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.
If you're looking to combine history with good food and wine, this is the cruise for you. Embark Balmoral in Southampton for this five-night cruise to Normandy and the Channel Islands, over the May bank holiday. Your first stop is St. Malo, before exploring the tranquil Channel Islands, including Alderney and Sark. You'll also call at Rouen, known as the 'City of a Hundred Bells' and home to imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
6 days, departing May 23, 2025
Sail Norway's stunning glacial fjords on this unforgettable six-day cruise on board 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.
6 days, departing August 2, 2025
Sail from Newcastle on a five-night cruise on board the sleek Borealis. Discover the charms of the Netherlands as you visit two culture-packed cities, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You could choose to explore the capital by foot or canal, taking in its abundance of museums. While in Rotterdam, visit Kinderdijk and its iconic windmills. Springtime is a fantastic time to explore the sights, as the flower fields are in bloom.
6 days, departing May 2, 2025
Join Bolette in Liverpool as you cruise Scotland's remote islands, in search of intriguing sights. Celebrate the August Bank Holiday in style on this six-day voyage, as you visit Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Stornoway (Outer Hebrides) and enjoy scenic cruising as you sail past Bac Mòr, one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles. You'll also cruise by the Sound of Mull, where you'll pass the 13th-century Duart Castle.
6 days, departing August 22, 2025
