When you think about cruises, you might think of going abroad.
But there is just as much beauty to be seen right on your doorstep, on a UK cruise.
So, let’s get into what you need to know about booking a UK cruise.
How do I choose a UK cruise itinerary?
It might sound cliche, but it’s true that cruises do have something for everyone. The same applies even when you’re sticking to the UK.
Sail through the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, stop off at Belfast harbour and centre through the flea markets at St. George’s Market.
Or maybe the cruise you choose stops at Cork, where you can soak up history on a guided historical walking tour.
Each UK cruise will stop off at different ports, although some might have similar stops within them. The best option for choosing a cruise itinerary is to pick a couple you like the sound of and narrow it down until you have found your favourite.
Where do UK cruises depart from?
The first step to planning a UK cruise is to find your nearest port(s) – this can save you valuable travel time rather than driving for hours before you even board.
Here are 5 of the UK’s biggest ports that might be near you:
- Felixstowe
- Southampton
- London
- Immingham
- Liverpool
How long are UK cruises?
Next up, you should think about how long you want to be onboard.
For example, three days gives you a taste of cruise life and allows you to enjoy all the must-dos and must-sees, while seven days will give you more time to settle in and many more sites to see.
What type of cruises are there?
And lastly, you need to decide what you want from your cruise. Maybe you want to relax and take in the UK’s dramatic coastlines from afar, or you might prefer to stop off at different destinations like the remote Orkney Islands or the pretty seaside town of Tenby.
There are many different types of UK cruises available, ranging from short city breaks to longer voyages around the British Isles. Some of the most popular types of UK cruises include:
- City breaks: These cruises typically last for 3-5 days and visit a few different ports in the UK, such as London, Edinburgh, and York. They are a great way to see a few different cities in a short amount of time.
- Cruises around the British Isles: These cruises typically last for 7-10 days and visit a variety of ports around the UK, including the Isle of Wight, the Orkney Islands, and the Isle of Man. They are a great way to see some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery.
- River cruises: These cruises typically last for 3-7 days and travel along one of the UK’s rivers, such as the Thames, the Severn, or the Clyde. They are a great way to see the UK’s countryside and historic towns and villages.
- Theme cruises: These cruises focus on a particular theme, such as food, wine, or history. They typically last for 7-10 days and include a variety of activities and events related to the theme.
No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a UK cruise that is perfect for you.
What can I do onboard?
There are many things you can do onboard a UK cruise ship. Here are a few ideas:
- Dine in one of the ship’s many restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines.
- Relax by the pool or in the spa.
- Take a class, such as cooking or dancing.
- See a show or concert.
- Go shopping at the onboard boutiques.
- Play games in the casino.
- Just relax and enjoy the views.
Which cruise line is right for you?
Every cruise is unique. Even cruises by the same cruise line are different. So ultimately, it all comes down to how you like to holiday.
If you’re travelling with younger children, the obvious choices are Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean for family fun that’s actually fun.
Looking for a little bit of luxury and a lot of relaxation? Take a look at Viking Cruises and Cunard. While one may offer the best in onboard entertainment, the other may serve up Michelin star-worthy food, so do your research rather than book spontaneously.
Tips for making the most of your UK cruise
Cruises are once-in-a-lifetime, and chances are you might not ever explore the UK in this way again. So, make the most of it!
Spend time exploring the ship and making the most of the fantastic amenities they have onboard.
Sign up for all the excursions that pique your interest, and really get involved – whether you follow the group or go off and do your own thing.
Booking a cruise can make memories for a lifetime, gather with friends and family or tackle the adventure by yourself with solo travel. Either way it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to pack your cruise travel insurance
One last thing. Before you start packing your suitcase, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance.
You’ll need specialist cruise travel insurance to give you peace of mind that can even cover for the things that only affect cruises, like missed port departure and itinerary change.
It’s best to take out your policy as soon as you book your cruise because that means you’re covered for cancellations right away.
Plus, if you don’t know what to wear on a cruise, read our guide!
