Although most people enjoy flying out from their local airport to join their cruise ship in a foreign port, there is a lot to be said about sailing from one of the ports around the UK. If you live close to a Port like Newcastle you can enjoy the start of your cruise just moments from home. This option is also ideal if you don't like flying or have mobility needs.
Ports such as Southampton, Newcastle and Liverpool are easily reached by road, rail and by air. Many of the cruise companies have even negotiated special airfares including transfers from domestic airports around the UK to the ports.
If you choose to drive to the port, you can park in one of the secure car parks, often at a reduced rate, or on selected UK departing cruises the parking may be complimentary. This leaves you safe in the knowledge that your car will be waiting for you when you disembark at the end of your cruise. Some hotels at the main ports even offer parking for the duration of your cruise in the cost of your overnight stay. Hays Travel can book your car parking and hotel accommodation at your chosen port - for further information call 0800 408 4229.
If you don't want to do the driving, there are also selected coach companies who provide links from a choice of towns around the UK to the port of your choice for a selection of cruises. The advantage of this is that you don't need to handle your luggage from when it is loaded onto the coach to when it arrives in your stateroom aboard ship later that day.
Another benefit of sailing from the UK is that there is often no restriction on how much luggage you can take with you, the only restriction being the weight in each case for handling purposes - and of course the amount of luggage you can fit in your stateroom!
There are also many short-break cruises from/to the UK for 2 to 5 nights. These are ideal for first time cruisers to sample life on board ship, or they can make an ideal option for celebrating a special occasion with family and friends.
Sailing from the UK still provides you with a wide range of destinations and cruise ship options, from small, intimate ships to superliners. You can sail round-trip to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Europe, Baltics, Norwegian Fjords, the Canary Islands as well as transatlantic to the USA and Canada and even the Caribbean. Round Britain cruises are also very popular, especially with international guests, but they are also an interesting way to explore your own island and its neighbouring isles whilst enjoying the facilities on offer aboard a luxury liner.
Several of the larger cruise lines now base a selection of cruise ships year round at popular UK ports such as Southampton, Dover and Harwich. But you may also be able to set sail from a port closer to your home, including Cardiff, Edinburgh, Fairlie, Falmouth, Greenock, Hull, Invergordon, Inverness, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Oban, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rosyth and Tilbury.
Sailing from a UK port is no different to sailing from a foreign port. Whether you travel by road, rail or air, you should plan to arrive at the terminal building at the port in plenty of time before the set-sail time, but usually no earlier than mid-day. This will give you the chance to relax and unwind with a drink in the terminal building and to get in the holiday mood amongst your fellow passengers before you go through the check-in process to board your ship. Southampton and other larger ports have plenty of amenities such as shopping centres, bars and restaurants if you decide to arrive earlier in the day. You could also choose to stay in the port for a night or two before your cruise, with some of the hotels arranging complimentary transfers down to the terminal buildings in time for check-in.
Information on the check-in procedures and requirements for your specific cruise can be found in your cruise travel documents or on the cruise line's website.
