Top 10 Reasons You Should Book a No-Fly Cruise
- George and Dan
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Let’s be honest – airports can be a right nightmare. Queues, delays, strict baggage rules, crying toddlers, and a pricey sandwich that doesn’t even taste nice. That’s why more and more cruisers are turning to no-fly cruises from the UK – and we totally get it.
We’ve been on loads of cruises now, and one of our absolute favourite ways to start a holiday is to sail straight from a UK port. Whether it’s Southampton, Liverpool, or Newcastle, no-fly cruises mean your holiday starts sooner and with far less stress.
In this post, we’re sharing our top reasons why you should book a no-fly cruise – especially if you want a holiday that’s simple, convenient, and super relaxing.
1. No Airports = No Stress
This one’s top of the list for a reason. The airport bit of a holiday is rarely enjoyable. You’ve got long security lines, baggage worries, flight delays – and don’t even get us started on airport parking costs.
With a no-fly cruise, you avoid all that. Whether you’re driving yourself or booking a transfer, you can turn up at the port chilled out and ready to sail. And once you’re onboard, you can start enjoying the ship’s pools, buffet, bars and spa straight away. No faffing about at baggage reclaim.
2. It’s a Lifesaver for Nervous Flyers (Like Dan!)
Here’s a personal one – Dan has a fear of flying. It’s not something we talk about all the time, but it’s very real and it used to really impact how we travelled.
Booking a no-fly cruise means we cut out the anxiety entirely. No worrying in the weeks before, no white-knuckle take-offs, no stress. Dan’s relaxed from the moment we leave home – and that makes a huge difference to the whole holiday. If you’re a nervous flyer too, trust us – it’s a game changer.
3. Pack Without the Panic
One of the best things about sailing from the UK? You’re not limited to a tiny suitcase and a plastic bag of 100ml liquids. Cruise lines usually allow generous luggage limits – some don’t even cap how many bags you bring, as long as it fits in your cabin.
So if you’re like us and bring multiple outfits, hiking boots and formalwear, no problem. Plus, there’s room to bring back souvenirs!
4. Big Savings on Travel Costs
Flights aren’t cheap these days – especially when you add in hold luggage, seats together, transfers, and snacks. Choosing a no-fly cruise means you save a chunk of cash straight off the bat.
Even better? You can use that saving on a spa treatment onboard, a speciality dining experience, or a proper cocktail or three.
5. More Local Departure Ports Than You Think
Most people know about Southampton – it’s the UK’s cruise capital. But you can also sail from:
• Liverpool
• Tilbury (London)
• Dover
• Portsmouth
• Greenock (Glasgow)
• Newcastle
More cruise lines than ever are offering regional departures – including Fred. Olsen, Ambassador, Disney, Seabourn and Saga. So chances are, there’s a no-fly cruise close to home.
6. Perfect for Families and Older Travellers
Travelling with young kids, teens or older relatives? Airports can be stressful for the whole family. A no-fly cruise keeps things simple – no long queues, no rushing to catch flights, no transfers.
Board the ship, unpack once, and the fun begins. With kids’ clubs, entertainment, pools and food galore – there’s something for everyone.
7. You Can Snap Up a Last-Minute Bargain
If you’re flexible, no-fly cruises are brilliant for last-minute getaways. As departure dates approach, cruise lines often slash prices to fill unsold cabins. And you don’t need to worry about finding a flight to match – just book, pack and go.
8. Your Holiday Starts with a Sea Day
Many no-fly cruises begin with a day or two at sea, which is honestly one of our favourite parts. It’s your chance to settle in, explore the ship, and properly unwind.
No rushing to the first port. Just a lie-in, a dip in the pool, and maybe an afternoon nap with sea views. Yes please!
9. Repositioning Cruises = Epic Value
Here’s a tip – look out for repositioning cruises. These happen when ships move between regions (e.g. Europe to the Caribbean), and they often start from UK ports.
You’ll get loads of sea days, sunshine, and a proper holiday vibe – and some even include flights home in the price. They’re usually fab value for money, especially if you just want to relax and enjoy ship life.
10. It Just Feels Easier
When we book a no-fly cruise, we genuinely feel like the holiday starts the minute we shut the front door. No airport stress, no complicated plans. Just a chilled drive to the port and the excitement of knowing we’re heading off on a new adventure.
For us – and so many other UK cruisers – it’s the simplest, most relaxing way to see the world.
FAQs About Top Reasons You Should Book a No-Fly Cruise
What is a no-fly cruise?
A no-fly cruise is a cruise holiday that starts and ends in the UK, so you don’t need to take a flight to get to your ship. You board at a UK port like Southampton, Liverpool, Tilbury or Dover.
Why are no-fly cruises popular?
They’re popular because they’re convenient, less stressful, and often more affordable than fly-cruises. You skip airport queues, avoid luggage restrictions and can start relaxing the moment you board.
Are no-fly cruises suitable for nervous flyers?
Absolutely. In fact, they’re ideal. For people like Dan who have a fear of flying, it removes the anxiety completely and allows you to enjoy your cruise without any flight-related stress.
Do you get luggage limits on no-fly cruises?
Cruise lines are generally more generous than airlines. While some have per-bag weight limits (e.g. 23kg), you can usually bring multiple bags – perfect if you like to pack a bit of everything!
Which cruise lines offer no-fly cruises from the UK?
Lots! Popular options include:
• P&O Cruises
• Cunard
• Fred. Olsen
• Saga Cruises
• Ambassador Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• MSC Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line (seasonally)
Can I find last-minute deals on no-fly cruises?
Yes! If you’ve got some flexibility, you can often pick up great late deals, especially in shoulder seasons or just before departure.
Where can I go on a no-fly cruise?
The options are huge – including:
• The Norwegian Fjords
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe (Amsterdam, Bruges, Hamburg)
• The Canary Islands
• Iceland & The Arctic
• Transatlantic repositioning cruises
Booking a no-fly cruise is one of the smartest, simplest ways to travel. Whether you’re a nervous flyer like Dan, travelling with kids, or just want to skip the airport madness – it’s the perfect way to ease into holiday mode.
So if you’ve been thinking about cruising but dreading the airport bit – give a no-fly cruise from the UK a try. You might never look back.
Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter.
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