The Voice of the Cruise Industry
British Isles
MENU menu

ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE

British Isles

Sailing closer to home need not mean a diminished quality of cruise, with numerous exciting ports of call and fun-filled excursions on offer.

arrow_outwardAbout

Despite their relatively small size a cruise around the British Isles provides a wealth of experiences. Scenic coastlines are punctuated by gateways ports, such as London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh lead to vibrant cities, magnificent castles, stately homes and sweeping landscapes.

arrow_outwardPre and post cruise ideas

Winchester Cathederal Interior

Winchester

England’s ancient and captivating capital is situated 20km outside Southampton. Winchester Great Hall, the first and finest of all 13th-century halls and the only remaining part of Winchester Castle, is home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology King Arthur’s round table.

Canterbury cathedral

Canterbury

Half an hour from Dover, Canterbury is famous for its cathedral, which was England’s greatest pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Today it combines Gothic and Romanesque architecture with a striking modern sculpture. Visitors can take in a different view of the city on a leisurely river trip.

Newcastle

This buzzing port city is well worth a stay. United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single and diverse visitor destination. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is the largest contemporary art institution of its kind in the world.

Dover Castle

Don't miss this excursion

Dover’s vast castle is the largest in England and has played an important part in the country’s history of defence. Boasting a history going back to Roman times, it was rebuilt by Henry II, with additions by Henry VIII, and in more recent times housed secret wartime tunnels and an underground hospital.

arrow_outwardSelling Tips

Closer to home

Cruise lines are upping the ante when it comes to cruising closer to home, with more sailings and a range of experiences

Peace of mind

Saga and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offer ships geared to British tastes, giving clients peace of mind and a true home away from home

Stress free travel

Stress-free travel with no airport queues and unlimited baggage allowance

arrow_outwardRelated News

Celestyal has cancelled its 2026-27 winter Arabian Gulf season and instead extended its Eastern Mediterranean programme The two-ship line was previously scheduled to operate out of the Middle East over the winter season. Celestyal Discovery will now offer six additional...

Josie Klein

Twenty-two travel agents enjoyed a cookalong with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White during a P&O Cruises ship visit The agents, who all won spots in a competition, were welcomed on board Britannia in Southampton where they took a ship tour...

Josie Klein
Latest Issue

CTN May / June 2026

With the days growing longer and the first real hints of the sun’s rays settling in, there’s a renewed sense of anticipation in the air. Summer is just around the corner, and with it the peak travel season, a time…

Sign In

Lost your password?