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.

Request exclusive rates Read the United Kingdom cruise port guide → Sailing data updated October 31, 2026

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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.

1,188 Sailings Found
Copenhagen, Denmark

28 Days One-Way from Copenhagen to Southampton

Disembarks Southampton

Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Denmark, Norway, Iceland

Caribbean Princess

Departs
May 20th 2028
Duration
27 nights
From
$4,015
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +14 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Copenhagen, Denmark

35 Days Copenhagen, Denmark Round Trip

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Denmark, Norway, Iceland

Caribbean Princess

Departs
May 20th 2028
Duration
34 nights
From
$5,203
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +18 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Copenhagen, Denmark

42 Days One-Way from Copenhagen to Helsinki

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Denmark, Norway, Iceland

Caribbean Princess

Departs
May 20th 2028
Duration
41 nights
From
$6,342
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +25 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote

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Copenhagen, Denmark

49 Days Copenhagen, Denmark Round Trip

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Denmark, Norway, Iceland

Caribbean Princess

Departs
May 20th 2028
Duration
48 nights
From
$7,498
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +26 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Dublin, Ireland

35 Days One-Way from Dublin to Budapest

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Ireland, Netherlands, Germany

Scenic Opal

Departs
May 20th 2028
Duration
34 nights
From
$17,454
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +17 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Stockholm, Sweden

24 Days One-Way from Stockholm to Reykjavik

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania

Oceania Sonata

Departs
May 21st 2028
Duration
23 nights
From
$12,299
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +15 more ports
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Bordeaux, France

12 Days One-Way from Bordeaux to Honfleur

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits France

Le Boreal

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
11 nights
From
$6,850
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +5 more ports
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London-Greenwich, United Kingdom

18 Days One-Way from London-Greenwich to Budapest

Departs City of London

Starts in United Kingdom. Also visits Netherlands, Germany, Austria

Scenic Jasper

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
17 nights
From
$9,099
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +11 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Genoa, Italy

23 Days One-Way from Genoa to Belfast

Disembarks Belfast

Ends in United Kingdom. Also visits Italy, France, Spain

Seabourn Pursuit

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
22 nights
From
$18,436
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +9 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Genoa, Italy

35 Days One-Way from Genoa to Reykjavik

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Italy, France, Spain

Seabourn Pursuit

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
34 nights
From
$30,923
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +19 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Genoa, Italy

51 Days One-Way from Genoa to Reykjavik

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Italy, France, Spain

Seabourn Pursuit

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
50 nights
From
$54,846
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +24 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote
Genoa, Italy

63 Days One-Way from Genoa to Reykjavik

Port call

Visits United Kingdom. Also visits Italy, France, Spain

Seabourn Pursuit

Departs
May 23rd 2028
Duration
62 nights
From
$68,733
per person, double occupancy
Ports of call: +26 more ports
View Voyage & Fares Request a Quote

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

166
Cruise ships
32
Cruise lines
71
Places ships visit
17
Embark / disembark places

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 →

More British Isles cruises

Ireland · Jersey · Guernsey · Scotland

British Isles cruisesBritish Isles cruise ports

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.

Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by , 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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