UK and British Isles cruises
Discover the beauty of the British Isles with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, sailing closer to home from a choice of convenient UK ports. Our smaller ships are perfectly suited to these waters, allowing for scenic cruising and visits to ports and coastal regions that larger vessels can’t easily reach. [ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk]
From dramatic coastlines and historic island communities to culture-rich cities and unspoilt landscapes, our British Isles cruises offer a relaxed and immersive way to explore England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the reassurance of British cruising expertise throughout your journey.
Many itineraries offer the chance to enjoy a cruise around the UK from Southampton, as well as other regional ports such as Liverpool, making it easy to explore the British Isles from a port close to home.
UK and British Isles cruises
Discover the beauty of the British Isles with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, sailing closer to home from a choice of convenient UK ports. Our smaller ships are perfectly suited to these waters, allowing for scenic cruising and visits to ports and coastal regions that larger vessels can’t easily reach. [ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk]
From dramatic coastlines and historic island communities to culture-rich cities and unspoilt landscapes, our British Isles cruises offer a relaxed and immersive way to explore England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the reassurance of British cruising expertise throughout your journey.
Many itineraries offer the chance to enjoy a cruise around the UK from Southampton, as well as other regional ports such as Liverpool, making it easy to explore the British Isles from a port close to home.
Cruises to the British Isles
Cruising around the British Isles provides evidence that you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience fascinating sites. With dramatic landforms, scenic lochs, remote islands, ancient ruins and captivating wildlife, there’s a lifetime of hidden gems to seek out. Find your perfect British Isles cruise below.
Why book cruises around the British Isles with Fred. Olsen?
From the moment you step on board, everything is taken care of. With no flights to manage, no baggage limits to navigate and no hotel transfers to worry about, you’re free to relax and enjoy life at sea. Expect attentive service, well‑prepared dining and a welcoming onboard atmosphere from a crew who take pride in what they do.
Our smaller ships, Balmoral, Borealis and Bolette, are central to the Fred. Olsen experience. They’re designed to sail closer to the coastline around the UK and call at ports that larger ships often can’t reach, creating a more personal and immersive way to travel. It’s a style of cruising that feels both comfortable and connected.
With a choice of itineraries for cruises around Great Britain and Northern Ireland, there’s a Fred. Olsen cruise to suit your pace.
What’s included on a Fred. Olsen British Isles cruise?
A Fred. Olsen British Isles cruise includes comfortable accommodation, full‑board dining with breakfasts, lunches, five‑course dinners, afternoon tea and late‑night snacks, plus a programme of onboard entertainment, talks and daytime activities.
Guests also have access to leisure facilities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and the fitness centre, with practical inclusions such as free shuttle services to ports more than one mile from the ship and luggage porterage. Guests travelling on a Freedom Fare benefit from additional inclusions such as selected drinks with meals and gratuities.
Answering FAQs about British Isles cruises
What is a British Isles cruise?
Cruises around the UK, sometimes referred to as a round Britain cruise, are voyages that explore the coastlines of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some itineraries also visiting Ireland, the Orkney Islands, Shetland, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships allow guests to enjoy scenic cruising and access ports that larger ships may miss.
When is the best time to cruise around the British Isles?
Fred. Olsen British Isles cruises typically operate between spring and autumn, when conditions are best for scenic cruising and exploring ashore. Late spring through to the summer offers longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, while if you go on British cruise holidays in early autumn, it can be a quieter time to travel with fewer crowds.
Which ports are visited on cruises around the UK?
Ports visited on cruises around the UK vary by itinerary but may include destinations such as Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, Edinburgh, Kirkwall (Orkney), Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Lerwick (Shetland), the Isle of Man and the Isles of Scilly. Fred. Olsen itineraries are designed to showcase both well‑known cities and more remote island ports.
Are British Isles cruises suitable for first‑time cruisers?
British Isles cruises are ideal for first‑time cruisers, with shorter itineraries, departures from UK ports and destinations closer to home. Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships and friendly service offer a relaxed and comfortable introduction to cruising.
Do you need a passport for cruises around Britain?
All Fred. Olsen guests must hold a valid passport. For British Isles cruises, passports must be valid for at least three months after disembarkation and be less than ten years old.
From dramatic coastlines to historic ports, a British Isles cruise with Fred. Olsen offers a relaxed and enriching way to explore closer to home. If you want to go a bit further afield, discover our upcoming 2026 cruises and find the itinerary that’s right for you.