The best no-fly cruises
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, and the baggage limits and restrictions. 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.
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. 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 port. Wake up refreshed, with only a short stroll or taxi ride to board your ship and begin your holiday.
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, with facilities like stylish spas and elegant lounge bars.
If a no-fly cruise sounds like your perfect holiday, you've come to the right place, as Tripsmiths has a whole host of different itineraries waiting to be discovered. Take a look at some of our favourites below.
Celebrate the festive season in style and embark Bolette in Liverpool for an eight-night cruise to the cities of western Europe. Take in the sights, sounds and scents of the season, visiting Christmas markets and seeing the magical illuminations in Honfleur, Bruges and Rotterdam. You cruise includes an overnight stay in Zeebrugge - gateway to both Brussels and Bruges - giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and seasonal special events.
9 days, departing 2 December 2025
Depart from Newcastle on this nine-night cruise to Iceland: the Land of Fire and Ice. Get accustomed to your ship, Balmoral as you spend the first two days at sea, as you sail towards Iceland in search of wonders and wildlife. During your itinerary, spend a day in Reykjavik where you could explore the Golden Circle; visit Ísafjörður, renowned for its spectacular fjords; the small fishing town of Akureyri; and Seyðisfjörður, surrounded by green valleys.
10 days, departing 5 May 2026
Our expert-led foodie cruises are always popular and we have two new options for 2026. Make these trips no-fly by travelling by train - starting with the Eurostar.
Choose to join top chef Tom Kitchin on a cruise around Bordeaux and the Mêdoc region. Sail in luxury on board SS Bon Voyage, as you enjoy six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions, guided by experts - from oyster tasting in Médoc to visiting Blaye. Tom will join you on a tour of Libourne market, host a cooking demonstration on board, and give an insightful talk and Q&A.
8 days, departing 19 April 2026
Or join Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo on a luxury cruise around Venice's islands and lagoons, with exclusive access to its most famous landmarks. See a special lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica, early access to the Doge's Palace and step inside Torcello's church before it opens to the public. Gennaro will host a talk and Q&A session, as well as an on board cooking demonstration. He will also accompany you to Rialto Market.
8 days, departing 3 May 2026
