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Cruise Holidays

New horizons - and waking up to them - fresh vistas every time you pull back those curtains, and relaxing on some of the most exciting ships ever to sail the seven seas. We know what makes a cruise, and know every ship from top to bottom, stem to stern. We know the best ports to call at, and the best ways to combine a cruise trip with the perfect destination whether it's one, two or three! With two-thirds of this big, beautiful world covered in ocean, luxury, adventure, and even water slides aren’t limited to just dry land anymore.

Cruise Types

Whether this is your first cruise trip or your 21st, there’s a lot of open water out there to explore, and a lot of choice when it comes to destinations, resorts and the cruises themselves. We wouldn’t want you to feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning your time sailing the ocean blue, so we’re here to break down our cruise types for you.

Cruise and stay

Cruise & Stay holidays merge everything that rocks about cruise holidays with a fun-filled stay in an extraordinary place. Whether you want a blissful beach break or to stick around to explore a city, you can easily pair it with an epic cruise experience to keep your journey constantly fresh and vibrant. Party, relax and treat yourself onboard before getting up close and personal with a fantastic destination, all in one holiday.

Fly and cruise

Booking a fly and cruise option gets you to your holiday destination quicker than setting sail from a UK port, so you can reach those gorgeous Caribbean islands in a shorter space of time. Or maybe combine a cheeky stay on land (Florida, perhaps?) before hopping on board one of our favourite cruise lines. There's so many options we can help with to make your cruise holiday perfectly tailored to you.

Since we're part of the Virgin family, it's a no brainer we'll fly you with Virgin Atlantic to start your cruise.

Cruise from the UK

Don’t feel like flying? Want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the airport? We’ve got you covered with plenty of departures from ports in the UK, and you’ll still have the world at your fingertips. Sail around Europe for a taster (perfect for those who are new to cruising), or take the scenic route over the ocean as far as the Caribbean for cruise holidays that start as soon as you’re onboard.

Get your Vitamin Sea

Virgin Voyages

Cruise into the Caribbean or head to the Med on a unique Virgin Voyage, where the glamour of a boutique hotel on the ocean is blended with unmistakable Virgin style and service. Sophisticated, adults-only, and offering an unbelievable choice of dining, you'll enjoy a voyage that's unlike any other.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is the only place where you can book the full cruise package – Virgin Atlantic flights, hotels and your Virgin Voyage – all in one place. Find out more about what Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady have in store...

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As well as mainstream cruising, we have a  Luxury Cruise and River cruise team which are here to guide you and help you find your perfect cruise holidays.  Our mission, never to be knowingly beaten on service, value and quality has, over the years, made us stand from the competition as the company other cruise companies aspire to. We have built Cruisedirect.co.uk on our reputation as being able to provide not only outstanding value and quality but also important to many discerning cruise travellers, a service second to none.

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Our huge buying power has allowed us to negotiate some incredible deals which are exclusive to our customers. These deals cover many cruises all over the world with many of the best-known cruise lines. When you book with Cruisedirect.co.uk you can be assured of value for money, low prices and great deals.

We have gained a reputation as a leading name in the UK cruise industry. Innovative and forward thinking, we have built cruisedirect.co.uk on our mission, never to be knowingly beaten on service, value and quality.

Here at Cruise Direct, our cruise specialists are committed to providing you with the highest level of specialist service and value for money. As well as mainstream cruising, we have a River Cruise and a Luxury Cruise team who are here to guide you and help you find your perfect cruise holiday.

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Close at Hand. Far From Ordinary

Cruises from the uk.

Epic begins in your own backyard with cruises from the UK sailing out of Southampton.

Cast off on the memory-maxing European cruise of a lifetime, exploring some of the planet’s most magnificent destinations. From the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle and the dramatic moonscapes of the Canaries to vibing city scenes and cultural hot-spots, your ultimate adventure is here. Hike ice-capped fjords on a cruise to Norway. Drink in oh-là-là views from atop the Arc de Triomphe. Meander the timeless Colosseum. Or settle into sun-drenched shores. Wherever adventure calls – and whether you have time for a weekend mini-cruise or a full-out odyssey – we get you there in Royal style.

Unforgettable European Cruises

Bring on the bold with 2-night to 2-week holidays and cruise deals that get you packing. Land treasures of Europe with departures from historic Southampton.

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No Words. Just Wows

Immerse yourself in wow-worthy destinations, diving into what you love best. From the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and the Med, your bucket-list ports await.

Cruise Norway’s Majestic Fjords

A land of Viking lore, breathtaking beauty and quaint villages, Norway is magical. Cue soaring fjords, tasty smörgåsbords and floating saunas – Nordic adventure beckons.

Island Hop the Sunny Canaries

When you long for sun, sand and turquoise seas, the Canaries are straight-up paradise. Discover natural wonders and cool urban hubs on this can’t-miss European cruise.

Set Your Sights On Northern Europe

Cruises from the UK to Iceland, Greenland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and more, put the best of Northern Europe at your fingertips.

Switch Up Your Perspective

Nothing says refresh and renew like seeing life from a different POV – such as a mountain peak with endless vistas of green and blue. Or try a seal’s perspective, swimming side-by-side in limpid Northern waters. Below sea-level to way above, your cruise from the UK is full of eye-opening experiences!

An Other-Worldly Landscape

Spectacular sapphire waterways flanked by skyscraping waterfall-laced mountains, the mystical fjords are a highlight of your cruise to Norway. Itineraries include stops at Bergen, Olden, Flam and more.

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Where Culture and History Coalesce

From Copenhaguen’s iconic Langelinie to the fairytale-like windmills of Rotterdam, your northern European cruise delivers culture-rich destinations. When time is tight, new 2025 mini-cruises go big on craveable escapes.

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The Best Overall Cruise Line

Experience fantastic food and next-level family-friendly fun, discovering for yourself why Royal Caribbean has been voted Best Overall 20 years running by Travel Weekly readers.

Anthem of the Seas® - Sailing in 2024

Packing powered-up playtime with such thrills as RipCord® by iFly® and robotic mixology at the Bionic Bar®, Anthem of the Seas cruises from the UK in 2024. Don’t miss this guest-favourite!

Independence of the Seas® - Sailing in 2025

Whether you’re craving a hot foodie scene, epic adventure like The Perfect Storm℠ waterslide, or chart-topping shows — including Grease — Independence of the Seas delivers in 2025.

Undecided about where to go on your cruise from the UK? On the fence between several destinations and hungry to learn a good deal more? Unlock serious inspiration with our cruise guides, discovering the top things to see, do and eat throughout Europe!

On your European cruise from Southampton allow yourself time to enjoy this multifaceted city. With historic jewels like the 800-year-old Tudor House and Gardens, fascinating museums – including the Solent Sky Museum – as well as great galleries and dining, Southampton is well-worth exploring.

Get the inside scoop on the latest and best cruise deals subscribing to the Royal Caribbean® newsletter. Score hefty flash sales, onboard credits, discounts on members of your party, last minute cruise deals and more. This is how to pad your wallet while snagging your dream holiday!

Discover More

The lineup of amazing destinations you can visit on a cruise from the UK is an adventurer’s wish list! On top of the many itineraries to Northern Europe, the best of the Med – including ports of call in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy – are yours to explore!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Copenhagen, Denmark

Bergen, Norway

Aarhus, Denmark

Ajaccio, Corsica

Akureyri, Iceland

Alesund, Norway

Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway

Berlin (Rostock), Germany

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Brest, France

Cannes, France

Flam, Norway

Fredericia, Denmark

Geiranger, Norway

Hamburg, Germany

Honningsvag, Norway

Lisbon, Portugal

Reykjavik, Iceland

Cherbourg, France

Helsinki, Finland

Kristiansand, Norway

Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Molde, Norway

Nice, France

Olden, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Paris (Le Havre), France

Sete, France

St. Petersburg, Russia

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Skjolden, Norway

Stockholm, Sweden

Provence (Marseille), France

Skagen, Denmark

Tromso, Norway

Visby, Sweden

Stavanger, Norway

Provence (Toulon), France

Vladivostok, Russia

Bremerhaven, Germany

Porto (Leixoes), Portugal

St Pierre and Miquelon, French Territory

Petropavlovsk, Russia

Bordeaux (La Rochelle), France

Maloy, Norway

Haugesund, Norway

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Nordfjordeid, Norway

Explore More

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12 of the best UK cruises

Discover destinations closer to home and avoid the airport queues with a uk cruise holiday.

A UK cruise provides a very different perspective of the place you call home. With no long journeys or baggage restrictions, it’s a hassle-free way to travel and cruises depart from a variety of ports around the country. On a week-long ocean cruise you’ll cover much greater distances and see more than you would on a land-based journey — with the added bonus of only having to pack and unpack once. Cruise companies provide a wide variety of sailings to different parts of the British Isles, including the Orkneys, Hebrides, Scilly and Channel Islands. Here are 12 of the best UK cruises to choose from.

Main photo: the harbour of Portree on the Isle of Skye (Alamy)

Best for sailing in style From the institution of afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters to dancing in the glamorous ballroom, savour everything Cunard is famous for on a four-night scenic cruise to Scotland without touching shore. Depart from Southampton aboard the luxury Queen Victoria, which hugs the coastline before entering the 18-mile Sound of Mull. Look out for golden eagles as you pass the landmark Rubha nan Gall lighthouse and Duart Castle perched on the clifftop.

• Best cruises from Southampton

2. Royal Caribbean

Best for short breaks If you fancy a weekend getaway at sea this two-night cruise to and from Southampton is the way to go. You’ll nip across the Channel to Le Havre where you can head to the beach, explore the MuMa museum of modern art or reach Paris in two hours. Or stay on board and enjoy the fun-filled Anthem of the Seas where the raft of exciting attractions include a skydiving simulator, dodgem cars and the North Star, the highest observation platform at sea.

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3. MSC Cruises

Best for family fun Sail into one of the world’s biggest natural harbours at Cork on a four-night round-trip sailing from Southampton to Ireland on MSC Virtuosa, one of the biggest cruise ships in the MSC fleet. Cork’s maritime history, which includes the Titanic making its last stop before its ill-fated voyage, can be explored at the dramatic Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre. Next stop is the Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of Dorset with the 18-mile sweep of Chesil beach.

4. Princess Cruises

Best for number of ports Circumnavigate the whole of the UK on this 11-night itinerary that features nine ports of call including Dublin , Belfast , Glasgow , Edinburgh and Newcastle . Sailing to and from Southampton on Emerald Princess, you’ll also head across to the Channel Islands with a stop at Guernsey , where there’s a garden celebrating the life of its famous resident, Les Misérables author Victor Hugo. Before returning home the ship nips across to Le Havre with the chance for a day in Paris .

5. Oceania Cruises

Best for exploring islands Discover the mainland and more on this 20-night sailing from Southampton to Dublin aboard Oceania Sirena. Enjoy a taste of the Scottish Highlands on the Shetland Isles before cruising to the Orkneys to see the enigmatic standing stones of Stenness and 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. After sailing around Ireland, with seven ports of call, Sirena crosses the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man where quirky transport options include the longest narrow-gauge steam railway in the British Isles.

6. Fred. Olsen

Best for wildlife spotting Representatives from the marine charity Orca will join this five-night sailing around Ireland aboard Borealis and they’ll keep a lookout to help maximise wildlife spotting opportunities; passengers can also learn about Orca and play a part in assisting with conservation work. The ship will cruise through the rugged landscapes of Lough Swilly and Tory Island, the most remote inhabited land in Ireland. The round-trip Liverpool sailing also brings the chance to see the dramatic Unesco-listed Giant’s Causeway near Belfast.

7. P&O Cruises

Best for off-the-beaten-track ports Showcasing a mix of famous sights and lesser-known destinations, this 14-night round-trip Southampton sailing is on the adults-only Arcadia. You’ll sail to Killybegs in Donegal, Ireland’s largest fishing port, and visit the factory of Donegal Carpets, whose rugs grace the White House and Buckingham Palace. Another fascinating stop is Holyhead, on the island of Anglesey off Wales, where you’ll soak up the views on a coastal walk or visit the Roman walls and 13th-century church.

8. Regent Seven Seas

Best for all-inclusive Sail the nation’s shorelines in ultimate comfort on this ten-night cruise from London to Belfast on Seven Seas Voyager, a line known for its luxury cruise holidays. Shore excursions, unlimited drinks, laundry service, wi-fi and tips are all included and the top suites come with butler service. Taking in England, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man, a Manx highlight is taking the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the summit. On fine days you can see six kingdoms; Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and — the locals say — heaven.

9. Noble Caledonia

Best for small-ship cruising Garden-lovers will be in their element on this six-night sailing along England’s south coast which also takes in the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly . The round-trip Portsmouth itinerary is on the intimate 100-passenger Hebridean Sky. On Guernsey you can visit the subtropical gardens at Sausmarez Manor and in Cornwall Caerhays Castle is home to the magnificent National Magnolia Collection. You’ll also venture to the renowned Abbey Gardens on Tresco where more than 20,000 species from over 80 countries thrive in the island’s warm microclimate.

noble-caledonia.co.uk

Best for adults With a focus on the history of the Celts, this 13-night round-trip Southampton cruise is aboard the line’s newest adult-only ship Spirit of Adventure. The itinerary explores the heritage of five of the six Celtic nations; Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Cornwall. Elsewhere, the ship calls at culture-rich St Helier, the capital of Jersey , and the colourful first town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, plus vibrant Liverpool with a maritime history that can be explored in the waterfront museum.

travel.saga.co.uk

11. Ambassador Cruise Line

Best for value for money Head onboard the 1,400-passenger Ambience for an 11-night round-Britain cruise from Tilbury and you’ll sail to Scotland, Ireland, the Isles of Scilly and Guernsey in the Channel Islands before hopping over to France for a day in the pretty fishing port of Honfleur. Highlights include Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, where paintbox-coloured buildings line the main street.

ambassadorcruiseline.com

12. Hurtigruten

Best for expedition-style cruising Modern-day adventurers can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs along the dramatic Jurassic coast and learn about the Callanish standing stones, described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, on this round-trip 14-night sailing from Dover. Other highlights on the cruise include isolated islands such as Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. Passengers on the 528-passenger MS Maud sail with knowledgeable expedition team members that lead shore excursions and give in-depth talks on all the destinations.

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Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium holiday experience across our fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones—you can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, you will never want to holiday any other way. An industry pioneer for 35 years, each Celebrity holiday offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving Fall 2025.

Terms & Conditions

FIRST & SECOND GUEST RECEIVES AT LEAST 30% OFF:

The first two guests sharing a stateroom receives at least 30% off per person cruise fare savings Offer (the “Offer”) on selected cruises. The Offer applies to eligible bookings made between 09 April 2024 to 03 June 2024 (the “Offer Period”) on sailings departing 10 April 2024 to 30 April 2026 (the “Sailing Period”), excluding Galapagos sailings and Alaska cruise tours. The cruise fare discount excludes any add-ons & amenities including, without limitation, gratuities, air fares, hotels, transfers, pre-cruise & onboard purchases which will not be discounted as part of the Offer. The Offer can be combined with No Perks Rates (Cruise Only), All Included & Retreat pricing options. For single occupancy bookings, a reduced single occupancy supplement will be applied.

On Refundable fares only the first two guests sharing a stateroom receives at least 20% off per person cruise fare savings Offer (the “Offer”) on selected cruises. The Offer applies to eligible bookings made between 09 April 2024 to 03 June 2024 (the “Offer Period”) on sailings departing 10 April 2024 to 30 April 2026 (the “Sailing Period”), excluding Galapagos sailings and Alaska cruise tours. The cruise fare discount excludes any add-ons & amenities including, without limitation, gratuities, air fares, hotels, transfers, pre-cruise & onboard purchases which will not be discounted as part of the Offer. The Offer can be combined with No Perks Rates (Cruise Only), All Included & Retreat pricing options. For single occupancy bookings, a reduced single occupancy supplement will be applied.

First & Second Guest cruise fare savings are not applicable to any group pricing. Gross FIT bookings can be transferred to a group. The Offer is not applicable to charters or contracted groups. The Offer is non-transferable and applicable only to cruises departing during the Sailing Period. Changes to bookings may result in removal of the Offer. These individual & group offers are not combinable the following: Net Rates, Net Group Rates, Interline, Prizewinner, Casino or Employee Rates. Offers and prices are subject to availability, cancellation, and change at any time.

CRUISE SAVINGS

In addition to the 30% off cruise fare savings offer and applicable air offers, eligible new bookings created between 25 April 2024 to 07 May 2024 on sailings departing from 26 April 2024 to 30 April 2026 will receive a cruise fare saving as follows per stateroom:

£100/€100 per stateroom saving on Inside & Ocean view staterooms.

£200/€200 per stateroom saving on Balcony or higher category staterooms.

Eligible Single occupancy bookings within the offer and sailing period will receive the same per stateroom saving as double occupancy bookings. Offer excludes Galapagos & Alaska Cruise Tours.

FLY DIRECT TO EUROPE FROM £1 / €1 PER PERSON OFFER

Reduced Flights to Europe applies to new individual bookings made from 06 December 2023 to 08 April 2024 (the “Offer Period”) for selected Celebrity Cruises Europe 2024 sailings departing 02 January 2024 to 21 December 2024. Reduced Flights to Europe provides reduced airfare (including taxes and fees) for guests purchasing selected return flights departing from London Gatwick, Manchester & Dublin Airports for applicable bookings made during the offer period. Reduced airfares on selected flights are priced from £1 per person from the UK (LGW & MAN) or €1 per person from Ireland (DUB). The airfare means the air ticket fare (including taxes and fees) only. Cruise fare, other add-ons & amenities including, but not limited to, gratuities, hotels, car park charges and transfers are not included and will not be reduced as part of the Reduced Flights to Europe promotion. Applicable cabin grades for this promotion are Economy Class seats, subject to availability. Flight price is per person in GBP or EURO as stated and determined by eligible gateways booked and selected dates of travel. Standard personal baggage allowance is included in the reduced airfare (baggage allowance can vary by airline). Airport ground transfers and any additional expenses (e.g. accommodation, taxis, fuel, meals, gratuities, excess baggage, or parking) are not included, and will be at the guest’s sole cost and expense. Airline booking and travel terms and conditions, and standard baggage allowances apply to all bookings. Airfare pricing shall be correct at time of publication or going to print, but shall be subject to availability, and may vary during the promotion. Reduced airfare flights are limited in number and subject to availability. No additional discounted airfares will be available once the applicable reduced airfare seats are sold out. No flight variations will be allowed and once booked, changes to flights will not be permitted. Hotels cannot be booked with this offer. Changes to original flight details (carrier, date, class etc.) will result in a re-fare at prevailing rate charged by the airline. Back2Back sailing bookings are not eligible for this reduced airfare promotion. Bookings that are created within the stated campaign period but that subsequently move to either a lower price program and/or non-applicable ship & sailing date will not retain the benefits of this promotion. Bookings created prior to this promotion that wish to access the new benefits of this offer will have to cancel their existing booking paying any applicable cancellation penalty and make a new booking, Flights added to existing bookings in error are subject to cancellation. Bookings that are cancelled shall be subject to prevailing cancellation charges.

Promotional seats are supported using flight allocations secured in advance with the airlines. Self-servicing of the flight booking may not be available. Guests flying with Jet2 will be able to manage their booking 21 days prior to travel, guests travelling with EasyJet will be able manage their booking 10 days prior to travel, guests flying with Vueling, Aer Lingus and British Airways will not be able to self-service their booking and must check in at the airport at which point their seats will be assigned. Only eligible individual bookings that have a creation date post the launch date of the offer are eligible to receive reduced airfare subject to the terms of this offer, Groups & Group bookings are not eligible to receive the airfare offer. Cruises must be booked at today’s prevailing cruise fare and any eligible promotional offers only. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel without notice, suspend and/or modify this promotion, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures, a change in applicable law or any other factor beyond reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of this promotion, as determined by Celebrity Cruises in its sole discretion. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to adjust all fares, fees, offers, and surcharges at any time prior to booking. The Reduced Flights to Europe offer are only combinable with No Perks, All Included, Retreat pricing & Current Celebrity Cruises Brand Promotions in the UK & Ireland, and applicable Captains Club Offers. Blue Light and Military discounts are not applicable on the flight component of a booking but eligible discount can be applied to the cruise fare. Reduced Flights to Europe cannot be added to Net Rate bookings, Interline Bookings, Prizewinner, Casino, Complimentary Cabins, Seminar at Sea, Group Bookings. Ineligible Cruise bookings with reduced flights are subject to cancellation at the Celebrity Cruises sole discretion. Offer Terms & Conditions can be found at: www.celebritycruises.com/gb. The promotion only applies to bookings made in GBP and Euro currency via UK and Irish travel agents or the Celebrity Cruises UK Call Centre and www.celebritycruises.com/gb/flights-by-celebrity \ www.celebritycruises.com/ie/flights-by-celebrity.

For general booking conditions including advice on ATOL/ABTA protection, “All Included” terms and conditions and applicable ships and sail dates, combinability restrictions, promotional terms and conditions, cancellation charges & other information, please visit www.celebritycruises.com/gb or contact your travel agent. RCL Cruises Ltd t/a Celebrity Cruises (company number 07366612) with registered office address at Building 7, The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0XW.

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Cruise Deals

With up to 15% off all cruises , deposits from £50pp , up to £665pp onboard spending money , reduced kids prices, and reduced all-inclusive upgrades from just £35pp per night , there has never been a better time to book your next cruise holiday for 2024 and 2025.

Plus, for a limited time, enter code BANKHOL at checkout to save an extra £30 off your cruise!*

*T&C's apply. Offer applies to all cruises. Exclusions may apply. Offer ends 7th May 2024.

Our Top Cruise Deals

Check out our best cruise deals for amazing savings on your next cruise holiday.

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Cruise Line Offers

Check out the amazing cruise deals from some of the best cruise lines.

Enter code BANKHOL at checkout to save an extra £30 off your cruise!

Offer ends 07/05.

Brand New P&O Cruises Summer 2026 Cruises

On sale now.

Book your MSC Cruise with just £75pp deposit!

Plus, upgrade to all-inclusive from just £35pp per night.

Princess Plus upgrades from just £50pp per day

Plus, Enter code BANKHOL at checkout to save an extra £30 off your cruise!

Up to £665pp onboard spending money with P&O Cruises!

Plus, save 10% on your upgrade to Classic Drinks.

Book your Costa Cruise with just £50pp deposit!

Plus, upgrade to Comfort Plus for £30pp per night.

30% off 1st & 2nd guest's cruise fares with Celebrity Cruises

Plus save up to an additional £200 per stateroom!

Save 35% off cruise fares with Norwegian Cruise Line

Upgrade to have it all from £60pp per day with holland america line, save 10% on new voyages with cunard.

Plus, Cunard fare benefits and more!

Up to 40% off cruise rates with Carnival Cruise Line

Plus, free room upgrades, onboard credit and reduced deposits!

Cruise Deals 2024 & 2025

Browse all of our amazing 2024 and 2025 cruise deals below. Use the filters to narrow down the results to find the perfect cruise for you.

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OUR TOP DESTINATIONS

NORTHERN EUROPE AND CRUISES FROM THE UK

From the  British Isles  to  Scandinavia , via the  Baltic States , this extraordinary MSC Cruises voyage proposes fascinating and unusual itineraries to explore some of the most remote areas of the planet.

MEDITERRANEAN

Cruising the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises means coming within reach of the best in culture, tradition and monuments that have for centuries enriched its shores. This cruise offers the opportunity to visit and learn about countries and people facing this sea and their millenary history.

CARIBBEAN & ANTILLES

Cruise to the Caribbean , one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. Drift away to the sound of waves and perhaps indulge in some shopping and a spot of night life in trendy Miami or the mysterious Mexican Costa Maya .

OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

Discover our new and exclusive Bahamian destination: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . Here you can spend a one-of-a-kind experience on an authentic Caribbean island, while connecting with the natural world, feeling the warmth of the Bahamian spirit and immersing in an eco-friendly environment.

DUBAI, ABU DHABI & SIR BANI YAS

A journey with an MSC Cruise toward Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sir Bani Yas will immerse you in the region's mesmerizing blend of beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions, and experiences like no other. Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Dubai's lifestyle , and immerse yourself in the world of luxury as you discover the city's opulent malls. Alternatively, soak in the city's vibrant nightlife scene and treat yourself to exquisite fine dining in one of Dubai's beautiful restaurants for a lavish experience.

MAKE YOUR CRUISE EVEN MORE SPECIAL

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MSC Cruises

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

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Adults-only cruises to book for your next distraction-free getaway

W hile most cruises offer sufficient family fun , there are still voyages designed exclusively for adults. That means no screaming children and more relaxation.

These ships swap waterslides, laser tag arenas and escape rooms with amenities geared towards grown-ups who are looking to maximise their holiday without distractions.

Cruise lines typically deck their ships with overwhelming family-friendly programmes to attract more travellers, but on an adults-only journey less is more. Here are some options to check out.

Barcelona to Rome

Virgin Voyages is known for catering exclusively to adults and operates several itineraries from European to South Pacific lines. These cruises are for high-energy travellers looking to wild out at sea and include things such as pool parties and karaoke nights.

The Irresistible Med & Rome cruise spans seven nights aboard the company's Scarlet Lady ship. It's a journey across the Mediterranean with Barcelona as the starting point. The ship stops at Toulon, France and traverses the French Riviera to Rome. There's also an overnight stay in Ibiza before the ship heads back to Barcelona.

Eclectic dining and after parties aside, guests can also take advantage of group fitness classes, from yoga to high-intensity interval training sessions.

There are voyages scheduled from May to October. Rates start at $1,986 per person.

virginvoyages.com

UK to Iceland

Popular British line P & Cruises has two ships exclusively designed for adults. This journey is on board Arcadia, a 2,388-passenger ship with two pools, 15 bars and restaurants as well as The Globe, where film viewings, live musical performances and art auctions are hosted.

The cruise departs at Southampton on the south coast and sails to Norway and Iceland, coasting through still waters while taking in spellbinding views of rock formations, mountainside farms, verdant meadows and more. The entire nature-focused journey takes 16 days, with stops in cities such as Alesund, regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Norway, as well as Iceland's Isafjordur, known for its dramatic landscapes.

The cruise commences on June 9. Rates start at $1,535.95 per person.

pocruises.com

Dubai to Singapore

Perfect for honeymooners, this 17-night journey begins in Dubai and ends in Singapore , spanning seven countries, including India, Malaysia and Thailand.

The cruise includes several excursions, such as a Muscat city tour, a houseboat ride at India's Alappuzha, a local food trail in Malaysia and a cultural evening in Sri Lanka. Aboard the Azamara Pursuit, there are seven restaurants and several cafes and lounges. There's also a pool, spa and sun-drenched decks for guests to relax.

The journey begins on November 21. Rates start at $6,429 per person.

azamara.com

Dubai to Qatar

For a shorter-distance voyage, this intimate Azamara journey (also on the Azamara Pursuit) could be a good option. The eight-night cruise starts in Dubai and stops in Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas, Manama and Doha before it sails back to the starting point.

It ticks most items on the Gulf tourism bucket list, with a helicopter ride over Dubai, a wildlife adventure in Sir Bani Yas as well as souq and museum tours in the other GCC cities.

The ship departs on November 24. Rates start at $2,474 per person.

Mumbai to Bangkok

From India and Sri Lanka's colonial histories to Malaysia's rich spiritual heritage, this Vikings trip is perfect for culture-hungry travellers. The cruise spans 16 days, five countries and includes eight guided tours. The city stops include Goa and Colombo.

There are interesting routes in the itinerary, including the Bay of Bengal, the Laccadive Sea and the narrow Strait of Malacca. The journey aims to bring travellers to Asia's hidden gems , sampling diverse food and other cultural artefacts along the way.

The next available trip is on November 10. Rates start at $7,499 per person.

vikingcruises.com

Miami to Bahamas

For those looking for a beach-focused getaway, this Virgin Voyage trip hits the mark. Aboard Valiant Lady, the round-trip cruise begins in Miami and sails to the Bahamas.

Guests are taken to the snow-white shores of the Dominican Republic with plenty of time to experience the beach and explore the city. Travellers will have a full day at Puerto Plata, famous for tourists who want a jungle adventure, hiking and sliding down natural formations. There's also a full day and night spent at an exclusive beach club in Bimini, Bahamas. The journey runs for five nights.

The next available trip is on July 5. Rates start at $1,490.

Dover to Spain, via Egypt, Greece and more

Voyages organised by British operator Saga Cruises cater to travellers aged 50 and older, with smaller ships and amenities designed for this age group. The cruises come with meals, unlimited beverages, excursions, spa access and more. There's afternoon tea service, live music as well as occasional lectures from guest speakers.

This specific journey is over 26 nights, with a focus on exploring ancient cities packed with culture and history from Athens to Alexandria. There are excursions in Turkey, Cyprus and Spain.

The journey begins on September 9. Rates start at $8,864.77 per person.

travel.saga.co.uk

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Crew member goes missing at sea during around the world cruise ahead of return to UK

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A crew member has been reported missing at sea on an around the world cruise.

The crew members went missing from the Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambassador ship.

The massive 1,400 guest cruise ship was making its way back from Lisbon , Portugal , to the UK, when one crew member was reported missing, according to Sky News.

Ambience had turned back to ‘retrace her route to the ship’s position when the crew member was last seen,’ the outlet said citing a statement from the British cruise line.

But the ship has since been ‘released by coastguard authorities from the search’ and it is making its ‘original course back to the UK,’ the company said.

The missing crew member is reportedly from India and they are thought to have gone missing ‘shortly after breakfast’ on Friday when the cruise was off Cape Finisterre on the Spanish coast, the statement said.

A thorough ship-wide searchers were carried out for the missing person, who has not been named, Sky News said.

The local coastguard was also informed.

Ambassador told the outlet in a statement: ‘Our immediate priority is to provide full support to all crew members closely affected by this incident.

‘Guests onboard have been kept informed throughout the day and have been advised of recent developments.

‘Ambassador remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our crew and guests. We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of our colleague at this difficult time.’

The cruise ship set off for the 120-day voyage on January 6 from Tilbury, Essex.

It was scheduled to arrive in the UK at 9am on Sunday, but it will be delayed until the evening, the UK-based company said.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Couple who have been on 30 cruise ships left stranded after breaking golden rule

Cruise ships have specific rules you should be following to avoid your holiday being ruined.

Tom Earnshaw

A couple who have journeyed on 30 cruise ship holidays have found themselves stranded after breaking a golden rule.

Cruise ship holidays are truly like no other you can go on , full of immersive experiences on a massive floating hotel that often comes with on board streets full of shops as well as cinema screens and even ice skating arenas.

They're an engineering marvel and are rightly celebrated.

But as with any particular holiday, they come with their own very specific rules that you might only truly understand by experiencing or listening to the experts on .

And for this particular story, it shows that experience is no guarantee of anything and stresses the importance of following departure times more than ever.

Sadly for Richard and Claudene Gordon, the experience of the 30 cruises they had previously been on ended up counting for nothing.

That's because the American couple, from Salt Lake City in Utah , were left stranded on a Mediterranean cruise around southern Europe.

It follows on from eight passengers being left stranded on an African island following an 'unfortunate' error.

Travelling on the Norwegian Viva cruise ship with their family and close friends, Richard was just days away from celebrating his 85th birthday on-board.

But he and wife Claudene were left in the Spanish town of Motril on Monday (29 April) after a rain storm saw their bus back to port delayed by an hour.

Speaking to CNN Travel, Gordon said: "I am a very experienced traveler and have probably been on as many as 30 cruises during my lifetime.

"Never before have we ever missed catching a ship on time at a port. So we are not someone who abuses the system.

"Our cruise began in Lisbon and we departed from Lisbon about one and a half hours after the scheduled departure at 4pm. Then the next night or two, at least a half-hour late from the dock, so it is clear that they do not always leave on the exact moment scheduled.”

One British cruise ship worker, Lucy Southerton, posted on her YouTube channel about the importance of following departure times.

She said: "When you're on a cruise it is very different to a hotel in that the hotel is going to stay stationary. It's not going to go any where.

"The cruise ship will so you absolutely have to make it a priority to get back to the ship on time. Ask crew members about what the traffic is like in this port if you are thinking about you know getting a taxi to a certain destination because missing the ship could really put a damper on your vacation."

Richard and Claudene stayed in a B&B for the night before getting up at 3am to find flights to nearby Palma Airport on the Spanish island of Majorca, where Norwegian Viva was docking on Wednesday.

Thankfully for the couple, Norwegian Cruise Line offered a taxi from the airport to the ship to get them back on board.

After arriving back with their family on the ship, they said: "We really received the royal treatment today. They picked us up at the hotel in a beautiful black BMW limousine to take us to the ship.

"There we were met by the head of ship services who escorted us inside the ship to meet the general manager of the ship, then they escorted us to breakfast, then they escorted us to our cabin.

“We simply told them that we were abandoned at the dock with no one to meet us or tell us where to go, and they said they have already complained about the harbour master who was supposed to take care of things for them.

"But of course the ship had not contacted us directly for two days so that doesn’t speak so well for them."

Norwegian Cruise Line said it 'worked closely with the local port agents to make arrangements for the guests to rejoin the vessel'.

Topics:  Cruise Ship , Hacks , Holiday , Travel , US News , World News

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Heavy fighting around key eastern cities; drone attacks reported across Ukraine

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NATO's continuing military exercises near Russia's borders are proof that the alliance is preparing for a war with Moscow, a spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry has said. 

"According to their scenario, coalition's actions against Russia are being practiced using all the instruments, including hybrid and conventional weapons," Maria Zakharova said. 

"We have to admit that NATO is seriously preparing for a 'potential conflict' with us."

Named Steadfast Defender, one of NATO's biggest military drills since the Cold War allows members to practice repelling an invasion by Russian forces.

The next phase of the four-month drill takes place throughout May and will include some 90,000 NATO servicemen. 

A Russian suspected cybercrime kingpin has pleaded partially guilty to money laundering charges in the US, Russian state media is reporting. 

TASS cited Alexander Vinnik's lawyer as saying that, as a result of the plea bargain, he now expected him to get a prison term of less than 10 years.

"He pleaded guilty on a restricted number of charges," his lawyer reportedly said. 

"The culmination of the negotiations was a deal with the prosecutor's office. We expect that the prison term will be up to 10 years."

Vinnik is accused of laundering more than $4bn through the digital currency bitcoin, and was arrested in 2017 in Greece at the request of the US, although Moscow has repeatedly demanded he be returned to Russia. 

The US Department of Justice has said Vinnik "allegedly owned, operated, and administrated BTC-e, a significant cybercrime and online money laundering entity that allowed its users to trade in bitcoin with high levels of anonymity and developed a customer base heavily reliant on criminal activity". 

The maximum penalty for the charges against Vinnik is 55 years in prison.

Just under 900 Russian soldiers are killed or wounded in Ukraine every single day, the UK's Ministry of Defence has said. 

"It is likely that Russia's casualty rate will again increase over the next two months as they renew dedicated offensive operations in easter Ukraine," it said in an intelligence update.

"This follows a slight decrease in the pace of operations over the past two months since the fall of Avdiivka," it added. 

The MoD assessed that more than 465,000 Russian losses have recorded since the beginning of the war, with an average so far this year of 899 casualties per day. 

As we reported in our 7.23am and 8.24am posts, some 13 Russian drones struck central and northeastern parts of Ukraine overnight. 

We can now report that another explosion has been reported, at around 10am local time (8am UK time), according to the city of Kharkiv's mayor. 

"An explosion was heard in Kharkiv. Be careful," Igor Terekhov said. 

We've no further detail as to what caused it or if there are any casualties, but we'll stay across it. 

We've also received some more images of firefights attempting to put out the blazes caused by the drone attack overnight...  

Russia has shot down four US-made long-range missiles fired at the Crimean peninsula, the country's defence ministry reports. 

It said the missiles were Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) - the kind shipped by Washington to Ukraine in recent weeks. 

No further details were shared, and Ukraine has not commented on the claims. 

Russian officials similarly claimed on Tuesday that Ukraine had attacked Crimea with ATACMS in an attempt to pierce air defences of the peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, but that six had been shot down.

ATACMS missiles have a range up to 300km (190 miles).

Russia's defence minister is continuing public duties despite rumours that Vladimir Putin is seeking to punish him for his lack of success in Ukraine. 

Sergei Shoigu presented Gold Star medals to "servicemen who showed courage and heroism in carrying out the tasks of a special military operation", according to the ministry, referencing the war in Ukraine.

"The head of the Russian military department congratulated the servicemen, thanked them for their exemplary fulfilment of tasks and wished them further success in their military service," it added. 

The Institute for the Study of War had earlier noted a meeting on Thursday between Mr Putin and a regional governor as a potential sign that the president was seeking to undermine Mr Shoigu. 

"Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Tula oblast governor and known Wagner Group-affiliate Alexei Dyumin on 2 May, further indicating that Putin may be seeking to reduce Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu's power by balancing him with rivals," it said in a statement. 

As we reported in our 7.23am post, some 13 Russian drones struck central and northeastern parts of Ukraine overnight. 

These images, from Kharkiv, show firefighters scrambling to put out the resulting blazes. 

Heavy fighting is continuing around two key cities to the east of Ukraine. 

Kyiv's forces repelled more than 60 attacks in villages near Avdiivka and Bakhmut, Ukraine's general staff of the armed forces said in its morning update. 

The US-based thinktank the Institute for the Study of War similarly noted fierce fighting near the settlement of Chasiv Yar, which lies to Bakhmut's west. 

A top Ukrainian commander told The Times yesterday that Russia has a 10-to-1 artillery advantage over Ukrainian forces defending the area and holds "total air superiority".

A senior Ukrainian intelligence chief said it's "probably a matter of time" before the settlement falls. 

At least six people have been injured after a swarm of Russian drones hit Ukrainian regions overnight.

The Ukrainian air force said Russian forces launched 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeting regions in the northeast and centre of the country.

All of the 13 drones were downed, the air force said, but critical infrastructure, as well as commercial and residential buildings, were damaged in the Kharkiv and Dnipro regions by the resulting falling debris. 

A 13-year-old child and a woman are being treated in hospital, according to the governor of Kharkiv, while two other women were treated at one of the sites.

In the industrial Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were wounded. 

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

Here are the key happenings from the past 24 hours:

• Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron visited Ukraine, where he told Sky News the UK will appoint a new envoy to oversee a plan to ramp up production of weapons and ammunition, which is now a "national priority";
• Russia is planning to launch a three-factor plan to destabilise and claim victory in Ukraine, a top Ukrainian military intelligence officer said;
• The Kremlin branded Lord Cameron's comments about Ukraine striking inside Russia "dangerous and worrying";
• Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu praised the "new regions" troops have taken control of in Ukraine since the start of the year.

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