We absolutely love holidays that are easy to get to – especially when you’re travelling as a family. The less stress there is at the beginning of a trip, the better. That’s why cruises that start right here in the UK are becoming so popular. Rather than having to deal with airports, flights, and long transfers, you can simply drive to the port, hop on board, and start your holiday straight away.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a cruise could work for you and your family, the fact that you don’t even need to leave the country to start makes them a very tempting choice.
No airports, no meltdowns
For us, one of the biggest draws of UK cruises is cutting out the airport stress. No worrying about how many bags you can take, no dragging tired children through security queues, and no panicking about flight delays. You can pack what you need, get in the car, and head straight to the port.
Southampton is the main hub for cruises leaving the UK, but there are also departures from places like Tilbury, Dover, and Liverpool. For families in Yorkshire, a drive down to Southampton may still be a few hours, but compared to flying abroad it’s so much simpler – especially when you think about not having to juggle luggage or keep little ones entertained while waiting around.
One cabin, lots of adventures
One of the best things about cruises is that you only need to unpack once. Your cabin becomes your base, and from there you can see the world. Imagine waking up in France one morning, Spain the next, and Portugal a few days later – all without having to switch hotels or repack your bags.
For families, this makes such a difference. Children have the consistency of returning to the same cabin each night, while still getting the excitement of exploring new destinations during the day. It’s a lovely balance of adventure and familiarity, which is often exactly what you need with younger travellers.
Fun for the kids (and for us too)
Cruise ships are designed with all ages in mind, which is why they work so well for family holidays. Most ships have kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, swimming pools, cinemas, and even water slides. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the spa, theatre shows, or simply some peace and quiet with a cocktail on deck.
Dining is also incredibly flexible, with buffet options for picky eaters as well as formal restaurants for a special treat. Knowing that everyone is catered for means you can relax so much more than you might on other types of holidays.
Where can you actually go?
You might be surprised at how many options there are. Cruises from the UK can take you to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Norwegian fjords, or even across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Some are shorter “taster cruises” that are perfect if it’s your first time, while others offer longer itineraries for a full adventure.
It’s a wonderful way to explore new places while still keeping the journey itself simple and family-friendly.
Finding the right cruise for your family
If you’re thinking of giving it a try, it’s definitely worth looking at the latest cruises from the UK. There are so many different options, from short breaks to longer escapes, and Odysia makes it easy to compare packages to see what might suit your family best.
Why we’d do it again
Cruises from the UK take away so much of the hassle that can come with family holidays. No airports, no endless waiting, just an easy start and plenty of adventures along the way. With entertainment on board, incredible destinations to explore, and the comfort of having everything you need in one place, they’re a brilliant choice if you’re looking for something a bit different.
For families in Yorkshire and beyond, setting sail from closer to home could be the start of a new holiday tradition – one that’s exciting, stress-free, and full of memories to treasure.
