What are the best cruise destinations from Southampton?

Friday, 23 March 2012 1:53 PM

You might have always dreamt of going on a cruise from the UK and have a truly luxurious holiday. If this is the case, head to Southampton, as the port offers a wide selection of different destinations you can visit. Read on to find out about just a few.

Where you choose to go on your trip will depend on two things - how long you have to spare for your holiday and what type of getaway you are keen to go on. For instance, you might only have a few days and want a short weekend getaway, or this could be a trip of a lifetime and you wish to set sail for a few months.

Another thing to think about is whether you have always wanted to visit northern Europe, the Mediterranean or other areas around the world. This will help narrow down your choice. Here are a few more suggestions to aid you with your decision.

Visit several countries

A great thing about cruises is that many of them offer holidaymakers the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in one trip. You don't have to choose whether you're going to spend your summer break flying to Italy or to Greece, as you can now head to both - and without the irks of airports, waiting times and changeovers.

There are plenty of different itineraries for you to choose from, but if you are keen on indulging yourself on a luxury trip to the Mediterranean, a good combination can be to visit Italy, Croatia and Greece.

You will find cruises from Southampton that take in stops in all three countries, as well as the return trip back in the UK. You can visit Venice in Italy, giving you the chance to see its many historical sites, sip on an espresso in St Mark's Square and enjoy a gondola ride through its narrow canals.

This will feel like a world away from your stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where you can explore its modern harbour, as well as go sightseeing around its historical area.

While your food will be included on your liner, it is worth taking the opportunity to sample local cuisine, and the dishes will be unlike anything you find at home. Indeed, even eel and frog can be found on menus here, while those who prefer something they are more familiar with could opt for shellfish or lamb instead.

A stop in Corfu, Greece, is likely to be a welcome treat, giving you the chance to sunbathe on the golden shores and soak up the warm sunshine. Being able to cool down in the waters and enjoy a beach break is enough reason to start saving for cruises in 2013 now.

The Canary Islands and Spain

Another option could be to take a cruise to Spain and the Canary Islands. There are several places to visit in both of these destinations, with tourists heading to this area of the world in their droves come the summer months.

The Spanish seaside is particularly popular, and you could choose a boat that allows you to disembark in Malaga or Alicante.

From mainland Spain, head to the Canary Islands on the boat. These are particularly popular among holidaymakers for their year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and warm seas. With so many different isles to visit, you could explore Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, among others.

A Disney cruise is perfect for young families

If you've always wanted to go on a cruise but have worried such a break may not be suitable for little ones, you can rest assured that Disney cruises will prove the perfect solution. As you can imagine, this type of getaway offers plenty of fun for youngsters - but also caters for adults. Read on to find out more.