

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€) and Northern Ireland and Scotland uses the Great Britain Pound (£).

Languages

English

Being Gay in Ireland and Scotland

Scotland has recently fast-tracked legislation to legalize gay marriage. Scots are quite welcoming and accepting of gays and lesbians. Ireland also welcomes diversity and is accepting of gays and lesbians. London was also host to World Pride in July 2012.

Climate

The Northern Atlantic climate in July can be very unpredictable. The average high in July in Scotland is 66°F (19°C), while the average lows range from 35°F-55°F (4°C-10°C). In Ireland, the average high is 65°F (18°C) and the lows are similar to Scotland’s lows. Both countries experience a lot of rainfall and the wind can be chilly, so be sure to bring warm layers and a rain jacket for protection.

Destinations

• Thursday, July 18 — Dublin, Ireland
• Friday, July 19 — Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Saturday, July 20 — Portrush, Northern Ireland
• Sunday, July 21 — At Sea
• Monday, July 22 — Stromness, Orkney Islands
• Tuesday, July 23 — Invergordon, Scotland
• Wednesday, July 24 — Edinburgh, Scotland
• Thursday, July 25 — Edinburgh, Scotland

Before Your Trip

What’s Included and What’s Not

What is included?

• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the elegant and recently refurbished Windstar ms Windsurf
• All meals on board, including room service
• Soft beverages including bottled water, sparkling water, sodas, fresh juices, fruit smoothies, tea, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and espresso
• Airport transfers from Dublin (DUB) airport to ship and ship to Edinburgh (EDI) airport on arrival and departure day
• Gratuities to ship's staff
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Olivia staff assistance throughout

What’s not included?

• Boutique, casino and spa services
• Alcohol such as wine, beer and cocktails
• Internet access, phone calls and other incidentals
• A wide menu of optional excursions in all ports of call (extra charge)
• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Personal Items
• Medical attention

Travel documentation and identification

Passport

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a US 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.

Visa

If you are a U.S. citizen, you DO NOT need to get a visa ahead of time. 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.

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" and then "Vaccinations."

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance. Olivia has recently partnered with Travel Guard to make things easier for you; you can now add your travel insurance when you book your trip, all in one call. In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your insurance within 15 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about Olivia’s travel insurance, call (800) 631-6277 option 1 to talk to one of our travel consultants.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group.

Travel and arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly into to Dublin International Airport (DUB) and out of Edinburgh International Airport (EDI). We encourage all passengers to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays. We will be offering pre-stretcher packages in London and Dublin and post-Stretcher packages in Edinburgh. Please view the Vacation Stretchers tab for more information.

Suggested arrival/departure times

You will need to fly out of Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We suggest you book your flight after 12pm on Thursday, July 25 to allow enough time to transfer to the airport.We will be offering pre-stretcher packages in London and Dublin and post-Stretcher packages in Edinburgh. Please view the Vacation Stretchers tab for more information.

Airfare

We are proud to partner with American Airlines. The AA discount code A3473BS is good for 5% off and applies to flights into Dublin, Ireland (DUB) or London, England (LHR), and out of Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) or London, England (LHR). For guests who are adding on our pre- or post-trip stretchers, open jaw flights are allowed between LHR and EDI, DUB and EDI, or LHR roundtrip. Dates of travel are July 6 - 30, 2013. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can only be booked by calling (800) 433-1790 ($25 booking fee applies).

Olivia’s preferred travel agency

We are happy to partner with Panorama Travel, which provides excellent service and competitive airfares. For a small fee, they can also assist you with using your frequent flyer miles for free tickets and upgrades, as well as get competitive hotel rates. You can reach them at 800-523-0093 or 503-682-6800.

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 and Meeting up with Olivia

Getting to / from your ship

Airport transfers from Dublin (DUB) airport to the ship and the ship to Edinburgh (EDI) airport on arrival and departure day are included. We will need to collect your flight information in order to provide you with a transfer. Once you have booked your flights, please visit your travel profile and update your trip information with your flight details. Alternatively, you can email guestservices@olivia.com with your flight information. The Dublin International Airport is approximately 8 miles (13 km) or 20 minutes away from the Port of Dublin.

Dublin Port Information:
Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Crofton Road
Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin
The berth is Carlisle Pier, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, County Dublin.

Edinburgh Port Information
Port of Leith

Check in

Embarkation and check-in will be available at 1pm on July 18. Please provide your identification and credit card for onboard purchases. All aboard is 5pm.

During your trip

Accommodations

Windstar’s ms Wind Surf

The Windstar’s ms Wind Surf is an intimate 300-passenger ship with the following amenities:

• Wind Surf Lounge
• Casino
• The Yacht Club Sandwich and Espresso Bar
• Compass Rose Lounge
• Pool Bar
• Terrace Bar
• Two salt-water pools
• Two hot tubs
• Wind Spa
• 24-hour Reception Desk
• Fitness Center
• Signature Shops
• Photo Gallery

Room Amenities

• LCD flat-screen television
• Hair dryer
• Vanity with magnifying mirrors
• Euro-top mattresses
• Luxury bedding
• Egyptian cotton towels
• Waffle weave robes & slippers
• Equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt outlet
• DVD/CD players
• Personal safe
• Refrigerator
• Mini-bar
• International direct dial phones
• Wireless internet (extra charge)
• Bose SoundDock speakers for use with iPod
• Cell phone service (extra charge)
• Private bathrooms with shower
• L’Occitane toiletries

Dining

The Restaurant & Degrees

Features a Mediterranean culinary journey of simple cooking and seasonal preparations.

Le Marche

Offers delicious seafood and fish options.

Candles

The poolside café, features grill options of fine steaks and skewers.

The Veranda and Terrace

Offer breakfast and lunch.

Compass Rose

Offers continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Electricity

Cabins are equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt outlet.

Excursions

Excursions may be booked up to 30 days in advance. Your booking number and detailed instructions on how to book shore excursions will be emailed to you.

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.

Internet / e-mail / fax

There is an Internet center on board; minute plans are available. Pricing will be posted on board. Guests may also bring their own laptops and purchase an Internet wireless plan on board.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry, pressing and dry cleaning service is available on board. Check on board for pricing.

Medical services

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

Money: Paying for things on board

On board, the currency is $USD. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on board for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone. There is an additional fee to use this phone; cost is available on board.

Smoking policy

Smoking is not permitted in any of the staterooms or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only.

Spa services

There is a spa on board. Massages and other services are available for an additional fee.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program on board, led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time.

After Your Trip

Didn’t find what you are looking for? Check out our Olivia travel FAQ. Or call us at 800.631.6277