Close to home: limited free parking on no-fly cruises from Southampton

We are so fortunate in the UK to have some of the world’s most incredible voyages sailing right from our doorstep, with Southampton and Portsmouth both offering cruises to all corners of the globe.

Oceania Cruises brings a sensational selection of destinations close-to-home, onboard its fleet of luxurious ships.

And this month, with free car parking for the duration of your voyage at your departure port, a no-fly cruise promises to be even more enjoyable than ever.

The benefits of park and cruise

Indulge in the convenience of just turning up at your elegant Oceania Cruises ship, without any of the hassle of flying.

No need to worry about flight cancellations. No need to think about what happens if your luggage doesn’t make it. And, you’ll save hours in travel time, with your holiday starting as soon as you step onboard.

There’s of course the ultimate bonus of free on-site parking on several select sailings when you book before March 31, 2024. Plus, you don’t have to worry about restricted baggage allowance – so long as it fits in the boot of your car.

Inspiration: A Francophile special, Marina sets sail on a 12-day no-fly cruise from Southampton on September 10, 2024, visiting Le Havre, Saint-Malo, Lorient, La Rochelle, Bordeaux (overnight), and Biarritz. Plus, you’ll also visit ports in Belgium and Spain – all without going anywhere near an airport.

Smooth sailing with everything considered

Oceania Cruises sails small ships, with no more than 1,250 guests – an ideal size to anchor at boutique ports and explore expertly curated itineraries.

The onboard experience is refined and elegant, but certainly not stuffy. There’s a relaxed touch to luxury when sailing with Oceania Cruises, with a focus on authenticity and quality and none of the pompousness sometimes associated with luxury sailings.

Oceania Cruises’ reputation for the Finest Cuisine at Sea™ is lived up to in every dish served across the several and varied restaurants. The fleet’s diverse spread of regional cuisines means there’s always something new to try, from classic American dishes at Ember to authentic Italian at Toscana, and exquisite French food at Jacques. All of which is available with the fare under the cruise liner’s Simply MORE offering.

Inspiration: For foodies, it doesn’t get better than Vista’s 12-day ‘Epicurean Awakening’ sailing in June 2025. Other than your complimentary onboard gourmet speciality dining, you’ll also get to sample all the delicious delicacies Europe is famed for when docking in ports across Atlantic France and northern Spain, including Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Bordeaux.

simply MORE includes shore excursion credits

The line’s popular simply MORE promise means that you’ll be able to stay connected to home throughout your sailing with complimentary unlimited WiFi. You’ll also benefit from shore excursion credit, opening a wealth of tours in port.

If you’re sailing east from Southampton to Bordeaux, experience the historic town as a local with the specially curated ‘Go Local Tour: let’s spend a morning in the real Bordeaux’. Meander through the local markets in Les Capucins and experience a side of the town that doesn’t usually get mentioned in the mainstream guidebooks.

Alternatively, a northern Europe cruise stopping in Oslo offers you the opportunity to deep dive into the awe-inspiring architecture of the Norwegian capital. Enhance your experience by taking part in one of Oceania Cruises’ ‘Beyond Blueprints’ tour series, which is led by a knowledgeable architectural historian.

Inspiration: For a fascinating variety of excursions, Vista’s 14-day ‘Vibrant Northern Capitals’ no-fly cruise from Southampton could be your top choice. You’ll visit Copenhagen, resplendent with its old-world architecture and gardens, and Tallinn, for a journey back in time to the Vikings. And you’ll also be treated to overnight stays in Berlin and Stockholm where a contemporary vibe adds something a little different to the itinerary.