SAILING FROM THE UK VS FLY CRUISING

It can be tricky to know what is best when considering your next cruise holiday. Do you sail from a convenient UK port or fly to meet your ship? When making up your mind it’s a good idea to know some of the pros and cons of both to help you make an informed choice.

Firstly let’s take a look at sailing from the UK, or ex UK as it’s otherwise known. There is a variety of UK cruise ports which offer a choice of departures, the most popular being Southampton, Dover and Portsmouth. Tilbury and Bristol are also available and can cater for smaller ships. Harwich International Port, a seaport in Essex, is a popular choice for Baltic cruises. If travelling down south seems like a huge trip in itself you may also find options from Newcastle, Liverpool and Greenock.

View all cruises that sail from a UK cruise port

Cruising from the UK offers numerous benefits for travelers seeking a unique and convenient vacation experience. Here are some key advantages:

Easy Access

Departing from the UK allows British travelers to embark on a cruise without the hassle of long-haul flights. With numerous ports such as Southampton, Dover, and Liverpool, passengers can simply drive or take a short domestic flight to reach their cruise ship, making the journey more accessible and reducing travel-related stress.

Diverse Itineraries

 Cruises departing from the UK offer a wide range of itineraries, catering to different preferences and interests. From exploring the majestic Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean gems, Baltic capitals, or the stunning British Isles, there are numerous destinations to choose from. This variety allows passengers to find cruises that align with their preferred destinations and experiences.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Cruising from the UK saves time and money. By eliminating the need for international flights, travelers can maximize their vacation time and avoid the expenses associated with long-haul travel. Additionally, local cruises offer a range of duration options, from short breaks to longer voyages, providing flexibility to suit various schedules and budgets.

Cultural Immersion

Cruises from the UK often incorporate a strong cultural element, allowing passengers to explore different countries, experience local traditions, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Whether it’s enjoying authentic cuisine, visiting historical landmarks, or engaging in local customs, these cruises provide opportunities for enriching cultural experiences.

Family-Friendly Options

Cruises departing from the UK are well-suited for family holidays. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly amenities and entertainment options, such as kids’ clubs, dedicated family areas, and age-appropriate activities. This makes cruising an excellent choice for multi-generational trips, allowing family members of all ages to enjoy their cruise together.

Onboard Comfort and Entertainment

 Modern cruise ships departing from the UK provide a plethora of onboard amenities and entertainment options. From world-class restaurants and spas to theaters, pools, and sports facilities, passengers can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences without leaving the ship. The onboard entertainment often includes live performances, themed parties, educational lectures, and enrichment programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

See our round-up of the top UK cruise ports that you can join your cruise ship. As Ex-UK cruising gains in popularity, cruise line are trying to find new ports to cruise from.

Located on the south coast of England, Southampton is one of the busiest cruise ports in the UK. It serves as a departure point for numerous cruise itineraries, including those to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and transatlantic crossings. The port of Southampton is conveniently located near London, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travellers. It offers excellent transportation links to and from the capital, including direct train services.

Southampton itself is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Visitors can explore attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and the historic city walls. The nearby New Forest National Park and the Isle of Wight also provide opportunities for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Due to its prominence in the cruise industry, Southampton is a regular port of call for several major cruise lines and hosts a wide range of cruise ships throughout the year.

View cruises that depart from Southampton

Situated on the southeast coast of England, Dover is known for its iconic white cliffs. It serves as a popular embarkation/disembarkation port and offers access to various destinations in Europe, such as the Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords, and the Mediterranean. Dover Cruise Port, also known as the Port of Dover, offers a range of services for cruise ships and passengers. It serves as both a departure point and a popular port of call for various cruise itineraries.

From Dover, you can embark on cruises to numerous destinations. It provides access to the British Isles, Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, and even transatlantic crossings.

Dover itself is a historic town that is renowned for its iconic white cliffs and its striking medieval Dover Castle, which overlooks the town and the English Channel. Visitors to Dover can also explore attractions like the Dover Museum, the Roman Painted House, and the Western Heights fortifications.

The port of Dover is well-connected and easily accessible. It has good transportation links to London and other parts of the UK, making it a convenient choice for both domestic and international travellers.

View cruises that depart from Dover

Located in northwest England, Liverpool is a historic port city that often serves as a starting point for cruises. Liverpool Cruise Terminal, located on the River Mersey, offers facilities for cruise ships and provides convenient access to various destinations. Itineraries from Liverpool often include cruises to the British Isles, Ireland, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, and other parts of Northern Europe.

Liverpool itself is a vibrant city with a wealth of attractions and cultural landmarks. The city is famous for being the birthplace of The Beatles, and visitors can explore Beatles-related sites such as The Beatles Story museum and the famous Cavern Club. Other notable landmarks include the historic Albert Dock, the Liverpool Waterfront, and the stunning Liverpool Cathedral.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Liverpool has a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to explore. The city also boasts a vibrant music and arts scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year.

Liverpool’s cruise port is well-connected and easily accessible. It has transportation links to major cities in the UK and offers good rail connections to other parts of the country.

Cruise lines frequently include Liverpool as a port of call or a departure point in their itineraries, allowing passengers to explore the city and its surrounding regions.

View cruises that depart from Liverpool

Situated near Glasgow in Scotland, Greenock is a gateway to exploring the beautiful Scottish Highlands and islands. It is commonly visited by cruise ships offering itineraries to Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Europe. From Greenock, you can embark on cruises to a range of destinations. It provides access to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, including popular locations such as Loch Lomond, the Isle of Skye, and the Orkney Islands. Cruises from Greenock also often include visits to other parts of Northern Europe, such as Ireland, the Faroe Islands, and Norway.

Greenock itself is a charming town with a rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the historic Esplanade, the Custom House, and the McLean Museum and Art Gallery. The nearby city of Glasgow, with its vibrant arts and culture scene, is also easily accessible from Greenock.

Transportation options from Greenock include rail connections to Glasgow and other parts of Scotland. The cruise port is well-served by road links, making it accessible for travelers coming from different areas.

View cruises that depart from Greenock

Located in Northern Ireland, Belfast is a vibrant city that serves as a starting point for cruises exploring the stunning landscapes of the Irish coast, including the Giant’s Causeway. From Belfast, you can embark on cruises to a variety of destinations. It provides access to the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim Coast, and the Mourne Mountains. Cruises from Belfast also often include visits to other parts of the British Isles, the Scottish Isles, and even further afield to Iceland and the Norwegian fjords.

Belfast itself is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and cultural scene. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, as well as the historic Belfast Castle, the St. George’s Market, and the vibrant Cathedral Quarter.

Transportation options from Belfast include rail and road connections to other parts of Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Belfast has an international airport with connections to various destinations.

View cruises that depart from Belfast

The port provides opportunities for embarkation, disembarkation, and port calls for cruise ships. From Portsmouth, you can embark on cruises to destinations such as the British Isles, France, Spain, and the Mediterranean. Situated on the south coast of England, Portsmouth offers convenient access to various cruise destinations.

Portsmouth is known for its maritime history, including its connection to the Royal Navy. The city offers attractions like the historic Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

View cruises that depart from Portsmouth

Located on the River Thames, east of London, Tilbury is a popular departure point and port of call for cruises. Tilbury Cruise Terminal serves as a gateway to various destinations, including Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian Fjords, and even transatlantic crossings. The port provides convenient access to London’s attractions and serves as a starting point for exploring the city before or after your cruise. Tilbury itself has a rich maritime history and offers some interesting sites, such as the Tilbury Fort, a well-preserved artillery fort dating back to the 16th century.

View all cruises that depart from Tilbury

Harwich International Port serves as a  departure point and port of call for cruises to various destinations. It provides access to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, allowing passengers to explore Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and beyond. The port is conveniently located close to London, making it accessible for travellers from the capital city and its surrounding areas. Harwich itself is a charming town with a maritime history, featuring historic buildings and attractions like the Harwich Redoubt Fort and the Electric Palace Cinema.

Since the pandemic, cruise lines have not returned to Harwich as a departure port.

While not traditionally known as a major cruise port, Bristol is a city in the southwest of England that has seen an increase in cruise ship visits in recent years.

Bristol Port, located on the River Avon, serves as a starting point and port of call for some cruise itineraries. While the port does not have a dedicated cruise terminal, it has facilities to accommodate cruise ships and offers convenient access to explore the attractions of Bristol and its surrounding areas.

From Bristol, you can embark on cruises to various destinations, including the British Isles, Northern Europe, and even transatlantic crossings. The city is strategically located, making it an accessible departure point for exploring regions such as the Bristol Channel, Wales, Ireland, and the south coast of England.

Bristol itself is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural offerings, and architectural landmarks. Visitors can explore attractions such as Bristol Cathedral, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, and the vibrant Bristol Harbourside area.

Transportation options from Bristol include rail and road connections to other parts of the UK. Bristol also has an international airport with connections to various destinations.

While Bristol may not have the same frequency of cruise ship visits as some of the larger ports in the UK, it can offer a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for cruise passengers.

View cruises that depart from Bristol

Your first hurdle may be that the one cruise you are interested in only sails from Southampton. If you live in the far north of Scotland you will have to consider the time it will take to get there, plus the additional cost.

Many cruise lines do offer a transport service to the ports and you can pick up a coach service from a variety of locations across the UK.

As check in usually begins from 12noon onwards you won’t have too much of an early start on your first day, however many guests choose to stay the night before and begin their cruise feeling rested and relaxed. In Southampton, for example, there are several hotels which include parking in the rate or courtesy transfers to the port.

All cruise ports offer some type of parking option. If you live within a few hours of the port your holiday can begin very quickly. No sooner have you parked the car and checked in, you can be on the ship enjoying your first cocktail before fly cruisers have even got through passport control!

When cruising from the UK, providing your cruise returns to the UK, you can travel without any baggage restrictions. This means you can take as much luggage as you wish. The only stipulation is that it will fit comfortably in your cabin and no single case weighs more than 30KG.

When sailing from the UK you are fairly restricted with regard to the destinations you can cruise to. Unless you are considering a three month world cruise you are usually restricted to The Mediterranean, Canary Islands, The Baltics, Norwegian Fjords, the Black sea and New York. Some lines have a small number of cruises to the Caribbean, although you would need at least three weeks for this.

The final thing to consider when sailing from the UK is how many sea days you will have. When sailing down to the Mediterranean for example you need around 2-3 days before your first port of call. During the off peak months the sea conditions may not be at best, so if you are not a good sailor or this is your first cruise you may want to consider avoiding extended periods at sea and take a flight.

So if you have decided that sailing from the UK is not for you, what do you need to consider when flying to your destination?

When taking a fly-cruise, the world is literally your oyster. Wherever there is a cruise embarkation port, it can be reached by air. You may want to visit the Far East, Australia, Alaska or South Africa; in all cases (unless you are doing that 3 month world cruise) you will have to fly to reach your ship.

Many cruise lines will offer regional airports around the UK. However do be aware that your destination may only be served by airports such as Heathrow. Parking at airports can be expensive so do look out for any booking offers giving you free parking or free home pick up.

We all know that nowadays flying can be a stressful experience so it’s worth considering sailing from the UK if you want a stress free start to your trip, especially  travelling with small children , the elderly or those with mobility restrictions.

When flying out to meet your ship you will arrive into the heart of your cruise destination. For example if your are cruising the Med you may take several days sailing from the UK before you get there. With flying you can be in Barcelona, Rome or Venice on the same day and your cruise holiday has well and truly started.

You will be restricted on luggage as your baggage allowance is set by the airline and not your cruise ship. Some allowances may be as little as 15kg per person though 20-25kg is the average. If you find it impossible to travel light, will this be enough?

You are at the mercy of your airline when on a fly cruise. Should a flight be delayed due to bad weather or technical faults you may cut it fine in reaching your ship. In the worst case scenario you will miss the start of your trip. Most cruise lines prefer you to fly out the day before your cruise to allow for any delays. If you have booked your flights as a package through your agent or cruise line they will do their utmost to get you to the ship at a later port. If you chose to book flights independently you will be responsible for any forward travel arrangements.

On the last day of your cruise you may have to wait around for extended periods for your flight. You will have to vacate your cabin very early in the morning and may be left waiting around for several hours. Some ships will let you stay on board; these tend to be the ones which have chartered a flight to get you home. If you are going on a scheduled service or you have booked independently you may have to wait at the airport or hang around the port town or city. In some countries such as the US you can reserve a day room. This is a room in a local hotel where you can relax before your flight home. This is a very worthwhile investment especially before a long flight back.

If travelling on a charter flight many lines offer bonded luggage. This means you check your suitcase in at the airport and it’s next seen again in your cabin. This saves time in having to wait at the carousel and you are usually on your way to the ship just moments after touching down.

Cruising from the UK offers a convenient, diverse, and enriching vacation experience, combining the pleasures of travel with the comfort and luxury of a floating resort. Whether exploring new destinations, immersing in different cultures, or enjoying onboard amenities, cruising from the UK provides a memorable and hassle-free holiday for all types of travellers

View all cruises that sail from a UK cruise port

If you would like to find out more about cruising, contact our cruise specialists today