United Kingdom Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
166 ships from 32 cruise lines
United Kingdom cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 1,188 upcoming sailings on 166 ships from 32 cruise lines visiting United Kingdom, calling at 71 places. Cruises can start in Southampton, London, Dover, Leith, Portsmouth, Belfast and 2 more and end in Southampton, London, Dover, Leith, Portsmouth, Belfast and 2 more. Of 1,189 upcoming sailings, 434 start in the United Kingdom and 429 end there. More British Isles cruises.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare United Kingdom cruise lines
See every United Kingdom cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a compact, history-dense archipelago where a cruise can trace Roman walls, medieval castles, industrial cities, and wild coastlines. It rewards travelers who want substance over spectacle and honest storytelling. The main risk is crowds and heritage-tourism queues; the solution is small-group or private shore excursions, early entry, and a willingness to linger in less-famous towns. Because so many cruise lines visit the UK, the risk of feeling herded is real—so choose a smaller or premium ship, book private guides for the big sights, and walk when you can.
Typical routes
- Ocean round-Britain and British Isles cruises
- Small-ship coastal and island cruises
Ports overview
The UK is one of Europe's most varied cruise destinations. Ocean cruises circle Britain and Ireland, often starting from Southampton or Liverpool. Smaller ships reach the Hebrides, Orkney, and the west coast of Scotland. River cruising is limited compared to the Rhine or Danube, but the Thames and Caledonian Canal offer intimate alternatives.
Cruise season
April through October; May, June, and September are best for daylight and mild weather. The Caledonian Canal season runs from late April to mid-October.
Find your United Kingdom sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at United Kingdom, earliest departure first.
9 Days One-Way from Honfleur to Greenock-Glasgow
Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits France, Guernsey, Ireland
Le Lyrial
13 Days Southampton, United Kingdom Round Trip
Starts and ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Ireland
Oceania Insignia
21 Days One-Way from Prague to London-Greenwich
Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Czechia - Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria
Scenic Jewel
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14 Days One-Way from Basel to London-Greenwich
Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Switzerland, Germany, France
Emerald Luna
14 Days Amsterdam, Netherlands Round Trip
Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Netherlands, Ireland
Celebrity Eclipse
12 Days One-Way from Portsmouth UK to Leith-Edinburgh
Starts and ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Ireland
National Geographic Explorer
9 Days Southampton, United Kingdom Round Trip
Starts and ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Norway
Celebrity Apex
18 Days One-Way from Budapest to London-Greenwich
Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Hungary, Austria, Germany
Scenic Jewel
4 Days London-Tilbury, United Kingdom Round Trip
Starts and ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Belgium
Star Pride
11 Days One-Way from Lisbon to Honfleur
Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Portugal, Spain, France
L'Austral
13 Days One-Way from London-Tilbury to Bergen
Starts in United Kingdom. Also visits Ireland, Norway
Viking Saturn
8 Days Southampton, United Kingdom Round Trip
Starts and ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Spain, Portugal
Freedom Of The Seas
Where United Kingdom cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (15)
Aberdeen (100) (cruises from) · Belfast (215) (cruises from) · City of London (40) (cruises from) · Dover (144) (cruises from) · Dundee (20) (cruises from) · Greenock (114) (cruises from) · Inverness (13) (cruises from) · Islay (3) (cruises from) · Kyle of Lochalsh (4) (cruises from) · Leith (256) (cruises from) · Liverpool (77) (cruises from) · London (117) (cruises from) · Portsmouth (86) (cruises from) · Southampton (476) (cruises from) · Troon
Disembarkation ports (15)
Aberdeen (100) · Belfast (215) · City of London (40) · Dover (144) · Dundee (20) · Greenock (114) · Inverness (13) · Kyle of Lochalsh (4) · Leith (256) · Liverpool (77) · London (117) · Oban (24) · Portsmouth (86) · Southampton (476) · Tilbury
Ships by type: 139 ocean 20 river 14 expedition · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Plan your United Kingdom cruise
United Kingdom cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
United Kingdom cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about United Kingdom cruises
How many places do cruises visit in United Kingdom?
71 United Kingdom places are visited by 166 ships from 32 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a United Kingdom cruise?
April through October; May, June, and September are best for daylight and mild weather. The Caledonian Canal season runs from late April to mid-October.
Sources and further reading
Background on United Kingdom draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- UK Government: GOV.UK
- VisitBritain: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- CIA World Factbook: United Kingdom
- VisitScotland: Scotland
- VisitWales: Wales
- Historic UK: Timeline of British History
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 31, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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