England Cruises Travel Guide Updated to 2024

Summary

• England offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from coastal villages to the urban buzz of London, catering to various interests like history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
• Major ports like Southampton, Dover, and London facilitate a range of itineraries, such as Southern England Discovery and British Isles Explorer, showcasing iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
• Cruise options in England vary from large ships with extensive amenities to boutique and river cruises, ensuring personalized experiences catering to different preferences.
• Essential tips include early booking, research on cruise lines, packing for variable weather, and exploring pre/post-cruise activities to maximize your England cruise adventure.
• Budgeting includes both the cruise fare and onboard spending, with average costs outlined. Safety measures cover staying hydrated, avoiding scams, and preparing for seasickness, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.

Embarking on an England cruise is a journey through time, culture, and natural beauty. From the picturesque coastal villages to the bustling metropolis of London, England offers a diverse range of destinations that can be explored on a cruise. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of scenic landscapes, an England cruise promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do, planning your England cruise can be overwhelming.

But fear not; this guide will help you navigate the best ports of call, local experiences, and insider tips to make the most of your England cruise adventure. So pack your bags, get ready to set sail, and let's explore the enchanting wonders of England together.

1- Most Popular England Ports

The popularity of ports in England can be determined by cargo tonnage or passenger traffic. Here are some of the most popular ports in England based on cargo tonnage:

• Port of Felixstowe: This is the busiest container port in the United Kingdom, handling over 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo each year. Located in Suffolk, East Anglia, it's strategically positioned on the east coast of England, making it an ideal gateway to Europe and Asia.
• Port of Southampton: One of the busiest container ports in the United Kingdom, handling around 2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo per year. Located on the south coast of England, it's a major hub for transatlantic trade and also has strong links with Asia and the Middle East.
• Port of London: The second biggest port facility in the UK, located on the River Thames and the North Sea. It's the gateway to the UK's capital city and handles a significant amount of cargo.
• Port of Immingham: Located on the East Coast, commonly referred to as Immingham Docks, it's one of the major ports.
• Port of Liverpool: The most centrally located port in all of the United Kingdom. Historically a major port city, it still handles a considerable amount of cargo.
• Port of Dover: Located in Kent, Dover is one of the busiest passenger ports in the world, handling millions of passengers traveling between England and France each year. It's also a crucial port for freight traffic moving between the UK and Europe.

2- Best Itinerary Options With Sample

Itinerary Options provides you with sample itineraries from which you can choose. This could include a list of popular routes and destinations, along with the duration of the cruise and land-based England tours. You could also suggest the best time of year to take an England cruise based on weather and seasonal events.

Related Post: Explore the top reasons to visit England in 2024.

Here are some popular cruise itineraries around England, incorporating some of the most popular tourist destinations:

Southern England Discovery

This itinerary typically starts and ends in Southampton, taking in some of the most famous sights along the south coast, including:

• Portsmouth: Home to the historic dockyard with HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship.
• Portland: A charming town on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils and dramatic cliffs.
• Falmouth: A beautiful town in Cornwall known for its maritime history and stunning scenery. Explore the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, or take a boat trip to see the Cornish coastline.
• Plymouth: A vibrant city with a rich maritime history, where you can visit the Plymouth Hoe, a park overlooking the English Channel, or explore the Barbican, a historic waterfront district.

British Isles Explorer

This itinerary may start in Southampton and travel around the southern coast of England and up the west coast of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, including:

• The same ports from the Southern England Discovery itinerary.
• Dublin: The capital of Ireland, where you can visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, explore Dublin Castle, or stroll through St. Stephen's Green, a beautiful public park.
• Cobh: A historic port town in Ireland, known as the "place of last farewell" for millions of Irish emigrants who left for America in the 19th century. You can visit the Cobh Heritage Centre or take a boat trip to Spike Island, a former fortress.
• Liverpool: A vibrant city with a rich musical heritage (birthplace of The Beatles) and a famous football scene. Explore the waterfront area, visit the Albert Dock, or catch a show at one of the many theaters.

Scottish Highlands and Islands

This itinerary may start and end in Edinburgh, Scotland, taking in some of the most dramatic scenery in the British Isles, including:

• Portland: A charming town on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils and dramatic cliffs (as mentioned in Southern England Discovery).
• Invergordon: A village on the Cromarty Firth, a scenic inlet in the Scottish Highlands. You can take a boat trip on Loch Ness, explore the nearby castles, or visit the Glenmorangie Distillery to learn about Scotch whisky.
• Kirkwall: The main town on Orkney, an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland, known for its Neolithic history. You can visit the Skara Brae, a prehistoric village, or explore the Maes Howe chamber tomb.
• Edinburgh: The capital of Scotland, where you can visit the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or take a stroll through the Princes Street Gardens (as mentioned in the sample itinerary).

When planning an England cruise, it's important to consider the best time of year to travel. Generally, the summer months (June-August) offer the best weather for cruising, but can also be more crowded and expensive. Spring (March-May) and fall (September- November) can be good choices for those looking to avoid crowds and save money, but they may also have less predictable weather. It's also important to consider any seasonal events or festivals that may be taking place in the destinations you plan to visit.

3- England Cruise Ships

Here are some tips on how to plan and prepare for your England cruise:

• Choose your itinerary: Decide which ports of call you want to visit and the duration of your cruise. England has many ports, including Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, and Newcastle, which offer a variety of cruises to destinations such as Norway, Iceland, the Baltic States, and the Mediterranean.
• Research cruise lines: Look into different cruise lines and their offerings. Compare prices, itineraries, and onboard amenities to find the best option for your needs and budget.
• Book early: England is a popular cruise destination, so it's a good idea to book your cruise as early as possible to ensure you get the itinerary and cabin category you want.
• Consider pre- and post-cruise activities: Plan additional time to explore England before or after your cruise. London is a popular destination, but other cities such as Bath, Liverpool, and Edinburgh are also worth visiting.
• Pack for the weather: England's weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for a range of temperatures and conditions. Layers and waterproof clothing are recommended.
• Check passport and visa requirements: Make sure your passport is up to date and that you have any necessary visas for your itinerary.
• Research port excursions: Look into port excursions before you depart to ensure you make the most of your time at each destination. Shore excursions can be booked through the cruise line or independently.
• Consider travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable England cruise experience.

5- England Cruise Budgeting

• Avoid common travel scams: Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or information, and be wary of pickpockets and theft. Always keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay hydrated: It's important to stay hydrated, especially if you're spending time in the sun or participating in physical activities. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to dehydration.
• Protect yourself from the sun: England may not be known for its hot weather, but it's still important to protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Practice good hygiene: To avoid getting sick, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay active: It's easy to be sedentary on a cruise, but staying active can help improve your overall health and well-being. Take advantage of onboard fitness facilities or participate in shore excursions that involve physical activity.
• Prepare for seasickness: If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before your cruise. Other remedies such as ginger, acupressure bands, and staying in a lower deck cabin may also help alleviate symptoms.
• Know the emergency procedures: Familiarize yourself with the ship's emergency procedures, including where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and healthy England cruise experience. It's always a good idea to consult with your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

Video for Top 5 Best New Cruise Ships in 2024

Check this video for the top 5 best new cruise ships in 2024! (ft Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Virgin) created by the Cruisedaily YouTube channel