The five best no-fly cruise destinations for first-timers

Why choose a no-fly cruise?

No-fly cruises make things simple – a real bonus if you’re new to cruising. There’s no wrestling with flight delays, luggage weight restrictions, or armrest encroachers. Instead, you just step aboard and start your holiday straight away. Trust us, even the cushiest plane seat can’t compete with a sunlounger by a pool.

This type of cruise is especially appealing if you’re travelling with kids. On a ship, they have space to roam and endless entertainment, making it much easier to keep them occupied than at 35,000 feet.

Shorter, more streamlined itineraries are another advantage. Whether you’re testing the waters with your first cruise or just working with limited annual leave, every day counts. Why spend time in airport lounges when you could wake up to a new view from your cabin?

Best of all, no-fly cruises don’t necessarily mean limited options. Ships set sail from ports across Britain, reaching a wide range of destinations, from the otherworldly fjords of Norway to the azure coastlines of the Canaries. 

The Norwegian fjords 

Why here?

Norway isn’t much bigger than Britain, yet it has one of the longest coastlines in the world, owing to its intricate geography of islets and inlets. Over a thousand fjords, carved by glaciers over millions of years, shape its dramatic terrain.

Exploring these fjords frequently sits high on the bucket lists of first-time cruisers, and for good reason. Sheer rock faces plunge into piercing blue waters, while mist curls over remote fishing villages and waterfalls tumble from dizzying heights. This is the realm of midnight sun and northern lights, where the scenery itself feels steeped in myth and legend. It’s easy for the mind to conjure up tales of trolls and hidden kingdoms.

Sailing through the fjords is the best way to experience them. Your vantage point from the water offers breath-catching views, unveiling hidden corners of Norway unreachable by road.  

The adventure continues on shore, with excursions ranging from hiking and cycling through the ethereal landscapes to indulging in fjord-to-fork culinary experiences. There’s also the opportunity to learn more about Norwegian folklore and connect with the indigenous Sámi culture. 

When should I go?

In the summer, the demand for Norwegian fjord cruises peaks as passengers seek the midnight sun. Traditional Norwegian midsummer celebrations add to the charm, with festivities lighting up coasting villages.

That said, winter has its own enticements. Increasingly, travellers are opting for cold-weather holidays, drawn by the promise of the northern lights. Set against a backdrop of soaring cliffs and expansive snowscapes, these surreal spectacles are well worth braving the cold for.

Just remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. 

Choose your adventure

For Norwegian know-how…
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is based in Britain but owned by Norwegians, making it ideal for no-fly fjord escapades. Its ships sail from UK ports such as Rosyth, Newcastle, Liverpool and Dover.

For ultra-luxury…
To experience the bucket-list fjords in suitably decadent fashion, board a Seabourn cruise from British ports like Dover or Greenock. Its small, nimble ships are perfectly sized for fjord exploration and relaxed sociability. 

The Canary Islands 

Why here? 

If you’re sailing to the Canary Islands from Britain, you’re in for a journey that’s almost as exciting as the destination. The voyage often includes shore days in cities like Lisbon, adding an extra layer of adventure to your cruise.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by eight Spanish islands off the coast of Morocco. The short sailing times between them mean you’ll likely explore several on your chosen cruise.

Each has a distinctive character. Some, like Lanzarote, are bustling centres of culture, while others have a calmer ambience. Fuerteventura, where goats outnumber people, is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. The islands' geography varies greatly, ranging from lunar-like landscapes to black-sand beaches. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, stands tall on Tenerife, while Gran Canaria is home to a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

The archipelago’s culinary scene is nearly as wide-ranging as its landscapes, with something for every palate. Enjoy tapas that blends Moroccan and Spanish flavours, along with the coffee liqueur barraquito and wine from volcanic vineyards.

When should I go? 

The Canaries are a fantastic winter sun destination, remaining relatively balmy all 12 months of the year. February and March are especially exciting in Tenerife, which hosts the second-largest carnival in the world, surpassed only by Rio.

Can you also go in the summer? Yes, certainly – dedicated sun worshipers will relish the chance to laze in the heat.

However, in recent years, the summers have been blazing, especially on the islands that are nearer the Sahara Desert, like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Milder weather and lower fares await in shoulder season – that magical time when summer cruisers have already sailed home but before prices go back up for the winter-sun season.

Choose your adventure

For island indulgence… 
Travel with Celebrity Cruises to the Canaries from Southampton and sail on a ship with cutting-edge amenities. The cruise line's itineraries include stops at destinations like Gibraltar and Casablanca en route.

For a family-friendly getaway… 
MSC Cruises is family-owned, meaning its ships are designed to keep your entire family entertained, all the way from Southampton to the Canaries. 

The Baltic Sea 

Why here? 

The Baltic Sea serves as a gateway to a region that combines natural beauty and a storied history.

It holds a special appeal for first-time cruisers drawn to the idea of a multi-destination holiday. Cruise itineraries in this region often feature numerous port days, providing ample opportunity for diverse excursions.

Along its shores, countries like Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia each present a distinct cultural identity. In cities such as Riga and Tallinn, you’ll find enchanting Old Towns and treasure troves of UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites.

Medieval fortresses and baroque bell towers are interspersed with modern cultural attractions, from cutting-edge cocktail bars to meticulously curated museums.

Beyond the cobblestones of the cities, the rural landscapes have their own brand of enchantment. Glassy lakes and villages of storybook wooden houses sit among forests of pine and juniper. The coastline is dotted with national parks and some of Europe’s most unspoilt Blue Flag beaches.

Finland, in particular, is inviting for those seeking wellness experiences. Saunas are a cherished part of Finnish life, with three million of them for a population of five and a half million. Some Finns suggest, only partly in jest, that their embrace of the practice is why their country has been named the happiest in the world for the eighth successive year. 

When should I go? 

The most popular time to sail the Baltic Sea is the summer. While you won’t experience the midnight sun of the northernmost Nordic countries, you can get up to 18 hours of daylight in some areas.

Plus, as temperatures in the Mediterranean continue to soar in July and August, the Baltic Sea provides a more temperate climate, though the weather can never be guaranteed.

A few cruise lines, like Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Ponant, also occasionally sail the Baltic in winter, though this is less common. If you are lucky enough to snag a spot aboard one of these cruises, you'll be whisked on a whirlwind tour of fairytale Christmas Markets. Tallinn’s takes on a snow globe quality that’s hard to rival. 

Choose your adventure 

For Baltic enchantment…
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines provides no-fly cruises departing from a variety of British ports. It offers carefully curated itineraries designed to showcase the best of the Baltic’s fairytale castles, Christmas markets and Old Towns.

For adult-only adventures… 
Virgin Voyages offers cruises that cater specifically to passengers travelling without kids, which can be appealing when soaking up the cultural experiences of the Baltic’s effortlessly cool capitals. Its cruises often set sail from Portsmouth. 

The British Isles 

Why here? 

A staycation cruise right here in the UK can be a brilliant no-fly option for first-time cruisers, delivering a diverse medley of experiences. With the likes of Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Edinburgh to explore, not to mention isles like Shetland and Anglesey, you can sail around Britain’s coasts dozens of times and continue to find new gems.

Each destination presents its own distinct flavour of Britishness. For example, the mild-weathered coast of Cornwall beckons, inviting cruise passengers to come ashore for cream tea (jam first, of course), open-air theatre and surf schools.

In contrast, the windswept Northern Isles, like Orkney, offer a wilder, more elemental experience. Battered by millennia of fierce swells, these craggy islands are celebrated for their rugged wilderness and deep-rooted Norse traditions.

Such coastal contrasts reveal just how varied Britain can be. Exploring the UK by sea offers a fresh perspective, with each port unveiling a different thread in the tapestry.

When should I go?

So many British locales can be enjoyed all through the year, with each season revealing something different about them. Take Edinburgh, for example. In summer, shore excursions mean golden-hour views from Arthur's Seat and the creative pulse of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But come winter, there's just as much to explore – think snug nights with a dram of whisky after a day on the water, or better still, throwing yourself into the spirited chaos of Hogmanay. 

And that's just one example of how British destinations shift with the weather. With so much variety, cruise lines are spoiled for choice when it comes to crafting itineraries, whatever the season. 

Choose your adventure 

For value-for-money breaks…
With departures from ports across the UK, ranging from Liverpool to Tilbury, Ambassador Cruise Line will take you along Britain's coasts without breaking the bank.  

For experts in all things British… 
P&O began with the expertise of a Shetland sailor in the 19th century, and today P&O Cruises still has an enviable wealth of expertise about the British Isles. Its ships sail from ports including Belfast, Liverpool and Southampton. 

The Mediterranean 

Why here? 

For first-time cruisers looking for a no-fly option from the UK, the pull of The Mediterranean is magnetic. There’s little mystery as to why; poets have waxed lyrical about its crystalline waters since antiquity and a Mediterranean grand tour is a time-honoured tradition.

Mediterranean cruises can differ significantly, from itineraries that immerse you in Iberian gastronomy to ones that prioritise soaking up the Tuscan sun.

Something that attracts many first-timers is that cruises can offer a superior alternative to road-tripping some of the Med’s most iconic coastlines. When sailing the Amalfi Coast or Côte d'Azur, you can experience several ports without shelling out for pricey hotels or paying exorbitant road polls. Plus, you can sip your limoncello or pastis without squabbling over who will be the designated driver. 

When should I go? 

Shoulder season can be an excellent option for cruising the Med, when it’s still warm but not stifling. If you’re travelling without kids, it’s smart to sneak a cruise in before the school holidays.

That said, summer in the Med can be pretty special, despite high temperatures. This is in no small part due to its summer festivals and feast days. For example, celebrating La Tomatina in Spain is definitely worth checking off your list.

Choose your adventure 

For options galore...
P&O Cruises offers a broad array of no-fly routes through the Med, ranging from immersive explorations of a single country's coast to whistle-stop tours of Mediterranean classics.

For a focus on destinations... 
Azamara Cruises has small, intimate ships sailing from British port cities including Southampton and Edinburgh. Such vessels can reach smaller, less-visited ports in the Mediterranean, and often stay a while – frequently overnight – so you can experience your destination after dark.