With more people looking to avoid the stress of air travel, cruising directly from the UK has become an increasingly attractive option. Northern ports, in particular, are opening up exciting new routes to destinations across Europe, the Arctic Circle and even the Mediterranean. For those living in the North of England or Scotland, these ports offer a convenient and often overlooked gateway to the world.
From cultural capitals to scenic coastlines, Cruises from the UK are now more accessible than ever. Here’s a look at some of the key northern departure ports and the incredible cruise itineraries that begin there.
Newcastle (Port of Tyne)
One of the most exciting northern departure points in recent years, Cruises from Newcastle offer a surprisingly broad range of itineraries. Situated on the River Tyne, this port gives direct access to Northern Europe, the Baltics and even the Norwegian Fjords.
Several major cruise lines operate from Newcastle, including:
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – popular for their smaller ships like Balmoral, sailing to Iceland, the Arctic Circle, and Scandinavia.
Princess Cruises – occasionally departs with ships like Island Princess, heading to destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (now Ambassador Cruise Line) – offers affordable, no-fly holidays from Newcastle to places like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and the Baltic capitals.
These itineraries are especially appealing for solo travellers who prefer the ease of a nearby departure and a community-focused onboard experience.
Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the UK’s most established cruise ports outside of the South, offering scenic sail-outs past the city’s iconic waterfront and flexible itineraries year-round.
Popular cruise lines and ships departing from Liverpool include:
Cunard – with iconic ships like Queen Victoria offering British Isles cruises and Northern European itineraries.
Fred. Olsen – Borealis frequently sails from Liverpool, with destinations including the Canary Islands, Norway, Iceland and even longer voyages to North America.
Ambassador Cruise Line – their ship Ambition regularly departs Liverpool for short cruises to Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Spain.
Thanks to its strong sailing schedule, Liverpool is ideal for anyone looking to explore further afield without setting foot in an airport. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, Liverpool’s port cover a surprising range of destinations — often with competitive pricing and shorter sailing times to the continent.
Greenock (Glasgow)
For travellers based in Scotland or the North West, Greenock is the go-to cruise port, serving as a launch point for voyages into the North Atlantic, Norway, and beyond.
From Greenock, you’ll find:
P&O Cruises – offering voyages aboard ships like Arcadia and Aurora to Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe.
Fred. Olsen – Balmoral and Bolette regularly set sail to the Arctic Circle, British Isles and Scandinavian capitals from this Scottish port.
Greenock’s location makes it a great choice for northern adventurers or those looking for dramatic landscapes and wildlife-focused itineraries.
Hull (Port of Yorkshire)
Hull is a lesser-known departure point but a valuable one for East Coast travellers. While the itinerary list is a bit more niche, cruises from Hull tend to focus on shorter itineraries and accessible northern European destinations.
Typical options include:
North Sea mini cruises to Amsterdam or Bruges.
Longer sailings around the British Isles or the Norwegian coastline, operated by smaller cruise lines or chartered voyages.
Hull’s smaller scale offers a quieter departure experience, ideal for those new to cruising or looking for a short solo getaway. Many ships departing here are part of themed or special interest Solo Cruises, offering relaxed itineraries with like-minded travellers.
Why Cruise from the North?
Cruising from northern UK ports offers a long list of benefits:
No flights required – just drive or take a train to your nearest terminal.
More choice for northern travellers – without the need to trek to Southampton or Dover.
Variety of destinations – from city breaks to arctic expeditions, all starting closer to home.
Solo traveller friendly – many itineraries cater to individuals with reduced supplements and inclusive social programmes.
Ready to Set Sail?
Whether you’re looking to explore the Norwegian Fjords, discover historic European capitals, or enjoy a laid-back island-hopping cruise, there’s never been a better time to consider Cruises from the UK — particularly from a northern port.
Set your sights on new horizons, right from your doorstep.