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.
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
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
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
