Cruises around Britain - Telegraph Eddie Storer writes I wish to send my parents on a short cruise anywhere in the British isles for a gift. They are 66 years old and very easy going. Can you recommend a particular cruise or a company which will cater for them? They both love boats, and the history and sights of the British isles. They live near Nottingham and drive. Jane Archer, cruise expert, replies Cruises around the British Isles tend to be nine days or more but there are a some one-week itineraries. One option, though it is very expensive, is Hebridean Island Cruises (hebridean.co.uk), which has seven-night cruises around the Scottish islands from Oban on the 50-passenger Hebridean Princess. The ship, which has twice been chartered by the Queen, has the atmosphere of a floating country house hotel, and some departures have special themes, such as walking excursions. From £4,370 per person for a June 24 walking cruise excluding travel to the departure port. Princess Cruises (princess.com) has three eight-day British Isles cruises from Dover next August on Ocean Princess, which holds 700 passengers. They visit Jersey, Milford Haven, Dublin and Edinburgh. From £999 per person. If your parents don't mind flying back from Dublin, the ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises (crystalcruises.co.uk) has a one-week cruise from Dover around the UK west coast to Dublin departing August 17. From £2,556 per person including return flight. A one-week cruise back to Dover departs August 24, this time sailing around Ireland, for the same price. Try also Fred Olsen cruises (fredolsencruises.com), some of which depart from Liverpool.