no fly cruises august 2023

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10 of the best no-fly cruises

Skip the airport queues with this selection of sailings that leave from ports you can reach by car, coach or train.

L ooking for a holiday to remember but put off by the chaos of the airport? A no-fly cruise could be just the thing for you. These trips let you travel to stunning beaches, amble around medieval towns and see the northern lights without setting foot on a plane. Whether you dream of sunning yourself in the Med, cycling in the Netherlands or visiting Monet’s lily pond, there’s plenty to do even before you look at the activities onboard.

Main photo: Alesund, one of the stops on Silversea’s Norway cruise (Alamy)

1. Iceland via Ireland, from Southampton

There are vast contrasts on this voyage from Southampton on the smart Celebrity Silhouette. One day you’ll be admiring the rolling countryside of Ireland and the next gazing at the vistas, waterfalls and volcanic scenery around Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland . The ship has a gorgeous spa, a lawn on the upper deck for boules, croquet or a picnic, and 12 places to eat — so you can dine somewhere different each night of the trip.

Details Eleven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,183pp, including drinks, tips and wi-fi, departing on August 29, 2023

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2. France, from Bordeaux

Make your own way to elegant Bordeaux for this voyage on Uniworld’s lavish SS Bon Voyage, with parking at the port included. The cruise explores the bucolic wine regions of the Médoc with some interesting diversions, including village tours, a Bordeaux heritage walking tour, the farmers’ market in Libourne and tastings galore, of course. There’s an infinity pool on deck if the summer heat becomes too intense.

Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,999pp, including all drinks, tips and excursions, departing on August 20, 2023. Drive to Bordeaux

• Best small ship cruises

3. Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban

Look out for red deer, eagles, otters and other wildlife on this potter through the starkly beautiful western Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban. Your home is the MV Hjalmar Bjorge, which sleeps just 12. Activities include wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull, with guided excursions provided by Skyefari. From there, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you’ll stop at Tayvallich to see otters or drop anchor in the quiet lochs of Hourn and Nevis.

Details Six nights’ full board from £1,860pp, including activities, departing on October 2, 2023. Take a train to Inverness

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4. The Rhine, from Basel

Drift through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, offering some of Germany ’s most enchanting scenery, on a voyage from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Amadeus Imperial. You’ll have a day in Strasbourg to sample the local classic of an Alsace white with a thin-crust tarte flambée. Other highlights include the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, deep in the gorge; Roman-era Koblenz; and Cochem, guarded by the turreted Reichsburg Castle.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,689pp, including drinks with meals and train travel, departing on June 8, 2023

amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

• Best river cruises in Europe

5. The Netherlands and Belgium, from Amsterdam

Explore the network of waterways that criss-cross the countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium on the sleek riverboat AmaCerto. You’ll see the parade of old windmills that line the canal bank at Kinderdijk, and have days in Amsterdam and Brussels . The ship has a fleet of bicycles for exploring the conveniently flat countryside, which may be a welcome activity after all the beer and chocolate tastings.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £2,961pp, including drinks with meals, and excursions, departing on June 20, 2023

amawaterways.co.uk

• Best cruise lines for solo travellers

6. The Mediterranean, from Tilbury

Follow the sun south as the days begin to shorten in October. This 32-night epic on Ambassador Cruise Line’s comfortable Ambience whisks you from Tilbury to the furthest eastern reaches of the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul , Haifa (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, the jumping-off point for Cairo. Other stops include Athens , Naples , Lisbon and Gibraltar . There is a pub, elegant lounges and an Indian fusion restaurant aboard.

Details Thirty-two nights’ full board from £2,199pp, departing on October 16, 2023

ambassadorcruiseline.com

• This is what it’s really like on a cruise: the myths dispelled

7. The Seine, from Paris

Most cruises on the Seine last a week, but this voyage on the sumptuous Scenic Gem gives you 11 days, including overnights in Rouen and Paris . You’ll see the Somme battlefields and the port of Honfleur, the beauty of which inspired numerous impressionists. Marvel at Monet’s lily pond and take in a classical concert at Château de la Roche-Guyon, a medieval castle carved into an alabaster rock face. Return rail fares from London to Paris are included, too.

Details Ten nights’ all-inclusive from £4,045pp including drinks, tips, activities and rail travel from London, departing on August 7, 2023

scenic.co.uk

8. The Canary Islands, from Southampton

Board the adult-only Aurora in December to soak up some sun before Christmas. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting Madeira , Tenerife , Lanzarote , Vigo and Lisbon . On board there’s masses going on; some of the best venues include Olly Smith’s wine bar, the Glass House, and the sumptuous Oasis spa.

Details Sixteen nights’ full board from £1,299pp, departing on December 1, 2023

• Best things to do in the Canary Islands

9. Scotland, Norway and Iceland, from Southampton

Explore Norway’s fjord-indented coast and Iceland’s rugged terrain in unfettered luxury on the 596-passenger Silver Shadow, a ship where everything from a home pick-up to free-flowing champagne is included. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, with stops in Newcastle and Edinburgh before heading on to Norway and Iceland . Other stops include Bergen, art deco Alesund, whale watching capital Husavilk and Reykjavik .

Details Fourteen nights’ all-inclusive from £7,300pp, including home pick-up, drinks, tips, wi-fi and some excursions, departing on June 21, 2023

silversea.com

• When’s the best time to cruise Norway’s fjords?

10. Mediterranean for the family, from Southampton

Take the kids on Royal Caribbean’s fabulously family-friendly Anthem of the Seas for a Mediterranean adventure which departs during the school holidays. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting destinations including Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia , Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona , Ibiza and Lisbon, each offering the chance for lazy days at the beach, plus museums, galleries and tapas bars galore. On-board thrills include bumper cars, rollerskating and a skydiving simulator.

Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £1,567pp, departing on August 11, 2024

royalcaribbean.com

• Best family-friendly cruise lines • Can I go on a cruise without being vaccinated? • What to pack for a cruise • How to save money on a cruise

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Inspired to book a no-fly cruise? Here are the best options from Imagine Cruising and Princess Cruises .

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No-Fly Sailings

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Unlock hidden secrets across France, Denmark and the United Kingdom. These voyages bring you to Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate, the rolling vineyards of legendary Bordeaux, the Celtic Sea and so much more. Here the seasons are proper, the air fresh and pure and yes, a little bit magical.

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A place of fabled tales where rolling forests give way to chic cities, the Baltic region is a celebration of Nordic culture, castles and cutting-edge design. Discover bustling traditional food markets like Riga Central Market and explore the winding lanes of Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town.

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No Fly Cruises

No fly cruises.

You can choose from a large variety of cruise lines providing no-fly cruise itineraries including world-renowned liners such as MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard & Carnival Cruise Line.

No-fly cruises from the UK go to a huge selection of destinations around the world, everything from  relaxing cruises , Mediterranean cruises including  Greek Island Cruises , and as far-flung as Denmark and  Canada .

NO FLY? NO PROBLEM!

Many people believe that you first need to fly abroad to set off on a luxury cruise or sail to an exotic destination, but thanks to the UK’s convenient location, you can keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Leaving directly from ports around the UK, No Fly Cruises are a popular choice for cruise-goers who prefer their holidays as hassle-free as possible.

Removing the stress that comes with airport queues, flight delays and baggage restrictions are just a few of the advantages of a No Fly Cruise and, thanks to Cruise Nation’s wide selection of great deals on No Fly Cruises from the UK to destinations around the world, you won’t find yourself limited on where you can travel to.

WHY CRUISE NATION?

We offer No Fly cruises from a selection of UK ports, with deals on No Fly Cruises from Southampton or Dover. This allows our customers to travel in comfort to a port near home, before easily embarking on their next cruise holiday.

Cruise Nation’s No Fly Cruise Deals are some of the most competitive on the market, and can see you sailing directly from the UK to sun-soaked destinations including the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Baltics and the Norwegian Fjords.

Don’t let a flight get in the way of your perfect cruise holiday – book one of our great value deals on No Fly Cruises in 2022 or 2023 and find out just how far you can go without setting foot on a plane.

WHY BOOK A NO FLY CRUSIE?

There are a variety of different reasons why some of our customers prefer to book a No Fly Cruise over one that requires air travel. For some, the hassle and stress of airports – from spending hours in departures to being restricted on how much baggage they can bring – takes all of the joy out of travelling, whilst for others, a genuine fear of flying might stop them from booking a cruise with airfare included.

When you choose a No Fly Cruise from Cruise Nation, all you need to do is make your way to your chosen port. You can bring as much luggage as you like, with no restrictions on baggage weight or contents. From the moment you step onboard, your holiday can begin, with no queuing or delays.

NO FLY CRUISE DEALS

We know that our customers each have a different idea of their dream cruise, which is why we have one of the biggest and most competitively priced selections of No Fly Cruises in the market.

Whether you are looking for a cheap, three-day No Fly Cruise to the majestic Norwegian Fjords or you want to book a seven-day last minute, No Fly Cruise to the  sunny Canary Islands , we have a great value deal for every holiday style, vacation length and budget.

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

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2024 Southampton Cruises

When you cruise from southampton, your adventure starts the moment you step on board our ships, giving you even more time to enjoy your holiday. , uk cruises are the perfect option for families. the hassle-free process of arriving at the departure port and boarding your ship are bound to keep you, and your family happy. the perfect start of a family cruise from southampton in 2024., enjoy the convenience of sailing from the uk on a no fly cruise., our ship from southampton, celebrity apex cruises from southampton.

Our revolutionary Edge® series ship, Celebrity Apex®, will be sailing from Southampton for a full season starting May 2024 replacing Celebrity Silhouette. We’ve curated some exciting itineraries that explore northern Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring visits to must-see places such as the Norwegian Fjords, Reykjavik, Arctic Circle, Ibiza, Lisbon, and Madeira. 

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No Fly Cruises from the UK

For UK residents not fond of flying, or those who just don’t fancy traipsing halfway across the world to board their ships, there’s ex-UK cruising. Ex-UK Cruises are cruises that depart from UK shores, otherwise known as no-fly cruises, eliminating airports, queues, luggage restrictions, stressful travel and risks of delays and cancellations. Passengers can get to pretty much all four corners of the world from the UK and its cruise ports, including Portsmouth, Southampton, Dover, Tilbury and Liverpool, with cruise lines offering sailings to the Mediterranean, Baltics, USA and even Caribbean destinations. Ex UK cruising is popular with a whole host of lines like P&O Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and Celebrity Cruises.

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Best ex-uk cruise lines.

Celebrity Cruises is pioneering modern-day, trendy and premium cruising, thanks to the launch of its iconic ship Celebrity Edge, its sister ship Celebrity Apex and the on-going renovation of its fleet to bring it up to the standard of its Edge-class vessels. The good news is that Celebrity Cruises offers sailings from Southampton, which take passengers all around Europe. Sailing with Celebrity from Southampton travellers can visit the dramatic Norwegian fjords, magical Northern European cities like St Petersburg and Tallinn and the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean – in destinations like Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Spanish and French Rivieras. Further afield, the cruise line also offers Iceland and Greenland no-fly cruises along with sailings to the Atlantic Canary Islands.

Being a British cruise line, P&O Cruises champions ex-UK cruising with its incredible array of cruises from British shores to destinations all around the world. The cruise line offers ex-UK cruises to Northern Europe, Spain and Portugal, the Norwegian fjords, Canary Islands, Mediterranean and even the Caribbean – as part of a two-week sailing across the Atlantic with a flight home included. You can also stay close to home and sail around the British Isles with P&O Cruises, taking in destinations like Belfast, Edinburgh and Guernsey’s St Peter Port.

As one of the most iconic cruise lines in the world, Cunard has been running ex-UK cruises for 180 years, most famously the iconic transatlantic route. Today, passengers can still sail this timeless and once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, transporting back to the golden age of ocean travel as they board in Southampton for a seven-night voyage to New York. Cunard also offers no-fly UK cruises to around the British Isles, to Northern Europe and the Baltics, Iberia, the Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean and to New England and Canada. Sailings range from just three up to an incredible 104 nights (on its world cruise).

Saga Cruises’ two purpose-built boutique cruise ships are homeported in the UK, exclusively offering sailings from the south coast ports of Southampton and Dover. Both Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure sail to destinations all around the world, allowing its over-50s audience to explore without having to fly. In Europe, ships sail to round the British Isles and Ireland, to the Baltics, Black Sea and Northern Europe – offering experiences like seeing the northern lights. For those in search of warmer climes, Saga also offers ex-UK cruises to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and epic voyages to the Caribbean, USA and South America.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

Being British, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers a fantastic array of ex-UK cruises, operating sailings from across the UK on its fleet of four classic smaller cruise ships. With Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, you can sail from the UK ports of Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth, to destinations like Iceland, the Norwegian fjords, Canary Islands and Madeira, Florida, Hawaii and Caribbean islands like Barbados, St Maarten and St Kitts. The cruise line also offers enticing themed cruises from the UK, such as Christmas cruises and sailings to see the famous tulip fields in the Netherlands.

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn is known for its superlative cruising experience, and the good news is the cruise line offers a handful of UK no-fly cruises, from the ports of Dover and London’s Greenwich. Sailing from Dover, passengers are able to enjoy cruises around the British Isles and Ireland, as well as sailing north to Iceland and the northern Norwegian coastline – home of the northern lights. From Greenwich, travellers can sail an intensive northern lights and North Cape voyage taking in the Norwegian coastline. Longer Seabourn sailings from the UK also sail across the Atlantic to Canada, via Iceland and Greenland.

Known for traditional, family-friendly cruising and its fleet of fully-equipped mega-ships, Princess Cruises also offers a host of sailings from UK ports. From Southampton, passengers can sail to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, Norway and Iceland and transatlantic voyages to the USA, Canada and New England. Princess Cruises also offers immersive sailings around the British Isles and Ireland, with cruise line’s stylish new ship Enchanted Princess operating most 2021 British Isles itineraries.

Ex-UK cruise destinations

From the UK it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the shores of Northern Europe, with cruises able to reach the continent in a day. Northern Europe offers a host of popular cruise destinations, from the northern shores of France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium (home to world-class cities like Berlin, Amsterdam and Antwerp), to Scandinavia and the Baltics, home to the floating city of Stockholm, fairy-tale Tallin, Vilnius and Riga and trendy Helsinki and Copenhagen. Russia and Iceland are also easily reachable by cruise ship from the UK.

The Mediterranean

There are few cruise destinations as impressive as the Mediterranean, a stretching sun-soaked region home to some of the most beautiful and acclaimed destinations in the world. From the UK, it’s just a short cruise to the shores of the Mediterranean, where cruisers can experience Spain – and its cities like Malaga, Barcelona and Seville – and the timeless French Cote d’Azur – home to Nice, St Tropez, Cannes and the principality of Monaco. Further afield, cruisers can live La Dolce Vita in Italy, and explore islands like the Balearics, Sicily and the idyllic outcrops of Greece.

The Caribbean

A cruise is all about relaxing, unique and watching the waves slowly crash by, and that’s exactly what happens on a Caribbean cruise from the UK. The Caribbean is a surprisingly popular destination for ex-UK cruises, and can be reached from the UK in as little as 14 days – often stopping at destinations like the Canary Islands and Madeira along the way. Once in the Caribbean, it’s all white sand beaches, gin-clear ocean, colourful cruise ports, palm trees swinging in the warm spice-scented breeze and brilliantly clear oceans. Popular Caribbean cruise ports from the UK include Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and St Maarten.

The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands archipelago is known for its eternal sunshine, volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, distinctly unique culture and holiday favourites like Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Its location in the Atlantic, just off the coast of Africa, makes it an extremely popular no-fly cruise destination from the UK, in its own right and part of transatlantic voyages to the USA and Caribbean. Travellers come to the Canary Islands for pleasing year-round temperatures, to sunbathe on lunar-like landscapes, hike up mountains and dine on Spanish cuisine.

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Best ex-UK cruising experiences

See the northern lights and midnight sun.

From the UK, travellers are able to cruise north to the icy wilds of Greenland, Iceland and the Norwegian coastline, all north of or fringing the Arctic Circle. One of the highlights of cruising to these destinations is the chance to see the famous aurelias borealis, or northern lights, where the dark skies come alive with colourful dancing formations. The northern lights are best viewed when the skies are at their darkest, from September through to March, but come in summer and you’ll get to see another natural phenomenal – the midnight sun where the sun never truly sets.

Sail the iconic transatlantic voyage

The iconic transatlantic voyage between the UK and USA was pioneered by Cunard in 1840, sailing between Liverpool and Boston and later Southampton and New York. The route evokes a feeling of nostalgia, made famous by the Queen Mary 2 and infamous by the ill-fated RMS Titanic. The most glamorous and memorable way to complete the famous crossing is to this day on one of Cunard’s traditional and luxurious ocean liners, complete with black-tie dinners, daily afternoon tea and modern touches like yoga classes and visits to the planetarium.

See Iceland’s volcanic landscape

From the UK it’s easy to cruise to the volcanic and geologically active shores of Iceland, one of the most beautiful, forward-thinking and peaceful countries in the world. Once in Iceland, you can visit its geothermal Blue Lagoon – now a major tourist attraction and wellness centre – and wander its landscape of thermal spring and geysers. Make sure to do the Golden Circle and visit the quirky and surprisingly cosmopolitan capital Reykjavík.

Visiting the world’s first at-sea gin distillery

Visiting the world’s first at-sea gin distillery is just one of the things you can do on an ex-UK cruise, with, depending on how far your destination is, a good few sea days on board the ship. P&O Cruises new ship Iona sails to the Norwegian fjords and Canary Islands from the UK and has an incredible of facilities on board, like a vast SkyDome, Oasis Spa and on-board gin distillery. Other highlights on board vessels which sail from the UK include a levitating platform on Celebrity Apex and planetarium on Queen Mary 2.

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JMG No-Fly Cruise Returns in 2023

No-Fly cruising is back for 2023 JMG Cruise in collaboration with new partner, Ambassador Cruise Line. The cruise line’s second ship, Ambition, will set sail on an inaugural season starting 4th March 2023 with departures from Belfast.

As part of the offering, regional coach transfers to and from the ship are included from most parts of Ireland.

2023 Schedule

• 6th July 2023 – 11 nights – Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire
• 17th July 2023 – 7 nights – River Seine Experience
• 24th July 2023 – 14 nights – Arctic Voyage to the North Cape
• 7th August 2023 – 13 nights – British Isles & Seine Discovery
• 20th August 2023 – 13 nights – Spain, Portugal & Morocco
• 2nd September 2023 – 3 nights – Summer Music Cruise
• ambassador cruise line
• No Fly Cruise

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Saga Cruises launches 2023 ocean cruise itineraries

by Danielle | Apr 5, 2022 | No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises has today officially launched its 2023 ocean cruise itineraries with a host of new destinations, ports and experiences for guests currently  all with up to 35% off  the full fare price for early bookers (prices below reflect the discount).

Travellers can experience a 78-night South American cruise and Saga’s boutique ships will also be visiting some special and unusual destinations including  Montserrat, St Barts, Grytviken, Antalya, Limassol, the Scilly Isles and Bordeaux. New ports for the cruise line also include  Rovinj, on the Croatian cruise itinerary and  Nordfjordeid, on the Norwegian cruise schedules.  

Ocean cruise highlights:

Saga’s 2023 ocean cruising will kick off in style with a 78-night South American itinerary departing from Portsmouth on  Spirit of Adventure  on January 12. The epic  South American Explorer   cruise will travel  around the vast coastline calling at destinations such as Devil’s Island in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Colombia, the Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and the Panama Canal transit. Prices start from £17,663 per person.

With many people now booking their once in a lifetime holiday, the  Autumn Colours of New England  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing September 26, 2023 for 28-nights is the perfect way to see the stunning coastline from the East Coast of the  USA  and  Canada  to Newfoundland. Particular sights include arriving into New York’s port, passing the Statue of Liberty and cruising along the Hudson, the autumn display in Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor and the story-book fishing village of Peggy’s Cove in Halifax. Newport, which is considered to be the sailing capital of, is also known for its Gilded Age mansions including the famous, ‘The Breakers’, an 1895 mansion that looks like a Renaissance palace. Prices start from £8,073 per person.

For those looking to head to the warmer parts of the Americas, there is a 30-night  Springtime in the Caribbean  cruise departing Portsmouth on March 5, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £6,712 per person, which includes a stop for the  first time  since 2017 in  Montseratt , an island of dramatic natural scenery, dominated by the Soufrière Hills volcano and home to wonderful nature and amazing hikes. There is also an  Island hopping in the Caribbean  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing November 7, 2023 for 30 nights from £6,515 per person.

Closer to home but still chasing the warmth, options include the  Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean  cruise departing March 31 for 22-nights on  Spirit of Adventure  (also repeated on  Spirit of Discovery  on September 4). This cruise returns to  Antalya, Limassol  and  Rhodes , along with visits to Malaga, Valletta, Heraklion, Palermo, Cagliari and Lisbon. Highlights on the stop in Limassol include a visit to UNESCO listed Paphos, home of the colourful Dionysus mosaics, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities, a pretty harbour guarded by a small castle and the underground Tombs of the Kings. In Rhodes, the tour takes in the Filerimos Monastery and Grand Masters’ Palace, the Church of our Lady, built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century and a tour on foot to the 14th century medieval Palace of the Grand Masters. Prices start from £5,168 per person.

Travellers can explore the  Croatian  coast on Saga’s  Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic  cruise departing Portsmouth on April 9, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  and on October 9, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure . This  new  22-night cruise travels from Dubrovnik along the Dalmatian coast to the Istrian Peninsular. Every port is steeped in history and a stone’s throw from UNESCO heritage sites for guests to visit. It also stops at  Rovinj  – a  new port  for Saga –  one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports that  faces Venice across the Adriatic and where guests will be dropped by tender into the heart of the town. Prices start from £4,995 per person.

Guests looking to test a  short cruise  or those interested in sailing the waters of the British Isles   can select from: a five-night  Capitals of the Emerald Isle  itinerary departing on April 4 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £1,155 per person;  Western Maritime Ports  on  Spirit of Discovery  departing May 1, 2023 for five nights from £1,109 per person;  Hidden Gems of the British Isles  on  Spirit of Adventure , a ten-night cruise departing May 26, 2023 and August 11, 2023, with prices from £2,198 per person; or a  Late Summer Escape  on  Spirit of Adventure  departing September 11, 2023 for six nights with prices from £1,330 per person.

There are also a range of  short  seven-night cruises of the Fjords, including:  A Norwegian Trilogy  on  Spirit of Adventure  departing May 7, 2023 from £1,664 per person;  Fjord Explorer  on  Spirit of Discovery  departing on June 22, 2023 from £1,800 per person and;  Norway’s Cities and Fjords  departing on July 21, 2023 aboard  Spirit of Adventure  or July 30, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £1,764 per person. These popular cruises will all call at Flam, for an excursion on its famed railway and Geiranger as well as Nordfjordeid, a new port for Saga, which is nestled at the end of the Eidsfjord. The town has a new Viking museum and exhibition, with a full size replica ship and there’s the option of an excursion to the ports of Loen and Olden.

Across the Norwegian Sea is a  Landscapes of Greenland and Iceland  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing on June 29, 2023 for 17-nights. Both awash with natural wonders, the arrival into  Greenland  is a breath-taking 60-mile passage along the Prinse Christian Sound, with mountains on either side, some of which reach over 7,000 feet. The tours showcase the best of the region and the communities that thrive in this beautiful but inhospitable environment. Departing Tilbury, the cruise takes in Isafjördur, Grundafjördur, Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq, Narsarsua and Nanortalik (Greenland) before calling at Scrabster (Scotland) on the way home. Prices start from £4,900 per person.

Saga’s 18-night  Classical Italy and the Western Mediterranean  cruise departing from Dover on June 4, 2023 adds the beautiful village of Portofino to the itinerary, where  Spirit of Discovery  will anchor alongside superyachts and guests can take a tender to the harbour. The cruise also   takes in Lisbon, Portimão (Portugal), Palma (Majorca), Civitavecchia, Livorno (Italy), Monaco, Cartagena (Spain) and Gibraltar before arriving back to Tilbury.  Prices start from £4,231 per person

There are plenty of options to escape the British winter and head to the warmth of the  Canary Islands , with their volcanoes, rain forests, mountains, cities and fishing ports. A highlight for the year will be Porto da Praia’s return to Saga’s schedule on the  Cape Verde and the Canary Islands  cruise.  Spirit of Adventure  departs from Portsmouth on November 13 for 21 nights taking in Funchal, Santa Cruz, San Sebastian, La Gomera, Porto da Praia, Porto Grande, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, and La Coruña, Spain. Tours to Funchal, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, Cádiz and La Coruña are included. Prices start from £4,650 per person. There are also a further six cruise options to the sub-tropical Canaries between February and Christmas 2023.

And of course, there are a range of  Mediterranean  cruises including three 15-night  Islands of the Western Mediterranean  itineraries departing on April 22 and July 6 on  Spirit of Adventure  with prices from £3,318 per person, and from August 20 on  Spirit of Discovery  with prices from £3,325 per person.  Highlights of Spain and the Balearics  departs on May 6, aboard  Spirit of Discovery  and on September 24, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure  for 15 nights from £3,234 per person.  Lisbon and Spain’s Atlantic Coast  on  Spirit of Adventure  departs on May 14, 2023 for 12 nights with prices from £2,767 per person.

Saga’s Baltic cruises will be uncovering some wonderful ports including smaller destinations such as Kotka in Finland and Wismar on Germany’s coast with its historic UNESCO listed town centre, plus the ever-popular ports of Tallin, Stockholm and Copenhagen. As an example,  Baltic Capitals  is a 14-night cruise that departs on June 5, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure  from Dover, with prices starting from £2,866 per person.

The Saga cruise team have also applied their extensive destination knowledge to develop a range of excursions, both included and optional, that will give guests a real behind-the-scenes insight to the places they are visiting.  Examples include: a  small boat trip from the Greenland cruise into the Qooroq Ice Fjord to see the light-blue icebergs that the area is famous for;   a 4×4 drive to Volunteer Point, home to 1200 King penguins and 500 gentoo and magellanic penguins on the South American cruise ;  a seaplane flight over Bergen on the Norway itinerary and a visit to Mount Etna on the Sicilian cruise.

Saga’s Ocean cruises are all-inclusive with a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service, or Saga can arrange car parking near the port, domestic flights or standard class rail/coach travel.  There are no hidden costs on-board either. Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks. New this year and in response to guest feedback, a selection of premium label spirits are also available at no additional cost. Also complimentary on board are the Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to West End shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance with up to £5m coronavirus cover included.

Both  Spirit of Adventure  and  Spirit of Discovery  are small by today’s ship standards, but clever design and a limit to the number of guests (up to 987) give a real feeling of space and comfort, plus all cabins have their own balconies facing onto the ocean.

Although the ships are very distinctive from one another in décor and style, they both feature five restaurants, bars and a living room. Outdoors there is an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games. Entertainment and wellbeing facilities include The Playhouse (a 444-seat theatre with complete unobstructed views seating, home to Saga Cruise’s resident performance company), the signature Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, The Library with refreshments, craft and card rooms, The Spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and treatment rooms, The Salon, a gym, shop and medical centre.

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Southampton Cruise Centre is the UK’s premier no-flying cruise holiday website for cruises from Southampton. We also feature over 15,000 fly cruises to destinations all over the world! Part of the award winning Travel Village Group , established in 1959, we offer the widest choice of 4, 5 and 6 star cruise holidays in  2024 , 2025 & 2026 .

Our team of UK based cruise specialists are here from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays! We can help plan your next family cruise, solo cruise or world cruise! Browse thousands of adult only options, luxury cruises, mini cruises and more! Whether it’s cruises from Southampton you’re looking for; or a fly cruise to Asia, combined with an escorted tour and hotel, we’ve got all you’ll need. We have relationships with all major cruise lines including P&O Cruises , Princess Cruises , Cunard , MSC Cruises , Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises and many more!

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Cruises from Southampton are the perfect holiday if you don’t want to fly. With no luggage limits and modern cruise terminals, it is easy to see why cruising roundtrip from Southampton is so popular.

Each month of the year offers different destinations including cruises to the Mediterranean , Baltic , Caribbean , Norwegian Fjords , and Canada & North America . If you’re looking to go further afield to the likes of the Far East, Australia, or South America then one of our World Cruises (or just a sector of it) could be just what you’re after. We are experts in late cruise deals, luxury cruises and family cruises.

Call us to find out why Southampton Cruise Centre is fast becoming the UK Cruiser’s first port of call.

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If you’re looking to cruise from Southampton in 2023, 2024 or 2025 then you’ve come to the right place! Scroll/click the calendar below for a list of cruises that month, or speak to a member of our dedicated Southampton Cruise team on 02380 658 386 .

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FinanceBuzz

16 Surprising Reasons Cruises Are Great for Budget Travelers

Posted: August 25, 2023 | Last updated: August 25, 2023

When you really need a vacation but are also trying to keep more money in your bank account , a cruise may be the perfect solution.

Cruises are one of the best options if you're looking for a full vacation package, no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Here are some compelling reasons why cruises can truly be the most fulfilling and affordable vacation experience you can have out there.

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Bargains are easy to find

There are amazing cruises available for travelers on all sorts of budgets, not just for those who do better financially . 

Some cruises even offer all-inclusive packages that come out to around $100 a night per person (or less). 

You’re likely to find great deals any time of year, particularly if you live near a port, so shopping around for bargains is often as simple as a quick search online.

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Multiple destinations without hotel hopping

If you’re planning to hit more than one destination on your vacation, a cruise is a great way to avoid unpacking, re-packing, and lugging a suitcase around from spot to spot.

When you cruise, you’ll unpack your bags just once and be able to enjoy all each destination has to offer without the hassle of hotel hopping. Cruisers also have the benefit of only having to check in and check out once.

Cruise lengths for everyone

From a weekend getaway to a months-long voyage around the world, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the cruise that’s right for your situation and budget. The shorter, budget-friendly option may cost you $200 or less. 

Sure there are other options like a five-month trip around the world that can cost tens of thousands of dollars or even up to nearly $100,000 depending on the cruise line.

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An eclectic array of onboard activities

One of the big sellers with cruise ships is that there really is something for everyone — a big perk if you don’t always see eye-to-eye on itineraries with the group you’re traveling with.

On a cruise, you can spend the day sunbathing by a pool, climb a rock wall, choose from an array of dining options, see a show, hit the gym, then check out a karaoke bar — all in one day and all for one price! 

It’s an all-in-one deal

Cruises are like an all-inclusive vacation to the extreme. Packages often include lodging, unlimited dining access, a drinks package, access to amenities, entertainment, and more.

In addition to taking away the stress of planning all parts of a vacation, the all-inclusive nature of cruises often makes them a much cheaper option than the standard vacation.

There are cruises all over the world

As long as you are OK with traveling to the port, you can embark on cruises that travel all over the world — and this isn’t limited to the super pricey voyages around the world either.

Whether you are looking to dock at a few Caribbean islands, explore the Mediterranean, or cruise around the Maldives and Sri Lanka, you can find a package that meets your needs.

Pro Tip: If you have to fly to the port your cruise sails from, you can earn travel rewards from your trip with the right travel credit cards.

It can be romantic

Many people choose to honeymoon aboard cruises — and some even choose to get married on them. The sun, salty air, and dark, quiet nights at sea can create a delightfully romantic setting for couples.

Plus, there’s no pressure to find a top restaurant to impress your sweetie since there will be plenty to choose from on board.

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It’s also great for families

Cruises can be great for traveling with the whole family. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages — from pools and basketball courts to arcades and kid-friendly shows and restaurants

There’s such an eclectic array of activities, that parents whose children are old enough to hang out alone for a while may be able to sneak away for a romantic dinner or walk on the beach.

Socializing is easy

On a cruise, you’re all in it together so it’s easy to socialize and make friends to meet up with later in the trip or even at one of the bars on board for a nightcap.

Many cruises also organize events for people looking for friends, or even dates, to link up on board.

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Plenty of space to relax

Because all the basics of your vacation are taken care of on a cruise, it leaves a lot of time to simply kick back and relax.

Plus, on most cruises, there are plenty of amenities to help you find your zen no matter how you like to kick back — from hot tubs and spas to poolside bars and lounges.

Lots of entertainment

When you visit a new city, navigating shows and entertainment options can be a huge hassle, but on a cruise, it’s all taken care of for you. Many ships have live bands, theaters, comedians, dancers, and the like. Entertainment options really run the gamut.

Most cruises typically also have entertainment options just for kids so parents never have to worry about the little ones getting bored.

Spa services are often available

For an extra fee, those looking to indulge in a little me time can often schedule as many spa services as they’d like — from facials to full-body massages and even mani-pedis.

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Healthy dining options and gyms

An all-you-can-eat buffet may not sound like the ideal situation for the health-conscious, but modern cruises have plenty of healthy eating options, as well as full health clubs on board.

Royal Caribbean, for example, offers workout classes and a full gym for those who want to keep up their routines while out at sea.

Budget options are available

There’s a cruise available for every budget — and travelers can choose to skip out or add as much as they want based on how much they’d like to spend.

Those shooting for a cheaper trip can opt out of extra services like a drinks package or spa privileges and can even request a cheaper cabin (one without a balcony, for example).

Convenience, convenience, convenience

Many people love cruises for the same reasons they love all-inclusive resorts. The bonus of boarding a ship, however, is that you don’t have to stay in one place.

You get all the convenience of an all-inclusive — entertainment, amenities on board, food, and nightlife.

But you also have the advantage of traveling to a new destination or several different destinations.

Great restaurants and bars

Finding a great place to eat or a nice bar to grab a few drinks can be stressful on vacation — particularly if you’ve never visited the destination before.

A cruise takes all the guesswork out of drinking and dining plans, not to mention you eliminate some money stress  when deciding what to get based on prices. 

Once it's all included, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is if you want to hit the buffet or make it a steak house night.

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Bottom line

Booking a cruise vacation can be an incredible and financially-savvy option for travelers of all sorts — from large families to young couples to those planning for retirement .

Many solo travelers enjoy the convenience and endless entertainment options on cruises as well.

Before you book, consider how much money and time you want to spend on a cruise. Going in with intentions will make the (already easy) booking process that much simpler.

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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