If you’re planning a cruise getaway, then you’ll be pleased to learn that countless cruise ships depart from ports in the UK every year. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy a break at sea without having to set foot in an airport.
Among the departing vessels are cruise ships of every kind. Whether you’re looking for a hotel experience in the middle of the Atlantic or a tour of some of the most glamorous ports in the Mediterranean, you’ll be able to find it. But exactly which ports are worth considering?
Southampton: A Hub for Ocean Liners
Southampton is among the most important ports in the UK. Historically, it’s been a base for ocean liners of every kind. The RMS Titanic famously departed from this port – and today, it’s where many cruise ships heading into the Mediterranean, or across the Atlantic, depart from. Southampton is home to a variety of cruise lines like P&O Cruises, offering a wide range of itineraries. For many holidaymakers in the UK, it’s a default option.
Dover: Gateway to Europe
If you’re going to be crossing the channel into France, then the chances are good that you’ll be boarding the ferry in Dover. But there’s more to Britain’s busiest port than the ferry service. You’ll also be able to catch short cruises into the North Sea and Scandinavia from this part of the UK.
Portsmouth: History and Heritage on the High Seas
Just a short drive from Southampton we find another hugely important British port city: that of Portsmouth. This city has a closer connection with military vessels, with many of the Royal Navy’s most famous ships, like HMS Victory, being synonymous with the town. You can still find Victory in the city’s Historic Dockyard. But Portsmouth’s port isn’t just a tourist attraction: it remains a vital part of the city, with cruises departing from here to Northern Europe and the rest of the British Isles throughout the year.
Liverpool: A City of Culture and Cruises
Liverpool has recently enjoyed a resurgence as a cruise destination. From here, it’s just a quick voyage across to Ireland – and many ships bound for Iceland and northern Scandinavia set off from this part of the country. Liverpool is also a popular tourist city in itself, with many compelling attractions, including the Cathedral and the Royal Albert Dock, to be found here.
Edinburgh (Leith): Scottish Adventures Await
Cruises departing from Scotland offer convenience for those based in the country. But the characters of the cruises themselves tend to be different. If you want a sightseeing tour of some of the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea, then the Port of Leith is the place to set off from!