This is a featured post by world traveller Teresa who lives in the UK but travels often throughout Europe on Cruise ships.
It’s difficult to find cruise holidays in the north of the UK as they usually start in much warmer climates, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy one on a budget. Southampton is cheap to get to, with a National Express ticket costing around £50 from Edinburgh, and it’s home to the MSC Opera, one of MSC Cruises’ top liners.
Rather than flying out to a start point, head down south and jump on a cruise around Northern Europe, as well as seeing some of the continent’s best sights, you’ll also enjoy beautiful moving scenery as you make your way around the North Sea, the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay and the North Atlantic Sea.
To give you an idea of where to go on a cruise from the UK, we’ve put together a guide of some of the top destinations for your next European cruise holiday.
Where to go on a Cruise from the UK?
Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam promises to provide a total culture shock, with an eclectic art scene and beautiful scenery across the city.
![Amsterdam Canals Amsterdam Canals](https://www.fourjandals.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Amsterdam-Canals.jpg)
Where to go on a cruise from the UK? Amsterdam!
Take a boat trip along the canals for a fantastic tour of the city’s most stunning architecture, relax in the small cafés, or head to the Zuid district for an afternoon of high-end shopping. Holland’s more rural areas are famous for their beautiful brick-red windmills and lush sweeping hills, not to be missed if you’re hoping to catch as much sun as possible!
Le Havre, France
Le Havre is traditionally considered the entry point to Paris from the coast, and is in itself a beautifully historic port city on France’s north shores. This is the ideal spot for beach-lovers, who will appreciate the soft golden sands, wide promenades and the stunning harbour.
If you’d rather explore, you can visit the nearby Normandy Landing Beaches or make your way around the many fantastic art galleries in the city centre.
Vigo, Spain
Vigo lies in Spain’s beautiful Galicia region, and looks beautiful from the sea on your approach, so make sure you grab yourself a chair on deck as you approach the port!
![Where to go on a Cruise from the UK? 31 Las Islas Cies, Cies Island, Vigo, Galicia](https://www.fourjandals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Cies-Island-Islas-Cies.jpg)
Where to go on a cruise from the UK? Cies Islands in Vigo, Galicia
Here you’ll find a charming coastal town with cobbled narrow streets and fishing harbour. It’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon on land, and boasts a wealth of 17th century architecture and history. So whether you want to enjoy the fresh seafood or a guided tour of the harbour, there’s something in Vigo for you.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s bustling capital is a fantastic stopping point, far south enough to enjoy beautiful summer temperatures that’ll make the journey as perfect as a day in the city centre.
Perched on a hill facing out to sea, Lisbon’s whitewashed buildings and gorgeous parks and gardens promise an idyllic afternoon of walking and exploring. While excursions out to the Royal Palace or to the holy city of Fatima offer something for those looking to see as much as possible.
Saint Peter Port, Guernsey
Saint Peter Port is a comparatively small town but well worth putting on any cruise holiday wishlist. It’s the largest town on the island, with a rich history and a wealth of small attractions, ensuring you can get plenty in during one day. I reckon the harbour and the excellent Castle Cornet are the ones you shouldn’t miss.
Otherwise, it’s a beautiful seaside destination enjoying a warmer climate than mainland Britain, with a mixed British/French heritage. Ideal for a day in the beachside cafés!
Have you been on a cruise before? Any recommendations of where to go on a cruise from the UK?