The best no-fly cruises to book now

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Cunard’s Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards departs from Southampton

What could be easier than stepping onto a ship in the UK and being whisked away to somewhere fabulous without having to tackle airport hassles, car ferries or packed Europe-bound trains?

No-fly cruises let you start your holiday from the moment you board your cruise ship. And with more ports opening up around the UK, beginning your trip closer to home is easier than ever.

While Southampton offers the most departures, passengers can also embark from Edinburgh (Rosyth and Leith), Glasgow (Greenock), Belfast and a whole host of ports around England, including Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Tilbury and Bristol.

All you need to do is unpack – once – and settle in for a sea day while your ship transports you to your first stop. Here’s my pick of the best cruises departing from UK ports next year.

Find by cruise type:

  • Best for a cruise taster
  • Best for solo travellers
  • Best for good value

Best for fjord scenery

Mountains and Fjords of Norway

Fred Olsen

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

The Spey and Avon restaurants offer great views out onto the Norwegian fjords

Key stops: Olden, Åndalsnes, Ålesund

Departure port: Newcastle 

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: Balmoral

Departing from the Port of Tyne in Newcastle, this cruise is a great choice for cruise fans who don’t fancy schlepping south to Southampton for a no-fly cruise.

Fred Olsen’s Norwegian fjords itinerary showcases some of the region’s most impressive sights, including Sognefjord – known as the “king of the fjords” – and the striking Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, which was completely rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1904.

Your ship, Balmoral, caters mainly to British cruisers and offers a traditional cruising experience for active seniors. One of my favourite things about visiting the Norwegian fjords is that you can look forward to a spectacular new vista every day. Take in the views from Balmoral’s wide open decks or the Spey and Avon restaurants with their floor-to-ceiling windows.

During the voyage, the ship visits Olden – a great access point for a number of attractions, including the Flam railway and the Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars. For more intrepid cruisers, Fred Olsen’s fantastic excursion to the Briksdal Glacier involves a scenic hiking trail through rugged landscapes before rewarding you with breathtaking vistas of glistening glaciers.

Insider tip

Skip the £13 per person afternoon tea in Balmoral’s Observation Lounge and head instead to the Thistle Restaurant. Here, a full selection of fresh sandwiches and scones is served at no extra cost.

How to do it

A seven-night Mountains and Fjords of Norway cruise departing April 16, 2026, round-trip from Newcastle costs from £1,499pp for an ocean cabin. Includes selected drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities, and guided ‘social strolls’ ashore in certain destinations.

Best for a cruise taster

Weekend Escape to Amsterdam

Ambassador

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Ambassador’s Ambition ship was refurbished in 2023 - Riccardo Sai

Key stops: Amsterdam

Departure port: Newcastle

Duration: Four nights

Ship: Ambition

A flight will get you to the capital of the Netherlands in less than an hour, but for total relaxation and a cruising alternative that’s kind to the wallet, slide on board at the port of Newcastle and relax into the journey.

Ambition docks for two nights in Amsterdam, affording ample time to take in the city’s network of canals and cultural highlights such as the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national gallery and Anne Frank’s House. In 2025, the so-called “Venice of the North” celebrates its 750th birthday – a great excuse to try jenever (Dutch gin) and a crispy caramel stroopwafel biscuit.

Ambassador attracts a more mature crowd, making this a gentle introduction for older people trying cruising for the first time. It’s fantastic value and the ship, refurbished in 2023, offers plenty to enjoy on sea days – from sunbathing on the upgraded lido deck to games in the new Aces & Eights bridge and card room. For dining, try the Indian fusion menu at speciality restaurant, Saffron, which has been transformed from a rather uninspiring steakhouse.

Insider tip

Travelling alone, or with a friend? Ambition has 78 sole occupancy cabins – including Suite Singles on deck 10 – and most can be converted into twin rooms.

How to do it

A four-night Weekend Escape from Newcastle departing August 22, 2026, costs from £429pp twin-share in an ocean-view cabin. Excludes drinks and tips.

Best for sea days

Arctic Circle Crossing

Holland America Line

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Departing from Dover, this cruise makes a stop in the Arctic Capital, Tromso - Dan Fellner

Key stops: Rotterdam, Trondheim, Tromso and Aberdeen

Departure port: Dover

Duration: 14 nights

Ship: Nieuw Statendam

Departing from Dover, this Arctic Circle itinerary from Holland America Line (HAL) begins with a stop in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam, where you can visit the mirrored, bowl-shaped Depot building – the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility.

Then it’s on to the stunning Norwegian fjords, all the way up to Lofoten, where the dramatic scenery and attractive wooden homes look like something from Tolkien’s sketch book. There’s nothing quite like sipping a gin and tonic as you take in the wraparound ocean views from the ship’s Tamarind Bar and, whatever the weather, the combination of picture-perfect fjord scenery and Nieuw Statendam’s numerous observation decks goes hand in hand.

This itinerary includes four sea days, which is where Nieuw Statendam comes into its own. Although the ship carries 2,692 passengers, it’s easy to find somewhere to relax. Take advantage of complimentary beginner lessons at the pickle-ball court and try the new library on the second floor. I love a sea day, and I’ll always clock up a few laps on the ship’s jogging track. With the “Cake Me Away” event happening on the last sea day of every cruise, it’s a guaranteed way to work up an appetite.

Insider tip

HAL’s team of on-board experts lead complimentary lectures and presentations about the Arctic environment, wildlife and indigenous cultures and worth attending.

How to do it

A 14-night Dover to Aberdeen Arctic Circle Crossing departing May 15, 2026, costs from £2,699pp for an ocean view cabin. Excludes Wi-Fi (three different packages are available to purchase).

Best for solo travellers

Canaries and Carnivals

Saga Cruises

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Saga’s inclusions are generous and the line has won multiple awards for its solo sailing

Key stops: Cadiz, Madeira, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Madeira 

Departure port: Portsmouth

Duration: 16 nights

Ship: Spirit of Discovery

Saga sails from Southampton, Dover and Portsmouth and this cruise from the latter coincides with two colourful carnivals – one in Madeira and another in Tenerife.

The Carnival of Madeira, held 40 days before Easter, will be in full swing when the ship arrives for its overnight stay in Funchal, so pack colourful clothes and follow the parade. Elsewhere, Tenerife’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) festival is said to match Rio’s Carnival in size, though the silent processions and a performance of the Passion Play make this event a more sober affair.

Other highlights on this itinerary include the Andalusian city of Cadiz, whose skyline is dotted with 17th-century watchtowers, and La Palma, the lushest and greenest of the Canary Islands.

With generous accommodation for solo cruisers (cabins are 85 per cent of the size of a double), solo meet-ups and more, Saga is popular with independent travellers. It’s a more expensive option than other cruises to this destination, but the inclusions are generous and the line has won multiple awards for its solo sailings.

Insider tip

For commanding views, take the cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, in Tenerife. At 3,715m above sea level, it’s the highest point in the islands.

How to do it

A 16-night Canaries and Carnivals cruise departing on February 6, 2026, costs from £9,101pp for a standard single cabin. Includes door-to-door transfers or complimentary car parking, speciality dining, premium drinks, tips and Wi-Fi.

Recommended

The complete guide to cruising the British Isles

Best for luxury

Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik

Silversea

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

With only 220 guests on board, Silver Endeavour feels more like a grand private hotel

Key stops: Orkney and Lerwick, Torshavn, Seydisfjordur and Reykjavik 

Departure port: Edinburgh (via Leith)

Duration: 10 nights

Ship: Silver Endeavour

If you’re looking for spectacular landscapes, this itinerary by Silversea will certainly tick that box. Departing from Leith, the cruise visits Orkney, Shetland and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, before making several unforgettable stops in Iceland.

En route, you’ll get to visit the Isle of May – which lies in the mouth of the Firth of Forth and is home to 40,000 puffin burrows – and Fair Isle (between Orkney and Shetland), known for its traditional knitwear.

Further afield excursions visit Seydisfjordur in east Iceland, where locals created “Rainbow Street”, a popular selfie spot, and the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfalls in the remote Westfjords region.

With just 220 guests on board, Silver Endeavour feels more like a grand private hotel – albeit one that floats. I met several guests who return time and time again for the line’s luxurious touches: the butler service, wide choice of à la carte restaurants, formal nights (two on this cruise) and the “elegant casual” dress code – strictly no jeans and trainers in the evening. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to private balconies in all suites.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the chance to visit Orkney’s Italian Chapel when the ship visits Kirkwall. Its magnificent tromp l’oeil interiors must be seen to be believed.

How to do it

A 10-night Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik voyage departing May 4, 2026, costs from £15,500pp for a silver suite. Includes home pick up, flights, transfers, drinks and shore excursions.

Best for good value

Mediterranean Adventurer

Princess Cruises

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Sky Princess has four pools, eight hot tubs and plenty of sun decks - Mark Katzman

Key stops: Cadiz, Barcelona, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Sardinia

Departure port: Southampton

Duration: 14 nights

Ship: Sky Princess

This whistle-stop itinerary to Spain, France and Italy whisks you from Southampton to European ports with access to the likes of Seville, Provence, Florence and Rome. While the daily coach transfers from the ports can sometimes feel like a bit of a trek, you’ll be able to cover a lot of Europe in just two weeks.

Sky Princess has four pools, eight hot tubs and plenty of sun decks as well as an adults-only retreat, The Sanctuary. Here, for an additional charge, you can enjoy poolside cocktails, afternoon tea and sunbathing cabanas. Food is another highlight, with great coffee in the International Cafe and a good variety of dining options. Great-value speciality restaurants include an Italian trattoria and a sushi restaurant.

The lively onboard vibe and activity-packed days (think interactive games, spa seminars, trivia and more) will appeal to family and friend groups, rather than couples looking for a quiet getaway.

Insider tip

Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass technology includes a wearable medallion that unlocks your cabin as you approach it, helps you locate family and friends on board and even lets you order food.

How to do it

A 14-night Mediterranean Adventurer cruise from Southampton departing March 29, 2027, costs from £2,249pp for a premium ocean-view cabin. Excludes drinks and Wi-Fi.

Best for old-school glamour

Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards

Cunard

Key stops: New York

Departure port: Southampton

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: Queen Mary 2

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

The Britannia Restaurant on board - Cunard

With a week in which to enjoy guest-speaker talks, theatre shows and silver-service afternoon teas, a transatlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a unique way to travel across the pond. This sailing comes with added star quality, as it’s held in partnership with the Olivier Awards and features special shows and one-off events. It even promises to reveal the secrets of putting on a world-class show, making it a treat for dedicated theatregoers.

Cunard’s long history of hosting Hollywood’s royalty is showcased in photo galleries throughout the ship, and QM2’s interiors ooze old-school glamour. The fleet’s flagship is known for its Art Deco styling, sparkling chandeliers and remarkable craftsmanship, from inlaid marquetry tables to Lalique glassware. The sailing is a must for those who like to attend lectures and recitals, get dressed for dinner and sashay down the five-storey staircase to the grand lobby.

Insider tip

Bring your dog or cat on board. The QM2 not only has kennels, but it also offers a personal pet escort and includes a complimentary pet portrait. Clearly, everyone gets treated like royalty.

How to do it

A seven-night Transatlantic crossing departing on May 22, 2026, costs from £1,499pp for a Britannia ocean view cabin. Includes performances and workshops with award-winning stars and creatives, Cunard Insights talks, discussions and Q&As.

Best for a Disney experience

Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton

Disney Cruise Line

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Disney Dream has three swimming pools plus AquaDuck, the 765-foot-long water coaster - Kent Phillips

Key stops: La Coruna

Departure port: Southampton

Duration: Four nights

Ship: Disney Dream

With just one stop on this voyage – La Coruna in Spain – this itinerary offers the chance to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line and all of the finer Disney details that fans adore. With imaginative children’s experiences, plenty of entertainment options, good restaurants and a luxurious adult-only spa, there’s something for every family member.

Disney Dream has three swimming pools (two are adult-only), plus AquaDuck – a 765-foot-long water coaster – and Nemo’s Reef, a splash-and-play area for tiny tots. Head to the beautiful Walt Disney and Buena Vista theatres for the latest Disney and Pixar films. Factor in pirate dress-up parties and princess makeovers in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and who knows? You might sail through the whole voyage without hearing the words every parent dreads: “I’m bored”.

Insider tip

It’s worth splashing out and paying the extra fee (around £45) to dine at the two adults-only restaurants Palo (Italian) and Remy (French).

How to do it

A four-night Spain cruise from Southampton departing August 24, 2026, costs from £4,061 for a family of four sharing an ocean view cabin. Excludes adult-only dining and alcoholic drinks.

About our expert

Nicole Carmichael

Nicole first went on her first cruise in her 40s and has decades of experience travelling. She’s covered a number of cruises to a range of destinations and has written about everything from dating etiquette at sea to the world’s most extravagant cabins. She can often be found chatting to lost tourists across London, trying to convince cruise sceptics to take the plunge.

Find by cruise type:, Best for fjord scenery, Mountains and Fjords of Norway, Fred Olsen, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a cruise taster, Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, Ambassador, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for sea days, Arctic Circle Crossing, Holland America Line, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for solo travellers, Canaries and Carnivals, Saga Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for luxury, Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik, Silversea, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for good value, Mediterranean Adventurer, Princess Cruises, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for old-school glamour, Westbound Transatlantic Crossing: London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, Insider tip, How to do it, Best for a Disney experience, Four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton, Disney Cruise Line, Insider tip, How to do it, About our expert, Nicole Carmichael

Telegraph cruise expert Nicole Carmichael

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

Post Related