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! 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 port. 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, 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.
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
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
Visit some of Scotland's most remote islands, intriguing sights and stunning lochs on a six-day cruise over the May Bank Holiday. Board Fred Olsen's Bolette for this wonderfully scenic voyage, departing from Liverpool.
During your sailing, you'll witness the bonnet-shaped island of Bac Mòr island, the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave and the Small Isles archipelago. You'll cruise the Sound of Mull, calling at the Isle of Lewis, the Orkneys and the Isle of Iona, before your return journey to Liverpool.
6 Days | Departs May 2024
Visit the Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and Honfleur in Normandy on a six-day cruise over the May or August Bank Holidays. Board Fred Olsen's Borealis for this wonderful discovery voyage, departing from Southampton.
During your sailing, you'll enjoy a day at sea, giving you time to explore the facilities your ship has to offer, before calling at St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly. Uncover the Channel Islands' history with a stop at St Peter Port in Guernsey, before you make your way to France's Normandy region - in Honfleur, you could sample local delicacies including camembert and Calvados.
6 Days | Departs May & August 2024
Sail Norway's stunning glacial fjords on this unforgettable six-day cruise on board the Balmoral, sailing through alpine mountains, verdant forests and the magnificent Jostedalsbreen glacier. Take in the tranquil beauty of Nordfjord, one of Europe's longest fjords and explore the verdant valleys of Langfjord and Eresfjord.
Highlights include a hiking excursion to the Briksdal Glacier and visit to the islands of Giske and Godøy, the birthplace of the Viking Chief Rollo. You will also visit Trollveggen and Trollstigen to learn more about the country's fascinating folklore and the legendary tales of trolls living in the mountains.
7 Days | Departs August 2024
