Over the last few years, cruising from and around the UK have become increasingly popular and for good reason! Great value for money, improving weather and easy access make UK cruises an easy choice. Combine this with the majestic beauty of Northern Europe and cruises that take in the Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia or the dramatic landscapes of the polar region and you are onto a winner. The historic destinations of the Baltic or Russia such as Tallinn or Saint Petersburg are also increasingly attracting UK cruisers.
With so much natural splendour, history and culture to explore on our own doorstep, a cruise around the British Isles is a great way to see more of it than you would on a typical 7 day British staycation.
Made up of approximately 6000 islands, the British isles offers spectacular rugged coastline and access to some of the UK and Ireland’s most vibrant cities where you can uncover a tapestry of fascinating heritage.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in a cruise around the UK coast with so many excellent opportunities for hiking and those with a passion for wildlife will find excellent tours on offer to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Visit some of the UK’s most impressive historic sites such as Dublin castle, Lews Castle in Stornoway or the SS Nomadic, a museum aboard the storied ship. Alternatively the chance to see some of the UK’s most incredible gardens and woodlands might interest you, such as the Abbey Garden in Tresco which are home to around 20,000 different exotic species or the Botanic Gardens in Belfast which dates back to 1828 and today sprawls over 28 acres.
Here at WOWCruise we offer a wide choice of UK cruise itineraries. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch on 0800 888 6787 if you have an idea in mind you’d like us to quote for.
The name Isle of Skye alone is enough to have you conjuring images of beautiful, otherworldly landscapes and what you’ll find in Portree doesn’t disappoint. Whilst in port here you can take a hike through The Quiraing which offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Despite what many people might think, Portree is actually only 200 years old - it was originally founded as a fishing village at the beginning of the 19th century.
Stornoway is the largest town on the Hebrides and here you can delve into the history of this part of Scotland at the Stornoway museum or with a visit to the magnificent Lews Castle which boasts beautiful grounds and picturesque woodland walks. Whilst the residents of the town speak English, should you venture out into the surrounding countryside you’ll find that many people speak traditional Gaelic.
Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney archipelago in the north of Scotland. Settlements here can be traced back to Norse times in the 11th century which means there is a fascinating history and culture to learn about during a visit here. The Orkney islands are also renowned for bird watching opportunities and the RSPB look after a total of 8 reserves spread across the islands which are home to the likes of puffins, razorbills, guillemots and gannets. If you’re lucky you might also spot a pod of orca whales off the coast - 90% of orca sightings in the UK are reported either here or the Shetland isles.
Lerwick was gifted to Scotland in the 1400’s by a Norwegian Princess yet even today you can see a subtle influence of Norway in the architecture and people. The UNESCO town is the capital of the Shetland Isles which is reputed for its vibrant green fields and dramatic coastline. Like many of the ports of call in Scotland, there is fantastic hiking trails across the Shetland Isles, many which offer the chance to see wildlife including the famous shetland ponies.
Dublin is Ireland’s largest city and it is packed with heritage and culture ranging from St Patrick’s cathedral built in 1220 to the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson whiskey Distillery, both of which offer an immersive experience with Ireland’s most famous brands of drink. Dublin is a city which offers everything from a vibrant theatre culture to quirky eateries and boutique shopping - you certainly won’t be short of activities to fill your time in port!
Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall lies Britain’s only island archipelago - the Isle of Scilly, of which St Mary’s is the largest of the 5 inhabited islands. Hugh’s Town is the central hub where you’ll find shops and restaurants but with a population of just 1,800 this town is probably a world away from your everyday. At St Mary’s you’ll find deserted stretches of white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves and superb hiking and nature trails with fantastic seascapes.
What better way to explore the gloriously rugged and picturesque scenery of Scandinavia and Norway than by cruise? Natural wonders like the midnight sun, Northern lights and wilderness of the fjordlands await and you can experience this outstanding landscape with activities like hiking and kayaking.
Visit some of the world’s most beautiful and sophisticated cities; Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Here you can learn about a history of Vikings and arctic explorers, discover the impressive palaces of the royal families, visit the old towns like Gamla Stan for a flashback of how these cities may have looked many moons ago or be inspired by a vibrant passion for the arts.
Of course what really makes a cruise through Scandinavia and Norway special is the opportunity to travel the spectacular and awe-inspiring fjords. Out of the deep, dark glacial waters rise snow capped mountains dense with green forestry. These waterways are simply majestic and often the only sound you’ll hear that breaks the sense of serene peace is the cascading downpour of a waterfall.
Here at WOWCruise we have a wide choice of cruise deals available for Scandinavia and Norway with P&O, Fred Olsen, Cruise and Maritime and more. We can also customise your holiday with pre or post cruise stays in unforgettable cities such as Copenhagen or Oslo. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch with any questions you have on 0800 888 6787.
Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As the capital of Denmark it sits across the two coastal islands of Zealand and Amager and inside the city you’ll discover an impressive 18th century rococo district which is home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. During your visit to Copenhagen, head to Nyhavn to see the picturesque 17th century waterfront and canal lined with brightly coloured townhouses, bars, cafes and restaurants. Tivoli Gardens is also not to be missed, it opened in 1843 making it the second oldest operating theme park in the world and it even has an antique rollercoaster (if you dare!).
As the capital city of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of 14 islands connected by more than 50 bridges. The pretty cobblestone streets lined by ochre coloured buildings are home to the old town of Gamla Stan, the remarkable Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum. Stockholm has many superb examples of architecture including Drottningholm Palace which is located on the island of Lovön after being constructed in the 16th century. The palace is a private residence of the Swedish royal family and you can book a tour of the palace and the grounds, both of which are a UNESCO-listed world heritage site. The palace is a one hour boat journey from the city centre down Lake Mälaren.
The capital city of Norway, Oslo is packed with history and culture, from the Viking Ship Museum which has three ships from the 9th century on display to the Museum of Cultural History, an open air site showing medieval houses and buildings that were once commonplace in Norway centuries ago. As well offering a rich historic tapestry to unfold, Oslo also has an intriguing art scene which can be discovered at the opera house which sits on the harbour or with a visit to Vigeland Sculpture Park or Frogner Park where the work of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland can be admired.
There’s no better way to experience the enchanting and fairytale-like landscape of the Norwegian Fjords than by cruise. As you travel through these waterways you can’t help but be enthralled by their beauty which encompasses dense forests, vibrant green pastures, snow-capped mountains, icy waterfalls and charming towns that appear to be remotely tucked away in a world of their own.
There’s no doubt that a cruise along the Norwegian Fjords is all about the journey, however the ports of call each hold their own unique charm too. There’s tiny fishing villages and hamlets, historical links to the Viking era and even one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys. Perhaps one of the most unique elements of a visit to these ports is learning about Norse legends and mythology which is ingrained into the culture and society, so much so that natural attractions feature names such as Troll Wall, Trollstigen and Trolltunga.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element on a Norwegian Fjords cruise with a variety of excursions and tours on offer including boat trips, fishing, kayaking, climbing, biking and hiking.
Here at WOWCruise we have a wide choice of itineraries in the Norwegian Fjords with several different cruise lines including Holland America, P&O and Celebrity Cruises so we can help you discover a holiday which is perfect for you. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch with any questions you have on 0800 888 6787.
The Lofoten Isles are known as Norway’s untamed islands and their beauty is simply unsurpassable. Small red clapboard fishing villages cling to rocky outcrops just above the waters edge, set against a backdrop of striking mountains and arctic fjords. Lofoten has strong connections with the age of Vikings and this can be explored at the Lofotr Viking Museum. This best ways to discover the beauty of these isles is by boat, kayak or hiking through the mountains and understandably there are plenty of tours on offer here featuring these activities.
Geiranger is the ‘poster child’ of the Norwegian Fjords and when you conjure images in your mind of what a cruise in this region might look like, it’s likely that it’s Geiranger you imagine. Quite possibly one of the most dramatic and impressive ports to cruise into, Geiranger is a tiny village that sits at the base of striking snow-capped mountains at the end of the UNESCO World Heritage protected Geirangerfjord. Make sure to get a space on top deck to see the views as you cruise in and get an up close look at the famous Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls.
Meaning ‘little place with steep mountains’, Flam is a picturesque hamlet that appears like something straight out of the pages of a storybook. Flam is located on one of the inner branches of Sognefjord, the second longest fjord in the world. The port is a stunning place to visit at any time of year and one way to appreciate the scenery is to ride the Flam railway which is highly acclaimed as one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.
Once sailed by Viking explorers, a cruise around the Baltics presents an opportunity to discover a smorgasbord of cultures, languages, architecture and fascinating folklore.
Stop off in cities like St Petersburg where you can watch some of the world’s finest ballet and opera performances, or simply go to marvel at the diverse architecture of buildings like the Winter Palace or the iconic colourful turrets of the Church of the Saviour on Blood. Witness glorious sea views with a coastal hike in Helsinki, exploring an 18th century sea fortress as you go and whilst visiting Estonia, you’ll have the opportunity to meander around the storybook-like old town of Tallinn.
Here at WOWCruise we have a wide choice of cruise deals available for Russia and the Baltics with Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and more. We can also customise your holiday with pre or post cruise stays in unforgettable cities such as Stockholm or Copenhagen. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch with any questions you have on 0800 888 6787.
St Petersburg was the imperial capital of Russia for two centuries and even today it still remains a cultural hub. Here you’ll discover incredible palaces like the Peterhof Palace with its golden turrets and the vast Winter Palace which dates back to 1711 and is estimated to contain 1,500 rooms, 1,786 doors and 1,945 windows. St Petersburg is also recognised as being home to the world’s most prestigious ballet performances, often performed at the legendary Mikailovsky Theatre, founded in 1833 and the Mariinsky Theatre which is one of the top 6 ballet and opera companies in the world. Of course no visit to St Petersburg would be complete without a visit to see the iconic architecture of the Church of the Saviour on Blood or to discover the fine art and precious antiquities on show at the Hermitage Museum.
Located on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is also the country’s capital city. Offering glorious coastal hiking trails and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Helsinki has a lot to offer cruise visitors. Head to Suomenlinna to explore a well preserved sea fortress from the 18th century or stop by Temppeliaukio Church to see a fascinating 1960s church was has been excavated into the rock, offering an interior quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen. There are many museums and galleries throughout Helsinki but one which is a particular must-see is the Museum of Finland where you can see artifacts and medieval treasures which date back to the stone age.
As the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn is the country’s cultural hub and the Old Town is one of the most beautiful in the world. With fairytale-like turrets and cobbled streets, the old town of Vanalinn still retains its walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to Toompea where you’ll find the city’s castle, tower and government buildings which will prove fascinating for architecture and history enthusiasts. If time is on your side, it’s also worth visiting the Estonian open air museum where you can find out what a traditional rural fishing village looked like in the 18th century.