If you live in the UK and are planning your next holiday, consider the perks of taking a cruise right from the United Kingdom.
When planning a cruise holiday, usually, you need to factor in flights to the departure port. But if you’re in the UK, you can skip that hassle.
By driving to one of the 10 UK ports, you avoid the stress of flying and airport security. Just hop in your car, park at the port, and enjoy the freedom to pack as much as you want without worrying about baggage fees. Just make sure it all fits in your cabin!
Cruises from the UK range from quick trips to Bruges or Amsterdam to longer voyages like crossing the Atlantic to New York City. Whether you’re looking for a transatlantic adventure or a Mediterranean escape, make sure to pick a ship with plenty of onboard activities to keep you entertained until you reach your destination.
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10 Ports in the UK
1 Dover
Dover is a fantastic port for starting your cruise. With two modern terminals on the western docks, it’s super convenient.
While you’re there, hop on a shuttle bus to check out the town centre and the historic Dover Castle overlooking the White Cliffs.
As your ship sets sail, you’ll get an amazing view of those iconic cliffs.
Find cruises from Dover and enjoy the adventure!
2 Edinburgh
- You can use the Port of Leith in Edinburgh as your departure point. Leith is located 3 miles from Edinburgh city centre and is one of Scotland’s largest ports.
- The waterfront area of Leith has been completely refurbished and is an exciting leisure and retail complex.
- The Royal Yacht, Britannia, is permanently berthed there.
- Scandinavia is the destination of many cruises that depart from Edinburgh’s Port of Leith, and are very popular.
3 Greenock
- Ocean Terminal, which opened in 2001, has really grown over the last 20 years.
- It’s now one of Scotland’s top cruise spots with natural deep water.
- It’s a key player in Scottish tourism, welcoming loads of overseas visitors.
- The area around it in Leith has been transformed into a lively leisure and shopping hub.
- Plus, the Royal Yacht Britannia is docked there, adding some extra coolness.
- Many cruises from here head to places like Scandinavia, making it a popular choice.
- Find cruises from Edinburgh’s Port of Leith and start your adventure!
4 Harwich
- Harwich has been a major port for centuries and is now a popular starting point for many cruises. It’s also England’s main car ferry port for the North Sea.
- The port has loads of historical sites, and you can take guided tours while you wait to depart.
- Harwich boasts a charming lighthouse that’s now a maritime museum, along with a Mayflower exhibition since it was the Mayflower’s homeport. The exhibition tells stories of the pilgrims getting ready for their voyage to America.
- You can also visit the Redoubt Fort, built to defend against Napoleon’s armies.
- Find cruises from Harwich.
5 Hull
- The Port of Hull, primarily a trading port, is located on the Humber River, which flows into the North Sea.
- Hull also has the only passenger port on this river.
- Hull offers daily ferry crossings to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and mini cruises to Belgium, including the seaport of Bruges, with P&O Ferries.
- While there are cruise options available from Hull, including scenic tours along the UK coastline, cruises specifically to Helsinki, Finland, are not typical from this port.
- However, Hull does provide a variety of destinations, mainly focusing on European cities.
6 Liverpool
- Not only does Liverpool have a port from which to embark on a cruise holiday but also it has become one of Europe’s popular stops for a city break. So why not arrive at you’re port-of-call a day early and see the sites of Liverpool.
- Cruises out of Liverpool may take you around the British Isles, or even to the Canary Islands.
- While in Liverpool, you can discover the roots of the Beatles or enjoy Liverpool’s cultural assets like museums, galleries, and theaters.
7 Newcastle
- The Port of Tyne is the departure point for many cruise itineraries.
- If you are heading to the Baltic or Scandinavia, sailing from here will save you almost a full day at sea versus departure from more southerly port cities.
- Newcastle also offers a refurbished waterfront, boasting plenty of restaurants and public art to keep you busy before your ship leaves.
8 Portsmouth
- Portsmouth is a fantastic starting point for cruises from the south of England. It’s super easy to get to by train or car, with direct trains from London and plenty of parking nearby.
- Fred Olsen Cruises now offers a lot of different cruises from Portsmouth, including trips to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and even around the British Isles. The port has modern facilities, making the boarding process smooth and stress-free.
- Apart from Fred Olsen, other cruise lines also set sail from Portsmouth, giving you even more destinations to choose from.
- While you’re there, you can check out some cool historical spots like the historic dockyard, HMS Victory, and the Mary Rose Museum.
9 Southampton
- When you’re booking a cruise from the UK, keep in mind that Southampton is known as the “Cruising Capital” of the UK. Most of the top cruise lines set sail from there, making it a hotspot for travellers.
- Cruises from Southampton head to a variety of destinations, including the Baltics, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. Big names like Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, and Cunard offer luxurious trips with plenty of activities and amenities.
- The port is easy to reach, with great transport links, and the city itself has lots to offer. You can explore its maritime history, enjoy some shopping, or grab a bite to eat before or after your cruise.
10 Tilbury out of London
- Many Londoners begin their cruise from the Port of Tilbury at the London Cruise Terminal.
- It is located at the head of the River Thames.
- It is London’s only deep-water cruise facility.
- An added benefit of beginning a cruise from Tilbury is the fantastic view you will have of London and its sites as you head out to sea.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.