18 Cruise Guides
First cruise
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Cruise cabin types explained: inside, oceanview, balcony, suite
Cruise cabins come in four main types: inside, oceanview, balcony and suite. Your choice affects comfort, space, cost and how you experience the sea. Learn what each offers and which suits your needs.
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What's included on a cruise (and what isn't)
Understand what your cruise fare covers and what costs extra. Learn the difference between included amenities, optional upgrades, drinks packages, gratuities and shore excursions before you book.
No-fly cruises from the UK
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No-fly cruises from Southampton: ports, lines and where they sail
Southampton is the UK's main cruise departure point, with five terminals serving six major cruise lines. Explore no-fly cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic, British Isles, Mediterranean and beyond.
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No-fly cruises from Dover: what sails and where to
Dover is a no-fly cruise port in Kent with regular sailings to Norway, the Baltic, British Isles, and Iberia. Saga Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operate from the Western Docks terminals.
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No-fly cruises from London Tilbury
London Tilbury is a no-fly cruise departure point served by Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Sailings reach the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic, British Isles, Spain, Portugal, France, the Canary Islands and Madeira.
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No-fly cruises from Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port handles cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, Spain, Portugal, France, the Western Mediterranean and Canary Islands. Sail with Saga Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Ambassador Cruise Line or Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
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No-fly cruises from Liverpool
No-fly cruises from Liverpool sail to the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and Iberia. Fred. Olsen and Ambassador Cruise Line operate regular sailings from the Pier Head terminal, with Celebrity Cruises also calling at the port.
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No-fly cruises from Newcastle (Port of Tyne)
Cruise from Newcastle without flying. The Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields hosts Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, offering no-fly holidays to Norway and beyond.
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No-fly cruises from Edinburgh, Belfast, Bristol and Harwich: the regional departure ports
Cruise from Edinburgh, Belfast, Bristol or Harwich instead of Southampton. These four smaller UK regional ports offer shorter journeys and fewer crowds, with sailings to the Norwegian Fjords, British Isles and beyond.
Destinations
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Norwegian Fjords cruises: best time to go and the ports you'll see
Norwegian Fjords cruises run from May to September, visiting ports from Oslo to Kristiansand. Discover what to see in each port, when daylight is longest, and how to sail from the UK.
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Mediterranean cruises from the UK: west vs east and when to go
Compare Mediterranean cruises from the UK. Explore the Western Med's Spanish and Italian ports or venture east to Greece, Turkey and beyond. Learn the best times to sail and which region suits your holiday.
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Canary Islands and Madeira cruises: winter sun without flying
Cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira without the flight hassle. Sail from the UK through Iberian ports, enjoying winter sun and cultural stops along the way.
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Caribbean cruises from the UK: fly-cruise or sail from Southampton?
Caribbean cruises from the UK offer two main routes: fly-cruise packages to warm-weather ports, or transatlantic sailings from Southampton. Learn which suits your holiday plans.
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Baltic cruises: the capitals you'll visit and when to go
Baltic cruises visit capitals including Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga. The region is best explored May to September when daylight is longest. Most UK cruises depart from Southampton and call at multiple ports across Scandinavia and the eastern Baltic.
Cruise lines & ships
Budget & timing
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Cruises under £1,000 per person: how to find real value
Finding a cruise under the budget requires understanding where real value comes from. Learn which destinations, seasons and cabin types deliver the most for your money, and how to read the small print.
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When is the best time to book a cruise?
Timing your cruise booking depends on seasonality, school holidays and your destination. Learn when to book for the best experience, from Caribbean winter breaks to European river cruises in spring.