From the capital city of London to the White Cliffs of Dover, the United Kingdom is home to some of the most accessible cruise ports in the world. These modern terminals allow travelers to explore the beauty of the British Isles and other far-flung iconic destinations also.
However, two terminals that serve as the premier gateways to global cruises from the UK are in Southampton and Newcastle, both bustling port cities in their own right with a quiet and picturesque harbor.
Newcastle
Located on the River Tyne, Newcastle welcomed its first cruise ship way back in 1999 and has never looked back ever since by expanding its operations to multiple destinations around the world.
Newcastle is also ideally placed, distant wise, for cruises to Norway to go in search of the Northern Lights and further afield to Tromso, lying 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle.
The Port of Tyne is perfect for those who reside in the northeastern part of the UK and don’t wish to travel to southern cities for a flight-free cruise.
The port is just nine miles from the city centre and visitors with a few days to spare should combine the city with the cruise by venturing out to explore the quaint coastal villages of Northumberland.
Chances are you will fall in love with the Geordies, the friendliest locals in the country, if not with the city’s architecture, history and culture.
Families will love visiting the Centre of Life, a massive science museum depicting everything from dinosaurs to the present day space age with live science shows.
Southampton
Often referred to as the cruise capital of the UK, Southampton has become a popular embarkation port for millions of passengers each year heading to destinations like the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and sometimes even around the world.
Passengers can choose from mini cruises to week-long Mediterranean voyages, sailings to Norway and Iceland or a longer trans-atlantic trip, especially for those who prefer to avoid flights.
Moreover, the cruise terminal is modern with state-of-the-art facilities designed especially for today’s savvy cruise travelers who lay emphasis on smooth embarkation.
The four main Southampton terminals are all easy to access by car, rail and air. While the train station is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal, the airport is less than half an hour away, making it convenient for short-haul travelers.
International visitors can access Southampton, without any difficulty, within two hours from Gatwick or Heathrow via widely available coach services.
Many cruisers arrive in Southampton a day or two ahead to reduce stress and ensure boarding the ship in time on departure day.
For those who want to explore the city, the SeaCity Museum gives an insight about the Titanic and its connection with the city.
Final thoughts
Both Southampton and Newcastle are perfect starting points for your next vacation on the water. Whether you are dreaming of the sunny Mediterranean or the natural wonders of Northern Europe, an expertly crafted voyage can be enjoyed from any of these two ports.