Below, we’ve listed the main cruise lines that serve British cruisers and have created a handy table for quick comparison. Whilst most sail from Southampton, a few companies sail from other ports across the UK. There’s a wide range of prices too, from budget to extravagant, so there’s an exciting adventure ready for everyone who wants to set sail.
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Ambassador
Ambassador are a unique cruise line, catering to the UK audience, departing from seven different ports across England, Scotland and Northern Island. Whether you live in Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands, there’s a departure port accessible within a day’s trip, so there’s no need for costly overnight hotels. Ambassador’s cruises have budget prices and offer a traditional, casual experience, primarily for an adult audience.
Azamara
Azamara have a limited number of cruises which sail from Southampton and either take their guests to the Scottish highlands or destinations around Spain and France. Their smaller ships accommodate a relatively low number of guests, making each sailing an intimate and friendly experience for everyone on board. There’s a big focus on immersion in the local culture and food, making an Azamara cruise a truly special holiday experience.
Celebrity
From Southampton, Celebrity Cruises travel to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean, as well as Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Arctic. They also have one-way Transatlantic crossings which stop at some of the ocean’s most beautiful islands. There’s an itinerary for everyone aboard their ships, which have a very inclusive atmosphere and great facilities for families. With a slightly higher price point than the main cruise lines, Celebrity cater to an audience who want stylish interiors and relaxed, yet innovative, dining experiences.
Cunard
Cunard have a wide variety of itineraries from Southampton, including most of the world’s favourite cruise destinations. They also have a choice of world cruises, which typically sail for over a hundred nights, visiting several continents, making them perfect for those wishing for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from the comfort of their own private cabin. This historic British cruise line is known for their excellent service, relaxed environments and plethora of entertainment options, from quizzes, to cooking classes and jazz nights.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney have recently added Southampton to their global departure ports and so it’s now possible to experience the magic of Mickey and Minnie without a flight. They have options to explore some of Europe’s gems, including the Norwegian fjords, Spain and the UK, plus rare transatlantic one-way crossings to Port Canaveral. Disney Cruise Line has an excellent reputation for service and a cruise filled with its unique magic is tremendous fun for everyone, whether it be a family trip or a romantic honeymoon. In fact, whilst their ships have plenty of offerings for the kids, there are also many adult-only areas so everyone has a space to truly relax and enjoy their special holiday.
Fred Olsen
As another popular British company serving their loyal customers, Fred Olsen sail from six different ports in England and Scotland and offer a wide range of itineraries. From world cruises to Mediterranean round trips, plus shorter holidays around Britain or down the Seine, Fred Olsen has an option for everyone. With an average passenger age of 67 (as of 2023), Fred Olsen caters to those looking for intimate ships with a traditional, relaxed, British atmosphere.
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Holland America
One of the world’s original cruise lines, Holland America has a wide variety of itineraries sailing from Dover, in Kent, on the Southern English coast. From here, there are options to sail South to the African coast or head into a month-long voyage into the Arctic Circle. There are also numerous cruises to explore the Norwegian fjords or circumnavigate the UK. This American cruise line has the feel of a relaxed country club and their medium-sized ships have a surprisingly large offering of activities and dining options.
MSC
This Italian cruise line now has regular departures from Southampton. There are a wide range of itineraries from short trips to Northern Europe to Atlantic crossings, with so much in between, including the Canaries and Norwegian fjords. MSC caters to the European market, often having excellent deals for families and couples alike. They offer a wide variety of cabin options and plenty of choices for entertainment and dining.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL have a wide offering of departures from Southampton. Most of the itineraries last between one and two weeks with popular options including Spain and France, as well as the Norwegian fjords and Iceland. They also offer unique holidays around Ireland, east to the Baltics or across the Atlantic to Boston and New York. Most NCL cruises cater for an older audience, with more families coming onboard during the school holidays. They have nine different class of ships which vary in amenities and price, offering something for every budget.
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Oceania
This prestige cruise line offers round trip sailings around the UK and the Spanish mainland. It also has one-way itineraries to ports in the Mediterranean, such as Barcelona and Istanbul, alongside those across the Atlantic to Miami. Oceania pride themselves on their excellent dining options on their small, luxurious ships. The experience is pure luxury away from the ship too, with unique excursion experiences. Back onboard, there are artworks displayed from artists such as Picasso and Miro, plus lectures from distinguished guest speakers.
P&O
One of Britain’s favourite cruise lines has several departures from Southampton during the cruising season. The variety of itineraries is impressive, with a focus on Europe and the Caribbean and also including remarkable one-way trips to Australia or 75-night return trips to South America. P&O are known for being extremely child friendly, with great entertainment, pools and kids clubs. In general, their cruisers are young couples and families looking for an informal, fun adventure.
Princess
Whilst the majority of Princess cruises sail from Southampton, there are a few cruises each year which depart from Dover and sail around the world. From the icebergs of Greenland to the majesty of Easter Island, these itineraries are extremely special and can either be sailed in segments (lasting two to three months) or as a whole epic, long adventure. If you’re looking for something a little more manageable, Princess has several itineraries from Southampton, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. Princess caters to all generations, with excellent facilities for children, couples and retirees alike, with their pools, entertainment options and areas of pure relaxation.
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Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has a limited offering of sailings from Southampton. These primarily focus on the Canaries and Spain, Norway and Northern Europe. Their ships are a spectacle to behold as they enter ports topped with amazing pools and water slides. Their sheer size is a rare sight in the Southampton port and a great opportunity to experience thrills at sea for those lucky enough to get onboard. Royal Caribbean is a fantastic option for families looking for fun and thrills throughout their stay, as well as couples looking to soak up the exciting atmosphere onboard.
Saga
Instead of Southampton, Saga departs from Dover and Portsmouth. Both of these ports are easily accessible from London and the South. The itineraries on offer from Portsmouth include sailings to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, whilst those from Dover sail around Europe, with highlights including trips around the UK, Iceland and Italy. Saga cruises are solely for those aged fifty and over and so have a sophisticated atmosphere onboard. Expect smaller ships with all-inclusive gourmet dining and drinks, a balcony in every stateroom and chauffeur service to and from your departure port.
Seabourn
Seabourn offers a select number of sailings from Dover during the cruising season. These all head North, either circumnavigating the UK, visiting the Norwegian fjords and Iceland, or taking a transatlantic trip to Canada, with stops in Greenland. Seabourn is a luxury brand offering all-suite ships, gourmet dining and a premium selection of complimentary drinks. Their small ships offer exemplary service and introduce guests to wonderful entertainment and guest speakers.
Silversea
Silversea sail directly from Southampton and offer itineraries around the UK, down to Portugal and the Canaries and across the Channel and North sea to Northern Europe. All of Silversea’s ships are small, with a staff to guest ratio near 1:1. Some of the British departures are on their expedition boats, which are able to access remote places, rarely visited by cruisers. Their small boats can anchor near some of Europe’s most fascinating destinations and then smaller vessels will take cruisers into port for a truly unique experience.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages recently added Portsmouth to their list of departure ports and so it’s now possible to head off on their iconic ships straight from the UK during the Summer months. Many of their offerings focus on the UK and Northern Europe, with a few trips also including Spain and Morocco. Virgin is an adult-only cruise line, so there is a mature atmosphere on board, with exciting cuisines, great parties and relaxed cabins, each with their own signature red hammock. Virgin buck the cruising trend in many ways, including their no-buffet policy and their offering of free fitness classes for everyone onboard.
Quick Comparison
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals . Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
