For cruisers on a budget, or those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, cruises from the UK are a fantastic option. With a wide range of ports and destinations to choose from, there are so many reasons to set sail from the United Kingdom!
UK cruise ports to choose from
Whilst cruises from Southampton do make up 90% of UK cruises, Britain actually has a variety of great ports, including:
- London Cruise Terminal (Tilbury)
- Newcastle International Cruise Terminal
- Dover
- Liverpool
- Hull
- Bristol
- Dundee
- Rosyth (Edinburgh)
Cruise destinations from the UK
Don’t assume that UK cruises are limited in terms of destination- in fact you’ll be surprised by the wealth of fabulous places practically on your doorstep.
British Isles
Don’t just cruise from the UK, cruise around the UK! There are so many brilliant places in Britain, and rather than stay-cationing at just one of them, a British Isles cruise can allow you to visit them all in one trip. Explore the magnificent highlands with cruises to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Visit the Emerald Isle to enjoy the gorgeous mountains and bay of Dublin and the stunning gothic architecture of Cork. You can even visit iconic English cities like London and Liverpool, as well as spectacular English landmarks like the must-see Stonehenge.
Norwegian Fjords
Sail from the UK to the phenomenal scenery of the Norwegian Fjords, with its epic mountains, cascading waterfalls and even the amazing Northern Lights. Take in the folklore inspired Art-Nouveau architecture of Alesund and check out the UNESCO listed medieval town of Bryggen.
Mediterranean
An excellent cruise for lovers of art, architecture, history and culture. See the Gaudian wonders of Barcelona, the awe-inspiring Colosseum of Rome, and the majestic walled city of Dubrovnik. Walk the patterned streets of Lisbon, visit the 5th Century Acropolis of Athens, or simply enjoy the blissful Mediterranean sun.
Northern Europe
UK cruises to Northern Europe usually stop at Rotterdam, the architecture capital of Holland with its marvellously designed museum park. Hamburg is another popular spot on Northern Europe cruises, with the sensational Elbphilharmonie concert hall dominating its skyline. And the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium is the gateway to the wonderful medieval city of Bruges.
Canary Islands
Enjoy the fabulous beaches, tropical national parks and exhilarating waterparks of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. These eternally sunny and gorgeous islands are the stuff of fantasy. Sunbathe or stroll around the beautiful volcanic landscape to relax. Or be more active with snorkelling, jet skiing and more around the Canary Islands.
Scandinavia
Visit the fairy tale lands of Denmark, Sweden and Finland and see magical castles, palaces and forests. In Copenhagen, you can see the Little Mermaid herself sat above the waves. In Stockholm, visit the baroque royal palace or learn about one of the most iconic bands of all time at the Abba Museum. In Helsinki, take a tram tour of the sights, relax in a Finnish urban sauna, or marvel at the design of the cave-like Temppeliaukio church.
Which Cruise Ships Sail from the UK?
In addition to the excess of fantastic destinations, there are also loads of amazing ships which set sail from the UK. Here are just a few.
Royal Caribbean Cruises from the UK
This amazingly hi-tech ship departs from Southampton. On it, you can enjoy neon-lit skydiving experiences, immersive virtual concerts and even hop on the North Star viewing deck.
Princess Cruises from the UK
Stroll around the European-style piazza, attend an art auction, flirt with Lady Luck at the Vegas style casino, or taste the delicious delights of the on-board chocolatiers.
Relax with a movie under the stars, sample a fine vintage at the Vines wine bar, or attend an original musical production.
See the waves crashing below you as you wander along the SeaWalk, a glass walkway over the ocean.
Celebrity Cruises from Southampton
The perfect liner for cruisers with wellness in mind. Get your heart racing with F45 fitness classes and Peloton bikes. Visit the spa and enjoy the SEA thermal suite with its eight therapeutic zones. You can even get a haircut or a luxury beauty treatment.
Swan around the spectacular Grand Plaza. Hop on the Magic Carpet, Beyond’s floating viewing platform. Or relax in the stunning rooftop garden.
P&O Cruises from the Southampton
The perfect ship for the eco conscious, Iona is powered by natural gas for an environmentally friendly cruise. Take in magnificent oceanic views in the SkyDome, watch a film at their four screen Cinema, or even enjoy a DJ set with neon lights.
See a show at the Arena Theatre with its LED screen, indulge in spicy cuisine at Sindhu, and belly-laugh at an on-board stand-up comedy performance.
Brittania is the ideal ship for soothing your stresses away thanks to the Oasis Spa and Salon, Serenity pool and bar, and The Retreat, an adults-only area of the ship.
On Aurora, another adults-only vessel, you can take in a cabaret show, attend a masquerade ball, and marvel at John Mills’ magnificent 35 foot sculpture.
Cunard Cruises from Southampton
A gorgeous art-deco ship with a conservatory, games deck, and Gala Evenings.
Cunard’s flagship has a vast library, amazing planetarium, and on-board chocolatiers.
The latest edition to the Cunard fleet that will host the traditional Cunard standards together with additional features onboard.
Fred Olsen Cruises from the UK
Bolette is a foodie’s dream, with five course meals, complimentary afternoon tea, and cooking demonstrations at the auditorium.
Sip herbal infusions at the Oriental tearoom, indulge in a cocktail at the Piano Bar, or play a game of Bridge in the Card Room.
Cosy up with some light reading at the Bookmark café or take thrilling and scenic ride on an RIB boat.
Virgin Voyages Cruises from the UK
Enjoy trendy, edgy entertainment, such as a modern Romeo and Juliet adaptation and enchanting microplays that ambush you anywhere in the ship. Treat your mind and body with meditation sessions, sunrise yoga classes or work up a sweat on the on-board jogging track.
MSC Cruises from Southampton
Virtuosa is another amazing option for an eco-friendly cruise, thanks to the energy-efficient equipment and the advanced wastewater treatment system. Sip drinks made by a robot bartender and wander down the Galleria Virtuosa indoor promenade. Plus, kids will love the LEGO-designed play areas.
NCL Cruises from the UK
Home to the world’s only Ice Bar at sea, Getaway is an undoubtedly cool ship. Not only that, Norwegian Getaway has the Free Fall fastest waterslides at sea, and for those needing a caffeine fix there’s even a Starbucks on-board.
Carnival Cruises from the UK
A cruise liner that’s brilliant for families, with an on-board sweet shop, fabulous Dr. Seuss themed events and activities, and the WaterWorks aqua park. Not to mention Pride’s very own Guy Fieri burger restaurant.
If you would like to book your next cruise departing from the UK, speak to our cruise concierge by calling 0808 278 3940, or view all of our itineraries for cruises from the UK
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