While Southampton is the UK's most well-known cruise port, several other ports offer exciting embarkation points for a variety of cruise adventures. Let’s explore London, Dover, Portsmouth, and Liverpool, highlighting the cruise lines that sail from these ports, their destinations, and what you can expect to pay.
London (Tilbury, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich)
Tilbury
Tilbury, located just outside London, is a convenient departure point for those looking to explore the world without the hustle of larger ports. It's easily accessible from the capital and offers a unique blend of modern amenities and historical charm.
Cruise Lines and Destinations from Tilbury
Ambassador Cruise Line: This new British cruise line offers no-fly cruises to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean, providing a traditional cruise experience with a modern twist. Prices range from £700-£1,800 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Viking Ocean Cruises: Known for their luxurious and culturally immersive cruises, Viking offers itineraries that cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even transatlantic crossings. Typically more expensive, expect to pay between £2,000-£4,000 per person for a similar duration.
Tower Bridge and Greenwich
Sailing from the heart of London, Tower Bridge and Greenwich provide unique and picturesque departure points with stunning views of the city's skyline and historic landmarks.
Cruise Lines and Destinations from Tower Bridge and Greenwich
Oceania Cruises: Offers upscale, destination-focused itineraries to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, with an emphasis on gourmet dining and enriching experiences. Prices range from £2,000-£4,000 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Viking Cruises: Viking's departures from Greenwich provide luxurious cruises to destinations including Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring culturally immersive experiences. Prices typically range from £2,500-£5,000 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Dover
Dover is famous for its iconic white cliffs and historic castle. The port is well-equipped and offers smooth embarkation processes, making it a popular choice for cruises heading to various destinations.
Cruise Lines and Destinations
Holland America Line: Offering a blend of classic elegance and modern amenities, their cruises from Dover head to Northern Europe, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Expect to pay between £1,000-£2,500 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Princess Cruises: Known for their relaxed and refined atmosphere, Princess Cruises offers an epic world cruise from Dover, covering multiple continents and diverse cultures. The world cruise typically costs from £15,000-£30,000 per person for the full duration, which often spans several months.
Carnival Cruise Line: Known for their fun-filled cruises, Carnival offers itineraries to Northern Europe and the British Isles from Dover, perfect for families and young travellers. Prices range from £800-£1,800 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, with its rich maritime history, offers a charming and less crowded alternative to Southampton. The port is conveniently located and offers a range of amenities to ensure a smooth start to your cruise, including direct rail links to London.
Cruise Lines and Destinations
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Known for their traditional and intimate cruising experience, Fred. Olsen offers cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. Prices range from £900-£1,700 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Virgin Voyages: Offering a fresh and innovative approach to cruising, targeting a younger and more adventurous demographic. Their ships are adult-only and feature a variety of trendy dining options, entertainment, and wellness activities, with destinations including Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Prices generally range from £1,000-£2,500 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Liverpool
Liverpool, with its vibrant cultural scene and maritime history, is a fantastic port for cruise departures. The city itself offers plenty to explore before or after your cruise, from The Beatles' history to stunning architecture.
Cruise Lines and Destinations
Ambassador Cruise Line: This new British cruise line offers no-fly cruises from Liverpool to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Prices range from £700-£1,800 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Known for their traditional and intimate cruising experience, Fred. Olsen offers cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Northern Europe from Liverpool. Prices range from £900-£1,700 per person for a 7-night cruise.
So long Southampton?
While Southampton remains the UK's premier cruise port, these alternative ports offer diverse and exciting options for your next cruise adventure. Whether you're looking for the convenience of Tilbury, the historic charm of Dover, the maritime legacy of Portsmouth, the vibrant culture of Liverpool, or the unique experiences sailing from Tower Bridge and Greenwich, there's a perfect cruise waiting for you. With a variety of cruise lines and destinations to choose from, these ports provide excellent alternatives for embarking on your next journey. Bon voyage!