Top 10 Cruise Destinations For A Weekend Getaway From The UK
A weekend getaway is also a great choice for those who are new to cruising and who want to try one before committing to a full cruise.
A weekend cruise usually starts on a Thursday or Friday and runs until Sunday or Monday and with such a limited time at sea, it will come as no surprise that all of the options on this list are located in Northern Europe.
For this list, we have taken a number of things into account, including the number of options for lines and ships visiting each destination, what is on offer at the destination and also are own personal view of the destination, so whilst you are likely to rank some of these destinations higher or lower if you were to do your own list, this should act a great starting point for planning your next short cruise from the UK.
Top 10 Cruise Destinations For A Weekend Getaway From The UK
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the world’s leading cities for tourism and it is no surprise why. The iconic canals and architecture make walking around the city centre an enjoyable experience but there is so much more to the capital of The Netherlands.
The city is also home to fantastic shopping opportunities, great independent bars and cafes offering food options from across the globe and many of the world’s leading art galleries and museums.
What makes it the perfect destination for a weekend cruise is that you dock right in the centre of town and many cruise lines offer the opportunity to spend 2 days in the city with an overnight stay, something that also allows you to enjoy Amsterdam at night, when the city really comes alive.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rotterdam is The Netherlands 2nd city, so it is perhaps fitting that it is 2nd on our list but it is something that is well deserved.
Rotterdam is another destination where you can dock right in the centre of town and it is also another port that cruise lines offer the chance to overnight there to really make the most of your visit.
Thankfully, there is lots to do no matter how long you are in Rotterdam to make this a great port of call for families and couples alike.
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is a hugely popular destination during the Christmas period thanks to the great markets on offer throughout but it is somewhere that makes for a popular stopping off port all year around.
The city has everything you would expect from a great German port of call including lots of eating and drinking opportunities but the historic centre is just a great place to walk around and explore on foot as you find something new every time you visit.
Bruges, Belgium
The medieval city of Bruges, which can be easily reached from the port of Zeebrugge, is always a magical experience no matter when you visit.
The city and its beautiful canals, stunning architecture, and beautiful parks such as Minnewater makes for lots of great photograph opportunities and if you are a lover of chocolate, you are in for a great day of visiting the numerous chocolate related attractions and many shops selling freshly made Belgium chocolates.
St Peter Port, Guernsey
If you want to enjoy a short cruise, take in some sun but not have to travel to far from the comforts of home- Saint Peter Port is a great choice for you.
The town is the main port for the Channel Island of Guernsey and offer the opportunity to visit the numerous historical sites found across the island including the stunning Castle Cornet.
The port of call is easy to explore on your own and thanks to the remoteness of the small island coupled with the familiarity of aspects of the British mainland, you are in for a unique experience just a few hours cruise from the main south coast cruise ports.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is another destination that despite been so close to many of us, we have never visited and that is a shame as the thriving capital of Northern island has lots to offer.
The city centre is easy to explore on foot and the newly developed ‘Titanic Quarter’ is a great way to experiences Belfast’s shipbuilding past including the informative yet entertaining Titanic Museum.
Another great aspect of visiting Belfast is the entrance into the edge of town port where you sail along the stunning Belfast Lough- make sure to pack your binoculars to spot the resident seal population.
Antwerp, Belgium
The Belgium city of Antwerp is one of the largest cities in the country and the most populous part of the Flemish region but it is actually quite a few miles from the coast.
Thankfully, the port is easily reached by many cruise ships via the River Scheldt, which is linked to the north sea and allows the city to enjoy one of the largest ports in the world.
It is the port that has seen lots of periods of prosperity for Antwerp and that has led to lots of stunning historical buildings that are just waiting to be explored as well as many landmarks.
Cork (Cobh), Republic of Ireland
The city of Cork is Ireland’s second city, after Dublin, but whilst the capital has grown into an urban jungle, Cork still remains a picturesque and historical city full of great photo opportunities.
Must see sights include the City Hall, the English Market, the buildings of the University College Cork, the banks of the River Lee and the Shandon Steeple.
What makes visiting Cork on a cruise a memorable experience is you are actually stepping into history as you arrive at the nearby port of Cobh, formally known as Queenstown and the last port of call for the Titanic before setting sail across the Atlantic.
Cherbourg, France
Cherbourg, on the northern coast of France is an historical naval base that goes back to the days of Napoleon 1 but for many it is the role the port played in the Invasion of Normandy during World War 2 that makes it such an important port of call.
If you are interested in history or have military connections, there are lots of sites of interest to take in whilst if you have relatives who sadly were lost during the conflict, it is possible to visit a number of nearby memorials to pay your respects.
The city is also home to a number of interesting maritime themed museums, including the Cite de la Mer, where visitors can board a disused nuclear submarine.
Le Havre (Paris), France
Whilst it is possible to spend a day exploring the port town of Le Havre on foot, the chances are that the majority of those arriving in the town on a cruise will be joining an excursion to Paris.
It takes around an hour or so to reach the French capital where you can enjoy many of the world’s leading museums, attractions and some of the greatest food and drink available all whilst exploring on your own and taking in some of the world’s most famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower.
