Switched up my holiday and took a cruise from Liverpool

Liverpool’s cruise terminal, officially opened on Sept. 21, 2007 when Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 berthed for its 40th anniversary tour, is set up to drive a record year. The port expects about 250,000 passengers in 2026 across 118 ship calls along the River Mersey, with Fred. Olsen’s Bolette scheduled as the most frequent visitor from its home-port base, with more than 20 departures. The article describes a 5-night “Coastal Charms of Normandy & Dorset” trip aboard Bolette, which carries about 1,273 guests and emphasizes a calmer, classic cruising style. Facilities include five restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, and two pools, with daily events delivered via an in-room newsletter.