Cruises from the UK and Beyond

Where Do These Cruises Go?

The range spans everything from short no-fly breaks around British waters to extended voyages through Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and beyond. Sailings run from 5 nights upwards, with a median voyage of 14 nights, so there is a length to suit a first-timer and an experienced cruiser alike. A good share of itineraries are one-way — meaning a flight home from the disembarkation port may be needed — so it is worth checking the shape of the itinerary before you book. Where a flight is involved, our team can arrange it alongside the cruise.

Which Regions Are Most Popular?

Southeast Asia is the most in-demand destination in the current mix, with sailings arriving into Singapore, Hong Kong and other regional ports. It suits travellers who want immersive long-haul voyages — typically two weeks or more — and who are happy to fly out to join the ship.

The Western Mediterranean is the strongest European region. Sailings operate out of Rome (Civitavecchia) and Piraeus (Athens), among other ports. If you want a holiday where the pace slows and the ports are cultural, Mediterranean cruises cover everything from classical antiquity to modern coastlines — and you can read more about the broader Mediterranean region to understand what each part of it offers.

The Caribbean draws a strong share of sailings, mostly departing from Florida. Miami is the most prominent embarkation port in Florida — and it is worth knowing that Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) is roughly half an hour away. A Florida trip can sail from either, so it is always worth checking both for dates and prices before committing.

Transatlantic crossings make up a solid portion of the programme — a genuine alternative for travellers who enjoy the voyage itself as much as the destination. Many of these are one-way sailings, repositioning between Europe and the Americas, so factor in a return flight when you budget.

Central America and Japan round out the further-afield options, with East Asia also represented for those who want to combine multiple countries in a single voyage. Japan sailings include departures through Tokyo and Yokohama.

No-Fly Sailings from the UK

For those who would rather skip the airport entirely, sailings around England and the British Isles depart from Southampton. Most of Britain can reach Southampton by road or rail, which makes these genuinely practical — not just a niche option. Cruises around the British Isles are a good starting point if you want to keep things close to home.

The Canary Islands

For winter warmth without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands offer a reliable option that many UK cruisers return to year after year. P&O Canary Islands cruises are among the most popular choices for those wanting a familiar line with a straightforward journey.

Which Cruise Lines Have Sailings Available?

MSC Cruises is the most popular line in the current selection, followed closely by Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and others are also well represented. Whether you are drawn to a large resort ship or something more intimate, there is a fleet to match.

If you have a specific line in mind, our dedicated cruise line pages go deeper — covering itineraries, ships and fare types for each one. Celebrity Cruises from Southampton and P&O Cruises from Southampton are two of the most searched combinations if you are departing the UK without a flight.

What Ships Are Sailing?

The fleet on sale is broad, ranging from intimate luxury vessels to large resort ships. Here are some of the ships you will find, with a note on what makes each one worth knowing about.

Arvia — P&O Cruises

Azura, P&O’s thoroughly refreshed flagship, underwent a bow-to-stern refit in 2025, bringing new restaurants, bars, cabin décor and corridor carpets throughout the ship. Dining highlights include Sindhu for modern Indian cuisine and the Glass House, curated by TV wine expert Olly Smith. On deck, the 800-seat Playhouse theatre delivers West End-quality aerial acrobatics and live shows, with the SeaScreen open-air cinema adding a different kind of evening. See Arvia’s cabins and deck plans to compare grades and layouts.

Seabourn Ovation — Seabourn

A more recent addition to the Seabourn fleet, Seabourn Ovation is built around luxury at a smaller scale. Wellness is a genuine focus — the onboard spa offers exquisite treatments and luxurious thermal suites — and dining spans 5 distinct venues, including the Earth & Ocean al fresco experience. If you are drawn to the idea of a ship where the ratio of space to guest is exceptionally generous, this is one to consider. View Seabourn Ovation’s cabins and deck plans for suite options.

Queen Elizabeth — Cunard

Art deco design runs throughout Queen Elizabeth — glittering chandeliers, sweeping staircases and a grand lobby that evokes the golden age of ocean travel. The Royal Court Theatre stages West End-calibre musicals and shows, and Gala evenings fill the Queens Room ballroom with live orchestral dancing. Dining is tiered across Britannia, Princess Grill and Queen’s Grill, with Cunard’s famous white-gloved afternoon tea served daily. Explore Queen Elizabeth’s cabins and deck plans to find the grade that suits you.

Nieuw Statendam — Holland America Line

Nieuw Statendam’s dramatic two-storey Wine Tower anchors the main dining room — a signature piece of Pinnacle-class design that gives the ship an immediately recognisable character. The Tamarind pan-Asian restaurant, with its integrated 7-seat sushi bar, has been Holland America’s signature Asian dining venue since 2008. Live music runs through three dedicated clubs on the Music Walk: Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. See cabin grades and deck plans for Nieuw Statendam.

Costa Fascinosa — Costa Cruises

Costa Fascinosa carries a cinematic glamour theme throughout — interiors inspired by Fellini and Visconti, with gold leaf and deep ruby décor that set a distinctive tone. The Samsara Spa spans 6,000 m² across 2 decks, with a thalassotherapy pool and more than 100 spa-access cabins. The three-deck theatre and the Archipelago restaurant, which has hosted Michelin-starred chefs, round out the headline offer. Check Costa Fascinosa’s cabins and deck plans.

Costa Smeralda — Costa Cruises

Costa Smeralda is home to the world’s first Frescobaldi wine restaurant at sea — the Osteria Frescobaldi, exclusive to this ship. The Solemio Spa covers 4,500 m² and features a rare snow grotto, one of the most distinctive wellness experiences in the fleet. The Colosseo Theatre spans 3 decks for evening shows, and the Food Lab cookery school gives guests something hands-on to try between ports. See Costa Smeralda’s cabins and deck plans.

Which Cabin Grade Is Right for You?

Cabin choice shapes the whole holiday — the amount of natural light, the outdoor space and the overall sense of room on board. Here is how the grades typically stack up on the ships above.

Azura — P&O Cruises

• Larger Inside Cabin OB (15 m², sleeps 2) — exclusively on Riviera Deck, making it straightforward to find your bearings and navigate to ship facilities.
• Sea View Cabin LB (15 m², sleeps 2) — natural light and an unobstructed sea view; everything an inside cabin offers, plus an outlook onto the water.
• Superior Deluxe Balcony Cabin DA (29 m², sleeps 2) — a private balcony for sea air and open views that inside and sea-view cabins cannot offer.
• Penthouse Suite A1 (69 m², sleeps 2) — the largest suite on board, with a full separate lounge area and significantly more living space than standard suites.

Queen Elizabeth — Cunard

• Britannia Inside cabin Deluxe GB (19.2 m², sleeps 2) — around 5 m² more spacious than standard inside cabins on the same ship.
• Britannia Ocean-view cabin EB (18.3 m², sleeps 2) — natural daylight and sea views through the cabin window, which inside cabins do not have.
• Britannia Club Balcony cabin A1 (24 m², sleeps 2) — a private balcony with sea views and fresh sea air, not available to Britannia inside or ocean-view guests.
• Queens Grill Grand Suite Q1 (127.7 m², sleeps 2) — an exceptionally large suite with a private balcony of approximately 90 m², offering considerably more outdoor space than all other Queens Grill suites.

Seabourn Ovation — Seabourn

• Grand Wintergarden Suite GR (approximately 115–120 m², sleeps up to 4) — nearly twice the size of Owner’s Suites, with a separate bedroom, generous living area, full kitchen, bar and a private hot tub.

What Do the Fare Tiers Include?

Fare naming varies by cruise line, but the difference between tiers is usually about what is bundled in versus what you pay for separately on board.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers several fare types. The standard Cruise Fare covers the sailing itself, with an Early Booking Bonus available on eligible departures. A Last-Minute Fare offers discounted pricing on select sailings. There are also promotional fare types such as reduced pricing for third and fourth guests — check current availability when you enquire, as these offers change regularly. A Solo Fare is available for single occupancy of a stateroom.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises uses a tiered structure. The Standard fare covers the cruise itself, with drinks, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation available to add separately. The Princess Plus package bundles 4 casual dining meals per voyage, beverages up to $15 each (with a daily limit of 15), MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi, pre-paid crew appreciation, unlimited digital photographs plus 3 prints, and reserved theatre seating — useful if you would rather know the cost upfront than tally up extras on board.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises from Southampton offers 3 main fare tiers. The best-rate fare covers the sailing and onboard activities, letting you add extras yourself. The best-value fare bundles a classic drinks package with basic Wi-Fi. The Retreat tier — for suite guests — includes premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, exclusive lounge and sundeck access, private dining and dedicated personal service.

Where Can I Sail From?

Southampton is the largest UK embarkation point and one of the most-used ports across the whole programme. Cruises from Southampton cover everything from short British Isles breaks to transatlantic crossings and extended world voyages — and if you need somewhere to stay the night before, our team can add a hotel and a transfer as part of the same booking. 2027 sailings from Southampton are already on sale if you are planning ahead.

For sailings in Florida, the main embarkation ports are Miami and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) — roughly half an hour apart, so it is worth checking dates and prices at both. From California, Los Angeles serves as a gateway for Pacific itineraries. In Asia, Singapore and Hong Kong are the main joining points for Southeast Asia sailings.

If you prefer sailing from the UK without an airport, UK departure sailings are available from Southampton and other British ports — no flight needed at either end.

Last-Minute and Budget Cruises

If your dates are flexible, last-minute cruises can offer strong value — lines release unsold cabins closer to departure at reduced fares. Alternatively, cruises under £599 pp* are worth browsing if you have a firm budget in mind. For something shorter, 3-night mini cruises from Southampton give you the experience of being at sea without committing to a full fortnight — and last-minute mini cruises are available if you want to go soon.

Did Cruise1st Appear on TV?

Yes — Cruise1st has featured on television, which is how many customers first discovered us. If you searched for “Cruise1st TV” or “Cruise First TV”, you are in the right place. We are the same UK cruise specialist you saw on screen: one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, with expert advisers available on the phone and thousands of sailings on sale at any time. Our Cruise1st Packages — combining a cruise with flights, hotels and transfers in one booking — are a particular focus, and are worth asking about when you call.

How Does Cruise1st Help You Book?

As one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, we do more than search a list of sailings. Our team offers expert advice — real cruise specialists on the phone who can help you compare cabin grades, understand what each fare tier actually covers, and work out which itinerary fits your travel style and budget. You can book a cruise on its own, or let us build a complete Cruise1st Package around it: flights, hotels, transfers, tours and insurance, all on one booking.

For sailings from Southampton and other UK ports, there is often no flight needed at all — you can arrive by train or car and be on board the same day. For fly-cruise itineraries in Southeast Asia, Florida, the Mediterranean or further afield, we arrange the outbound and return flights, any pre- or post-cruise hotels and all the transfers, so nothing is left for you to piece together yourself.

Cruise1st is ABTA and ATOL protected, and rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot from more than 7,000 reviews. World cruises from Southampton are also available if you are ready to plan something bigger — and our team can help you work out whether a full world voyage or a longer sector sailing suits you better.

For a shorter trip to get started, Caribbean 2027 cruises with New York stays or cruises calling at New York from Southampton are two popular combinations that our packages handle particularly well — flights, hotel nights and transfers included.

*Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, and are subject to change. This price is not kept up to date and therefore does not reflect live pricing and availability. Prices and any discounts shown were checked on 14 October 2026.