The best no-fly cruises for 2023 and 2024
If you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint, or simply wish to avoid the hassle of air travel, take a look at our selection of excellent no-fly cruises for this year and next.
There are so many advantages to taking a no-fly cruise from the UK. First up, you don't have to deal with the hassle of air travel! Cutting out a carbon-intensive flight is a brilliant way to lower your holiday's carbon footprint, for the eso-conscious among us. But it will also make your trip a more pleasant experience overall with no waiting in long queues or trekking for miles out of the city to get to the airport.
Travelling by ship also allows you to wake up in a new destination every day, and to absorb the wonderful scenery passing by as you sail - whether it's mountains, beaches or countryside. And if you choose a cruise departing from UK cities you can enjoy a wonderfully relaxing start to your holiday by spending a night in a charming hotel near the harbour. Wake up refreshed, with only a short stroll or taxi ride to board your ship and begin your holiday.
As well as avoiding the hassle that comes with travelling by plane, you won't have to worry about stingy baggage limits and restrictions on liquids either. Most cruise lines allow you to take far more luggage than you'd be able to take on a flight, and some have no weight restrictions at all.
One of our favourite things about a cruise is that you can visit multiple bucket-list destinations in one holiday and discover new treasures on your way. The best cruises let you explore places which are difficult to reach on foot.
Although travelling to your destinations by ship obviously takes a little longer than it would by air, the time spent at sea can be an excellent opportunity to relax, far away from the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life, like stylish spas and elegant lounge bars.
If a no-fly cruise sounds like your perfect holiday for 2023 or 2024, you've come to the right place, as Tripsmiths has a whole host of different itineraries waiting to be discovered.
Explore the wild beauty of Scotland's west coast on a no-fly adventure cruise that takes you to 12 of Scotland's islands, from the Isle of Arran in the south all the way north to St Kilda - home to one of Europe's most important seabird colonies - and Stornaway, where Harris Tweed is from.
The cruise itinerary is carefully curated to maximise your time on the islands, with plenty of exciting excursions included, allowing you to explore gardens and enjoy nature landings and hikes. Your voyage starts in Glasgow, where you'll hob about the expedition ship MS Spitsbergen, your home for the next ten nights.
11 days | Departs April and May 2024
An opportunity to discover Scotland's delightful isles is on a no-fly cruise this October, when Scottish news presenter Kirsty Wark joins us on a voyage from Inverness to Oban via Scotland's beautiful lochs. Keep your eyes peeled for a sighting of the mythical monster in Loch Ness, while you sail past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle!
You'll be sailing aboard Lord of the Glens, a charismatic small ship, to explore Scotland's Caledonian Canal and hidden sea lochs on a five-day adventure. Kirsty Wark will join the cruise for the first few days and talk to guests about the history of modern Scotland and her career.
6 days | Departs October 2023
Visit two beautiful Scandinavian cities on this springtime cruise, over the Easter weekend. Embark Balmoral and depart Newcastle as you journey towards Oslofjord, cruising through serene waters dotted with dense forests and dotted with pretty islands.
Your first port of call is Oslo, the Norwegian capital. Learn about the country's Viking past or head to one of the many museums - including the National Museum, where you can Edvard Munch's The Scream. You'll also dock in Gothenburg, Sweden, home to pretty gardens and parks, such as the colourful Trädgårdsföreningen. Spring is great time to visit, seeing the flowers in bloom.
6 Days | Departs March 2024
Explore Scotland's Highlands & Islands on board a small yacht-like ship, in the company of proud Scotswoman and weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood on this eight-day cruise next May. Lord of the Glens will be your home-from-home as you sail from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, cruising through the engineering marvel that is the Caledonian Canal.
Highlights of the voyage include Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, Fort Augustus and Fort William, as well as a memorable journey on the West Highland Railway over the Glenfinnan viaduct, before ending with calls at the Isles of Mull, Iona and Skye. Carol will join you for two days, giving an exclusive talk on her life and career, followed by the chance to ask her questions.
8 Days | Departs May 2024
