Choosing the right cruise can make all the difference in your next cruise holiday. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, an adventurous expedition, or a family-friendly escape, the wide variety of cruise lines available ensures there’s something for everyone.

This guide will help you navigate through the best options, from yacht-style cruises offering intimate and personalized experiences, to special cruises that take you on unique journeys like witnessing the Northern Lights.

We’ll also cover options for singles, seniors, and adults-only cruises, ensuring you find the perfect match for your travel style and preferences. 

 

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Small Ship Cruise Lines

Here’s a more extensive list of small cruise lines that operate or have itineraries that depart from the UK:
 
  1. Saga Cruises – Specializes in cruises for those over 50, offering a more intimate and personalized cruising experience.
  2. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – A family-run company known for its smaller, traditional ships that offer a classic cruising experience.
  3. Ambassador Cruise Line: A UK-based cruise line offering no-fly cruises from various UK ports, focusing on a traditional cruise experience with smaller ships and single travellers.
  4. Hebridean Island Cruises – Known for luxurious small-ship cruises around the British Isles and Northern Europe, particularly in Scotland.
  5. Noble Caledonia – Offers expedition and cultural cruises with small ships that explore remote and less-visited destinations.
  6. Hurtigruten – Specializes in expedition cruises to polar regions, with some departures from the UK, focusing on adventure and nature.
  7. Azamara – A luxury small-ship cruise line that emphasizes destination immersion and longer stays in ports.
  8. Seabourn – An ultra-luxury cruise line with small ships that offer an elegant cruising experience with personalised service.
  9. Ponant – A French cruise line offering luxury expedition cruises on small ships, with itineraries including the UK.
  10. Windstar Cruises – Operates small, yacht-like ships and offers a more intimate and casual luxury cruising experience.
  11. The Majestic Line – Operates small, converted fishing boats for intimate cruises around the Scottish Isles.
  12. Silversea Cruises – A luxury cruise line with small ships, offering personalised service and unique itineraries, including departures from the UK.
  13. Crystal Cruises – Known for luxury river and ocean cruises, Crystal also offers small-ship cruising with high-end amenities.
  14. Oceania Cruises – Focuses on destination-rich itineraries with small to mid-sized ships, offering some UK departures.
  15. Lindblad Expeditions – Partners with National Geographic for small-ship expedition cruises, including itineraries that may depart from the UK.
  16. Viking Ocean Cruises – Although part of a larger company, Viking operates small ocean ships that offer an intimate cruising experience, including departures from the UK.
Arctic expedition cruises

Special Cruises

Special cruises offer unique experiences tailored to specific interests and destinations, providing unforgettable journeys that go beyond the typical cruise offerings. Here are some standout special cruise lines:

  • Hurtigruten: Known for its iconic voyages along the Norwegian coast and Arctic expeditions, Hurtigruten is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Their cruises offer incredible opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, explore remote Arctic regions, and engage in activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling, all while learning about local wildlife and cultures.

  • Lindblad Expeditions: Partnered with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions focuses on adventure and education. Their small-ship cruises are designed for explorers who want to delve deep into the natural world, with itineraries that include snorkelling with sea lions in the Galápagos, kayaking in Alaska, and discovering the biodiversity of the Amazon. Expert guides and naturalists enhance the experience with their knowledge and passion.

  • Virgin Voyages: Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on cruising with its adults-only, modern, and lively ships. Their cruises are designed for those looking for a unique and fun experience, featuring trendy entertainment, gourmet dining, and wellness programs. With an emphasis on relaxation and socializing, Virgin Voyages caters to adults seeking a sophisticated yet playful getaway.

  • Windstar Cruises: Windstar Cruises specializes in small-ship, yacht-style cruising with unique itineraries that take you to lesser-known ports and hidden gems. Their intimate ships provide a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with personalized service. Windstar’s special cruises often include themed journeys, such as culinary cruises with renowned chefs, and access to exclusive events and experiences.

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Couple of a Luxury Cruise Ship

Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines are 5 star + ships, some with all-inclusive food and drinks. Here’s a look at some of the top luxury cruise lines:

  • Azamara: Azamara is known for its focus on destination immersion, offering longer stays and overnight visits in port to allow passengers to truly explore and experience each destination. The onboard experience is equally luxurious, with fine dining, spacious staterooms, and exceptional service.

  • Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises sets the standard for luxury at sea with its ultra-luxurious ships, impeccable service, and all-inclusive experiences. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, lavish accommodations, and a wide range of enrichment programs and activities. Crystal’s attention to detail ensures an unforgettable cruise experience.

  • Cunard Line: Cunard’s iconic ocean liners offer a classic and elegant cruising experience. With a rich heritage dating back to the golden age of ocean travel, Cunard combines tradition with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy grand ballrooms, afternoon tea, and gourmet dining, all while experiencing impeccable service.

  • Oceania Cruises: Oceania is known for its luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. The cruise line offers gourmet dining curated by renowned chefs, elegant staterooms, and unique itineraries that focus on cultural immersion. Oceania’s mid-sized ships provide an intimate and refined cruising experience.

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas is all about all-inclusive luxury. Everything from fine dining to shore excursions is included, allowing guests to indulge without worry. Spacious suites, personalized service, and a focus on enrichment and exploration make Regent a top choice for luxury travelers.

  • Scenic Luxury Cruises: Scenic offers both river and ocean cruises with an emphasis on all-inclusive luxury. Their ships feature spacious suites, personalized butler service, and gourmet dining. Scenic’s itineraries are designed to provide in-depth cultural experiences and exclusive excursions.

  • Seabourn: Seabourn’s intimate ships provide a luxurious, personalized experience with a focus on service and comfort. Guests enjoy all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, and unique itineraries that include access to smaller, less-visited ports. Seabourn’s attention to detail ensures a truly exceptional cruise.

  • Silversea Cruises: Silversea offers all-suite ships with personalized service and a focus on exotic destinations. Guests enjoy fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and a range of enrichment programs and shore excursions. Silversea’s smaller ships allow for a more intimate and exclusive experience.

Singles Cruises

Singles cruises are all about having fun, meeting new people, and enjoying a vacation tailored just for solo travelers. Whether you’re looking to socialize, join exciting activities, or just relax, here are some cruise lines that cater specifically to singles, along with the typical age ranges you’ll find onboard:

  • Virgin Voyages: This adults-only cruise line is perfect for singles who want to have a blast. With a minimum age of 18, most passengers are in their mid-20s to mid-50s. Virgin Voyages offers lively nightlife, unique dining options, and lots of activities designed to help you meet new friends.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Cruises): NCL is great for solo travelers with its special Studio Staterooms and exclusive Studio Lounge. You’ll find singles ranging from 30 to 60 years old. They have tons of fun activities like themed parties, singles meet-ups, and group excursions to keep you entertained and mingling.

  • Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises attracts singles aged 30 to 60 who enjoy a bit of modern luxury. The vibe is sophisticated but friendly, with activities like wine tastings, dance classes, and themed events that make it easy to meet other solo travellers.

  • Royal Caribbean International (RCL): Royal Caribbean is all about action and adventure, making it a hit with singles in their 30s to 50s. There’s always something to do, from rock climbing and zip-lining to themed parties, so it’s easy to make new friends while having a great time.

  • Cunard Line: If you prefer a more classic and refined experience, Cunard is ideal, especially for singles aged 50 and up. They offer elegant social events like formal balls, afternoon tea, and interesting lectures, providing plenty of chances to meet and connect with other solo travellers in a classy setting.

Family on a Cruise Ship

Family Friendly Cruise Lines

Family-friendly cruise lines offer a wide range of activities, entertainment, and amenities that cater to travellers of all ages, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to grandparents has a fantastic vacation. Here’s a look at some of the top family-friendly cruise lines:

  • Carnival Cruise Lines: Known for its fun and energetic atmosphere, Carnival is a top choice for families. With activities like water parks, mini-golf, and kids’ clubs, there’s never a dull moment. Carnival’s “Camp Ocean” program offers age-specific activities for kids, while parents can enjoy some relaxation time or join in the family fun.

  • Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises provides a more refined family experience with modern amenities and a variety of activities. The “Camp at Sea” program offers over 500 activities, including arts and crafts, STEM projects, and culinary classes, ensuring kids are entertained while parents enjoy the luxurious onboard offerings.

  • Disney Cruise Line: Disney is the ultimate family cruise line, offering magical experiences for kids and adults alike. With themed entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and unique dining experiences, Disney Cruises are perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories. Their “Oceaneer Club” and “Oceaneer Lab” provide supervised activities for kids, while adults can enjoy dedicated spaces and activities just for them.

  • Royal Caribbean International (RCL): Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative ships packed with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy water parks, zip lines, ice skating, and rock climbing. The “Adventure Ocean” program offers a range of activities for kids and teens, while the whole family can enjoy Broadway-style shows, parades, and family game nights.

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Seniors Cruising

Seniors cruising offers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience tailored to mature travelers who seek enrichment, leisure, and a touch of adventure. These cruises typically feature smaller ships, elegant accommodations, and itineraries that emphasize cultural exploration and scenic beauty. Here are the cruise lines that cater specifically to senior travelers:

  • Ambassador Cruise Line: Ambassador offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for mature travelers. The line focuses on providing enrichment activities, comfortable accommodations, and a slower pace, making it ideal for those who want to unwind and enjoy their journey. The friendly staff and well-curated itineraries ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.

  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Fred. Olsen is renowned for its smaller, more intimate ships that appeal to the senior market. The line offers traditional British cruising with a focus on personalized service and a cozy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from enrichment lectures to craft workshops, and the itineraries often include charming ports and scenic cruising.

  • Holland America Line: Holland America provides a refined cruising experience with elegant ships and a wide range of activities designed for senior travellers. From cooking demonstrations and digital workshops to live music and dance classes, there’s always something to do. The itineraries often include longer stays in port and overnights, allowing for a deeper exploration of each destination.

  • Saga Cruises: Exclusively for travellers aged 50 and over, Saga offers an all-inclusive and personalized cruising experience. With smaller ships, Saga provides a tranquil and mature environment, with attentive service and a focus on comfort. The itineraries are designed to include lesser-known ports and scenic cruising, while onboard activities range from guest lectures and bridge classes to craft sessions and spa treatments.

Northern Lights on a Cruise Ship

Northern Lights Cruise Lines

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience, and these cruises are designed to give you the best chance of witnessing this natural wonder. They offer comfy accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis. Here are some great options for Northern Lights cruises:

  • Hurtigruten: Hurtigruten is well-known for its voyages along the Norwegian coast and into the Arctic, making it a top choice for seeing the Northern Lights. Their ships travel through stunning coastal scenery, giving you lots of chances to spot the Aurora Borealis. The trips are all about immersing yourself in nature and local culture, with activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and guided nature walks to keep things exciting.

  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Fred. Olsen offers special cruises that focus on the Northern Lights, taking you to the best spots in Norway for viewing. Their smaller ships create a cozy, intimate vibe, and the itineraries are planned to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. Onboard, you’ll find expert talks about the Northern Lights, and you can enjoy winter activities like visiting Sami communities and exploring beautiful fjords.

  • Cunard Line: Cunard combines luxury with the adventure of chasing the Northern Lights. Their cruises offer elegant accommodations and top-notch service as you journey through Norway’s picturesque ports. Along the way, you’ll have chances to explore charming towns and breathtaking landscapes. Onboard, you can attend lectures and enrichment programs about the Northern Lights and Arctic regions.

Adults only Cruise Ship

Adults Only Cruises

Adults-only cruises are perfect for those looking for a relaxing and kid-free vacation. These cruises focus on providing a mature and enjoyable experience with plenty of activities and entertainment just for adults. Here are some great options:

  • Virgin Voyages: Virgin Voyages is all about having fun in a stylish, adults-only setting. With a minimum age of 18, these cruises are designed for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves without kids around. The ships are modern and cool, with lively nightlife, unique dining options, and wellness programs. You can chill at rooftop lounges, join poolside parties, or unwind at serene spas and fitness classes. It’s all about creating a fun and sophisticated vibe.

  • Saga Cruises: Saga Cruises is perfect for travelers aged 50 and over, offering a peaceful and mature cruising experience. Their smaller ships provide a cozy and quiet environment, ideal for unwinding. The itineraries often include charming, lesser-known ports and scenic routes, giving you enriching and culturally immersive experiences. Onboard, you’ll find guest lectures, craft sessions, bridge classes, and spa treatments, all tailored to mature travelers.

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