With continued uncertainty over whether this summer holidays abroad will still go ahead. Cruise lines have jumped on the chance to offer summer cruises that’ll be sailing closer to home. With a host of Great British Staycation cruises in 2021 planned for the coming months. With so many different cruise operators choosing to sail from the UK, we’re here to give you a rundown of the best European cruises. Who will be cruising, where they’ll be sailing to, and most importantly when you can get yourself on board.
The Best Staycation Cruises in 2021
The below-mentioned staycation sailings are sure to be extremely popular. So, we’re here to make sure you find the perfect one for you!
CELEBRITY CRUISES
Which ships are sailing?
Celebrity Cruises have confirmed that the newly revolutionised Celebrity Silhouette will be setting sail from Southampton for a series of British Isles cruises this summer. All sailings will include drinks, WiFi, and gratuities as standard.
Where are they sailing to?
Celebrity Silhouette will set sail from Southampton and visit various ports in the UK during her summer season. A mix of 6, 7 and 8-night itineraries will include calls to ports such as Inverness, Kirkwall, Belfast, Portland, Glasgow and Liverpool.
When do these cruises depart?
Celebrity Silhouette sets sail on her first sailing on 3rd July. With a 6-night cruise visiting both Glasgow and Belfast.
Can I embark on a Celebrity Cruises staycation?
Only UK residents are permitted to sail at these top-notch staycation cruises in 2021. If you’re aged 18 and over, you will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Along with the final dose received at least 14 days before sailing. Meanwhile, guests under the age of 18 will be required to provide a negative PCR test. With the result received no more than 72 hours before boarding.
CUNARD
Which ships are sailing?
Cunard announced that their summer at sea features a collection of thirteen new itineraries on board Queen Elizabeth. The newest of the three Queens that make up the Cunard fleet.
Where are they sailing to?
Cunard’s sailings mainly consist of scenic sailings, where you can absorb the beauty of Britain’s ever-changing coastline. Or embark on the perfect summertime journey, spending seven nights at sea, sailing wherever the sun shines brightest. From September, you can embark on some British Isles cruises visiting ports such as Liverpool, Greenock, and Inverness.
When do these cruises depart?
The first staycation cruises in 2021 from Cunards sets sail and depart from Southampton on 19th July. This consists of a 4-night escape to South Cornwall’s shores.
Can I embark on a Cunard staycation?
To set sail on one of Queen Elizabeth’s Summer at Sea voyages, you’ll need to be a UK resident and have been vaccinated for Covid-19. For these voyages, the definition of “vaccinated” is a minimum of seven days. Following the second dose of the currently approved Covid-19 vaccines being administered. Whilst there are no age restrictions for these sailing, the vaccine policy applies to guests of all ages.
FRED OLSEN CRUISES
Which ships are sailing?
One of the best 2021 cruises is Fred Olsen’s Welcome Back Cruises. Where three of its ships returning to operation. Brand new ships Borealis and Bolette sets sail on their maiden voyages, whilst Fred Olsen’s favourite Balmoral will also return to the sea.
Where are they sailing to?
Setting sail from Dover, Liverpool and Rosyth, Fred Olsen’s welcome back cruises aim to explore the waters, inlets, and beautiful sights on our doorstep. With experts from wildlife charity ORCA onboard many of the scenic cruises giving talks about the local wildlife and marine creatures you may encounter during the sailings.
When do these cruises depart?
Borealis will set sail on her maiden voyage on 5th July for a 3-night Scottish Isles cruise departing from Liverpool. At the end of the month, Balmoral will return to service departing from Rosyth on 28th July and sailing to the Orkneys. Finally, Bolette, makes her debut, with her maiden voyage departing from Dover on 16th August.
Can I embark on a Fred Olsen staycation?
Fred Olsen has yet to confirm whether you need to be fully vaccinated to embark on their welcome back cruises. However, they have announced that this is a mandatory requirement from the government. If any unvaccinated passengers who have already booked will be issued with a full refund.
MSC CRUISES
Which ships are sailing?
If you’re looking for fancy getaway cruises in 2021, then this is it! MSC Cruises brings in their newest and largest ship, MSC Virtuosa to the UK. A series of all-inclusive cruises around the British Isles. Having delivered the newly built ship in February this year, UK guests will be the first passengers to embark on the new flagship.
Where are they sailing to?
MSC Virtuosa departs from MSC’s brand new dedicated terminal in Southampton for a series of short breaks around the South Coast with a stop in Portland. Introducing 7-night voyages around the UK with additional stops in Liverpool, Greenock and Belfast from the middle of June. In fact, from mid-June, guests can also embark from Liverpool and Greenock and sail 7-night roundtrips back to their home port.
When do these cruises depart?
MSC Virtuosa sets sail on her first staycation cruise on the 20th May for a 4-night South Coast staycation.
Can I embark on MSC Cruises staycation?
MSC Cruises welcomes UK guests of all ages, including those who are yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. All guests will receive an antigen test before embarkation, while non-vaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative test done within 72 hours prior to embarkation.
P&O CRUISES
Which ships are sailing?
P&O Cruises has confirmed that their two newest ships will be the first to return to cruising. P&O Britannia sets sail first, and joined by the latest member of the P&O fleet, Iona, as she makes her long-awaited debut here in the UK.
Where are they sailing to?
P&O’s coastal cruises departs from Southampton sailing around the UK coast to where the sun shines brightest. Sailings later in the summer also includes a stop in Liverpool whilst P&O Iona’s 7-night sailings will explore the Scottish Islands’ beauty.
When do these cruises depart?
P&O Britannia sets sail on her first short break on 1st July for a 3-night coastal cruise, whilst P&O Iona departs on her long-anticipated maiden voyage on 7th August, a 7-night sailing to the Scottish Isles.
Can I embark on a P&O Cruises staycation?
To set sail on one of P&O’s Summer Staycation cruises in 2021, you’ll need to be a UK resident and have been vaccinated for Covid-19. For these voyages, the definition of “vaccinated” is a minimum of seven days following the second dose of the currently approved Covid-19 vaccines being administered. Whilst there are no age restrictions for these sailing, the vaccine policy applies to guests of all ages.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Which ships are sailing?
If you’re looking to set sail with Princess Cruises this summer, you’ll be spoilt for choice with two of their newest ships offering the ultimate all-inclusive Summer Seacation. Both Regal Princess and Sky Princess are MedallionClass ships meaning you can enjoy a touchless experience onboard.
Where are they sailing to?
Both Regal Princess and Sky Princess begins their summer seasons with a series of 3 and 4-night scenic cruises. Both ships plan to introduce longer weeklong voyages with ports of call in Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast from September.
When do these cruises depart?
Regal Princess sets sail from Southampton on her first scenic cruise on 31st July. Joined a month later by Sky Princess, that departs on her first 4-night sailing on 30th August.
Can I embark on a Princess Cruises Seacation?
In order to set sail on one of Princess Cruises Summer Seacations, you’ll need to be a UK resident and have been vaccinated for Covid-19. For these voyages, the definition of “vaccinated” is a minimum of seven days following the second dose of the currently approved Covid-19 vaccines being administered. Whilst there are no age restrictions for these sailing, the vaccine policy is applicable to guests of all ages.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
Which ships are sailing?
Royal Caribbean fans will be delighted at the news that the much-loved Anthem of the Seas, returns to Southampton for the best staycation cruises in 2021 that sets sail this summer. Witness breath-taking panoramic views of the British coastline from 300 feet above sea level in the ship’s iconic North Star all-glass viewing capsule.
Where are they sailing to?
Initially, Anthem of the Seas sets sail on 4-night ocean getaways, whilst later in the summer, guests can enjoy cruises to a variety of UK ports such as Liverpool, Kirkwall, and Belfast.
When do these cruises depart?
The first sailing departs on 7th July, beginning with a series of 4-night ocean getaways. From mid-July, the sailings will be expanded, and guests can choose from various 5 to 8-night British Isles cruises.
Can I embark on a Royal Caribbean staycation?
Only UK residents can sail on these summer cruises at this time. If you’re aged 18 and above, you have to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with the final dose having been received at least 14 days before sailing. Meanwhile, guests under 18 have to provide a negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours before boarding.
There you have it, our extensive list of the best staycation cruises in 2021 for you to chose from. If you’ve been waiting to spend your summer holiday on one of the best European cruises, call or email Travel Center UK, and we’ll be glad to set you up with an amazing ocean getaway.
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