We know what you're thinking... and we agree. It was about time we started setting sail, from the port, to the sea, to the beach and back again. Cruise holidays have just entered the chat. You've seen the adverts, you've got the jingles stuck in your head, and now you just need to get booking.
Royal Caribbean International
When we say “next-level cruising,” Royal Caribbean literally built the level. Think skydiving at sea, surf simulators, robot bartenders, and pool decks that pop off harder than a Saturday night in Ibiza. These ships are floating cities of fun – packed with everything from boujee spas to bottomless pizza counters (yes, really).
Whether you’re chasing Caribbean scorchio or European chic, Royal Caribbean turns every sail-away into a full-blown spectacle – live shows, delish dining, and sunsets so stunning you’ll forget to check your phone (almost). Oh, and the best part? These bad boys set sail from Southampton (among other ports), so no-fly Cruises are well and truly on the cards.
Basically, if you want your Cruise holidays to go way beyond deck chairs and bingo, hop aboard – this is where the jollies get epic.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t do rules – it does freedom. Eat when you fancy, wear what you like, and dance ‘til sunrise if that’s your vibe. It’s all about your Cruise, your way – no stuffy dress codes, no awkward dinner times, just pure, top-tier fun on the open seas.
With show-stopping entertainment, delish dining from every corner of the globe, and decks that are straight-up stun, NCL brings a whole new energy to life at sea. Picture rooftop bars serving sunset cocktails, Broadway hits under the stars, and island-hopping itineraries that are downright dreamy.
So, if you’re the kind who likes their holibobs with a side of spontaneity and a splash of freedom – Norwegian’s your shipmate.
Celebrity Cruises
If cruising had a VIP lounge, Celebrity Cruises would be running it. Think modern, designer ships with infinity pools, rooftop gardens, and food so delish you’ll be snapping pics before your first bite. Think luxury Cruises, but without the snooty vibes – just gorge décor, top-tier service, and cocktails that deserve their own fan club.
Days onboard glide by in a haze of spa bliss, sea views, and sunshine (with a cheeky Aperol, obviously). Evenings? That’s when things get stun – rooftop movie nights, live music, and menus curated by actual Michelin-starred chefs.
Basically, it’s the boujee beach club of the Cruise world – and you’ve got an all-access pass.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises are where Euro style meets serious sea swagger. Think marble atriums, espresso-on-tap energy, and that effortlessly chic vibe you only get from the Med. The ships are total stunners – glam décor, whirlpools with ocean views, and pool decks that look straight out of a music video.
Onboard, it’s a world tour for your tastebuds – from delish Italian trattorias to sizzling teppanyaki grills (because why choose just one cuisine when you can have five?). Add in dazzling shows, sun-drenched decks, and that signature MSC sparkle, and you’ve got yourself a Cruise that’s giving major BCE (Big Cruise Energy, obvs).
Your MSC adventure is calling – time to swap dry land for dolce vita.
What's actually included in a Cruise holiday?
Think of it as a floating all-inclusive. Your cabin, meals at the main restaurants, entertainment, pools and onboard facilities are all part of the deal. Some packages also include drinks, speciality dining and excursions at port stops, but that depends on the cruise line and the package you book.
Royal Caribbean and MSC tend to offer tiered packages, so you can add drinks bundles or connectivity packages on top if you want them. The basics are always covered though, and you won't go hungry or bored.
Do I need a passport for a Cruise holiday?
If your cruise sails beyond home waters, then yes. Even short European itineraries that hop between ports in Spain, France or Italy require a valid passport.
For no-fly cruises departing from Southampton that stay in home waters, you may not need one, but it's always worth checking with the cruise line before you book. As a general rule: if in doubt, make sure your passport has at least six months left on it before your sailing date.
Are cruises good for families?
Very. Most modern cruise ships have dedicated kids' clubs split by age group (toddlers through to teens), splash zones, family-friendly shows, and enough activities to keep everyone occupied from morning to midnight.
Royal Caribbean is particularly strong for families, with things like surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and FlowRider machines built into the ship. The parents get the pool deck, the spa and the evening entertainment while the kids are off doing their thing. Everybody wins.
Do cruises stop at different destinations?
That's one of the best bits. A typical Mediterranean cruise might call at ports in Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia over a week, and you only unpack once. Caribbean itineraries hop between islands, and Northern European routes can take in Norway, Iceland and the Baltics. Each port stop usually gives you a full day to explore on your own or join an organised excursion, then you're back on board for dinner and the ship sails overnight to the next stop.
Can I get seasick on a Cruise?
Most modern ships are massive and super steady - you’ll barely notice the waves. But if you’re worried, grab some travel sickness bands or tablets just in case. Better safe than queasy.
What's the difference between a cruise and an all-inclusive holiday?
With an all-inclusive holiday, you stay in one resort and everything (food, drinks, activities) is included at that location. A cruise is a floating hotel that moves between destinations, so you wake up somewhere new every day or two. Meals and entertainment are included on board, and you get to explore different ports along the way. The trade-off is that you don't get as much time in each destination, but you see far more places in a single trip without repacking your suitcase.
How much does a cruise holiday cost?
It varies hugely depending on the cruise line, cabin type, itinerary and time of year. Short Mediterranean cruises can start from a few hundred pounds per person for an inside cabin, while longer Caribbean or luxury itineraries cost more.
The thing to remember is that a lot is already included in the price (accommodation, meals, entertainment), so your onboard spending is mostly drinks, excursions and speciality dining. On the Beach offers flexible payments and low deposits to spread the cost.
What's the best time of year to go on a cruise?
It depends where you're sailing. Mediterranean cruises run from April to October, with June to September being the warmest and busiest. Caribbean cruises are year-round, though November to April is peak season (and avoids the hurricane window). Northern European cruises (Norway, Iceland) run from May to September when the days are long and the weather is manageable. For the best deals, shoulder season (April to May, September to October) tends to offer lower prices and quieter ships.
Where do cruises from Southampton sail to?
Cruises departing from Southampton can reach the Western Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, southern France) in a couple of days, or head north to Norway, Iceland and the Baltics. Atlantic Island cruises call at the Canary Islands and sometimes Madeira.
Fly-cruise options open up even more: you can fly to Barcelona for an Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, or to Florida or Barbados to join a Caribbean sailing. On the Beach packages the flights and cruise together.
Terms & Conditions
If you wanna get clued up on all the legal bits and bobs, then you're gonna wanna head to our handy dandy pages we've popped down below, just to get all your ducks in a row. Don't want any surprises when you're gearing up to set sail, right? Check em' out:
