No-Fly Cruise Holidays
No-fly cruises let UK travellers begin their holiday at a UK cruise port rather than flying to the ship. Southampton is particularly important for this type of cruise, with a broad range of itineraries.
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No Fly Cruises
A closer look at this cruise style, including who it can suit, what to compare and the practical details worth checking before you book.
What is a no-fly cruise?
A no-fly cruise is a cruise holiday that can be reached without taking a flight, most commonly by travelling to a UK departure port such as Southampton. For many passengers, the appeal is simplicity: you can travel with more luggage, avoid airport security and start the holiday as soon as you board. No-fly cruises can include short European breaks, Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Canary Islands itineraries. The exact destinations depend on the ship and length of the voyage.
Benefits for UK travellers
No-fly cruises can be convenient for families, couples, older travellers and anyone who simply prefers rail or road travel. They can also reduce the number of separate travel arrangements involved in a holiday. There are no flights to connect with, although you still need to plan your journey to the cruise terminal. Parking, rail tickets, taxis and hotels can all affect the total cost, so compare the complete journey rather than focusing only on the cruise fare.
Popular no-fly destinations
Norwegian Fjords cruises are a natural fit for no-fly travel from Southampton, while itineraries to France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and other European ports are also available. Longer voyages can reach the Canary Islands and beyond. Because the ship has to travel from the UK to the destination, no-fly cruises may include more sea days than fly-cruises. For travellers who enjoy the onboard experience, these sea days can be a major part of the holiday rather than lost time.
No-fly cruise costs
When comparing a no-fly cruise with a fly-cruise, include every travel component. A Southampton cruise may save the cost of flights but require parking or rail travel. It may also be longer because the ship spends time sailing to and from the destination. Compare cabin, meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and excursions in addition to transport costs. Flexible dates can help you identify different prices for similar itineraries.
Who are no-fly cruises suitable for?
No-fly cruises can suit travellers who dislike flying, want a relaxed start to their holiday or prefer to take more luggage. They can also be attractive for families who want to avoid airport queues. If you are travelling from outside southern England, calculate the journey time to Southampton and consider an overnight stay. Passengers with mobility requirements should check terminal access, parking, rail arrangements and the ship’s accessibility information before booking.
Planning a no-fly cruise
Start with the Southampton departure date and work backwards to plan your travel. Check parking or rail options and allow a sensible buffer before embarkation. Compare the itinerary and sea days with fly-cruise alternatives. If the journey to Southampton is long, a pre-cruise hotel can make the start of the holiday easier. Check the cruise line’s luggage and boarding requirements and make sure travel insurance covers the complete journey from home to the ship and back again.
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