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 boat 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, like some of Scotland's most remote islands.
Although travelling to your destinations by boat 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.
They also open up spectacular views you wouldn't get travelling by plane or on land, such as picturesque fairytale castles on the banks of Scotland's beautiful lochs, or the golden beaches and coves dotted along the northern coast of Spain.
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 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 from £3,222 | Departs April and May 2024 | Book now
If you want to discover some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the British Isles, join us for a very special no-fly cruise in June, July or August this year. You'll depart from Dover, and sail along England's south coast before sailing north to the Hebrides via Fishguard in Wales and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Along the way you'll learn about the nature and heritage of each fascinating destination on a carefully designed adventure cruise. On your journey south, you'll visit Douglas on the Isle of Man and Waterford in Ireland before stopping at the glorious Isles of Scilly.
13 days from £3,199 | Departs June, July and August 2023 | Book now
Join us on a wonderful six-day voyage over the August bank holiday weekend along Spain's heavenly northern coastline. Visit Bilbao, Getxo and La Coruña on a luxurious cruise, enjoying onboard facilities including two pools, a sleek spa and evening entertainment.
You'll have time to enjoy the region's famed golden beaches and impressive cultural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge. There'll also be two full days at sea on Bolette so you can benefit from the fantastic facilities on board. Spend time relaxing by the pool or at the spa and enjoy delicious dining options, with all meals included.
6 days from £695 | August 2023 | Book now
Another opportunity to discover Scotland's delightful isles on a no-fly cruise comes 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 from £1,699 | October 2023 | Book now
