Well, we’re on an island – which means the one thing we do have plenty of, is our wonderful coastline. No wonder, that we boast an array of picturesque cruise ports, too. Each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. As true gateways to unforgettable experiences for cruise passengers, no matter where you live, there is sure to be one near you. Let’s have a look at the most notable ones! There are a lot of smaller ports, too, such as Invergordon, Dundee, Newcastle, Hill, Cardiff, or Bristol. The following ones will have the most traffic, however.
Southampton
As one of Europe’s busiest and the UK’s biggest cruise ports, Southampton holds quite a prominent place in the world of cruising. After all, it is where the Titanic set off from! It’s situated on our south coast and offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as Stonehenge and the historic city of Winchester. Visitors can explore the city’s maritime heritage at the SeaCity Museum or embark on excursions to the nearby New Forest National Park. Naturally, a bunch of great cruises start from Southampton, too; voyages across Europe and beyond.
Dover
Next, we’ve got Dover – nestled in the picturesque country of Kent. It serves as the general gateway to both England and mainland Europe. From here, passengers can usually embark on a lot of journeys to destinations in the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Don’t forget to explore the famous White Cliffs or the Dover Castle while your there, their historic fortress overlooking the English Channel.
Liverpool
Another city with an astonishingly rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene: Liverpool. It’s become an increasingly popular cruise port in recent years. A lot of cruises departing here offer itineraries like the Norwegian fjords, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. Did you know that they city’s waterfront was UNESCO-listed not too long ago? It’s got some fantastic attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock or the Museum of Liverpool.
Edinburgh
For those seeking to explore the stunning landscapes and historic landmarks of Scotland, cruises departing from South Queensferry and Leith, just next to Edinburgh, are an ideal starting point. A lot of ships set off to the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles in general, and the Baltic Sea. Of course, if you’re setting off from here, make sure to give its charming Old Town and iconic castle a visit.
Belfast
Located on the beautiful coast of Northern Ireland, their capital Belfast offers yet another rather large departure point. From here, cruises usually go to destinations such as Iceland, the British Isles, and, again, the Norwegian fjords (if you see a pattern here, that’s because the fjords are just incredibly stunning). Though it didn’t set off from here, the Titanic was built in Belfast, which means there are a lot of incredibly interesting tourist attractions to be found.
But as mentioned, these are just the biggest cruise ports our isles have to offer – there is a diverse array offering a wealth of different options for travellers wanting to embark on a cruise adventure. Just have a snoop – we’re sure you’ll find something that suits you just right.