Best Cruise Companies in the UK 2025: Expert Review

Last year, more than 2 million people from the UK and Ireland boarded a cruise abroad, making it one of the most popular types of holidays.

Dozens of cruise lines operate from UK ports—including Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, and Liverpool—and researching the best and worst cruise lines can feel daunting. How do you find the cruise company that suits your tastes?

We’ve done hard work for you and scoured the market for the top options in 2025. Read on as we chart a course for your next adventure on the high seas.

We scrutinised more than a dozen of the UK’s best cruise lines and chose 6 of our favourite picks. For each selection, we indicate the types of cruises each company offers.

Our expert score: 5/5

Pros

Cons

As any parent knows, few things light up their kids’ eyes like the magic of Mickey Mouse. Disney has transported the charm of its movies and theme parks to the high seas with a cruise line that equally delights kids and adults.

It’s somewhat expensive, with limited departures from the UK (Southampton only). But you’ll get your money’s worth when on board. All meals include a mix of table service, quick-service bites, and 24-hour room service. Also included are Broadway-quality live shows, theatre movie screenings, waterparks, and character experiences.

As of November 2024, a 3-night Disney cruise to Belgium will cost a 4-person family £3,174, 4 nights to Spain is £4,037, while the 7-night trip around Northern Europe is £6,787.

Why buy? Expert verdict

If a week of Disney’s singing and dancing doesn’t sound as appealing to adults as it does to the younger set, rest assured that Disney Cruise Line understands. It’s why the company provides daily kids’ clubs organised by trained staff so parents can slip away to the serenity of the ship’s exclusively adult activities.

Top-level customer service and world-class entertainment are a peerless combination. Along with Mickey and Minnie, you’ll find a fitness centre and spa, adults-only lounges, and live music when you need a break. And you can trust the company’s high standards of cleanliness. Disney Cruises earned a top score in a 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sanitation check.

🔎 Read what Review Centre users think of Disney Cruises reviews.

Our expert score: 5/5

Pros

Cons:

Silversea excels in authentic, immersive travel experiences to the planet’s most remote and enigmatic regions, from Papua New Guinea and the Galapagos to Greenland and the Antarctic. Trips with Silversea aren’t for the budget-minded, though, since prices reflect the rarity and exclusivity of the trips as well as service and amenities.

For example, a 6-day Antarctic cruise costs more than £25,000 and includes door-to-door international flights, private executive transfers, 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service, and all excursions. You’ll be among 220 travellers and serviced by almost the same number of crew members.

The price for a 7-day Galapagos cruise is around £15,000. Other destinations include Africa and the Indian Ocean, Australia and New Zealand, and Canada.

Why buy? Expert verdict

Silversea is a luxury cruise line for travellers with little interest in onboard waterslides and cabarets. They’re more likely to enjoy intrepid exploration and natural discovery that brings to mind historic names like Shackleton and Darwin.

Silversea’s smaller vessels can access remote, less-frequented ports and destinations. Its Zodiacs—small inflatable boats designed to manoeuvre through narrow inlets and ice floes—add a genuine sense of adventure to excursions. Kayak exploration, snorkelling, and group hikes are also available.

Onboard, you’ll enjoy enriching lectures and workshops from expert naturalists, biologists, historians, and geologists. For adventurous types wishing for a taste of timeless exploration, Silversea can’t be matched.

🔎 Read what Review Centre users think of Silversea Cruises reviews.

Our expert score: 4/5

Pros:

Cons:

In contrast to the fun-time frenzy of a Disney Cruise, Saga offers a serene experience. Cruises are limited to customers aged 50 and over, which allows the cruise liner to tailor the atmosphere accordingly. It’s relaxed and sophisticated, with like-minded seafarers enjoying everything from classical music performances and cooking workshops to theatre productions and expert guest lectures.

As of November 2024, the headline entertainment on board is a live Strictly Come Dancing performance with stars from the hit BBC show and a talk from TV presenter Angela Rippon.

Special offers include a 30-night trip to the Caribbean for £7,399 per person, 17 nights in the Med for £4,425 per person, and 22 nights to Croatia and the Adriatic for £6,239 per person.

Why buy? Expert verdict

A neat touch from Saga is its nationwide chauffeur service. A private chauffeur picks you up from home and drives you in style to the port. If you’re more than 75 miles away, you’ll receive transportation to your local airport, board a domestic flight to London, and be whisked directly to Portsmouth or Dover. The same service brings you home.

Unlike on some cruise lines, alcoholic beverages and full Wi-Fi coverage are part of Saga’s all-inclusive package. Each cabin has a guaranteed balcony, and comprehensive travel insurance, including cancellation cover, is also part of your booking.

In short, Saga is one of the best cruise lines for adults. It’s a trusted industry name and demonstrates its confidence by offering a money-back guarantee for any first-time customer who isn’t satisfied.

Our expert score: 4/5

Pros

Cons

The Cunard Line is one of the oldest names in maritime history. Founded in 1840 by Canadian businessman Samuel Cunard, the cruise line proudly wears this prestigious heritage and offers a sophisticated service that harks back to the Golden Age of cruising.

If your idea of a cruise is traditional white-gloved service, elegant ballrooms, and art deco interiors, then Cunard’s fleet of 4 ships—each named after British Queens—will delight you.

Cunard’s onboard entertainment follows a similar vibe of throwback refinement. Alongside the fine dining and afternoon tea, classy gin bars offer cocktails at sunset, while daytime activities include yoga, dance classes, and deck games. Black tie gala evenings, live cabaret, and classical music performances go on late into the night.

Why buy? Expert verdict

For the ultimate old-world cruise experience, few can match the high-class elegance and luxury of Cunard. Known for its historic vessels like the Queen Mary 2, Cunard offers worldwide cruises, including round trips from Southampton.

Although its fleet may be charmingly old-school, Cunard stays up-to-date with the latest protocols for modern cruise liners. The company’s high safety standards and rigorously maintained fleets place it among the safest cruise lines.

A 29-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean costs £4,399 per person, while shorter trips, like the 4-night hop to Hamburg, are reasonable at £469. For the ultimate cruise, the maiden world voyage of the Queen Anne is a 107-night adventure stopping at New York, Cabo San Lucas, Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town, and more for a cool £12,499 per person.

🔎 Read what Review Centre users think of Cunard Cruise reviews.

Our expert score: 4/5

Pros

Cons

If the thought of boarding a ship with thousands of fellow passengers makes you feel overwhelmed, other cruising options may be more appealing.

Viking Cruises takes pride in its small-ship approach, whether ocean or small-scale river cruises. Ocean cruises include trips to the West Indies, the Mediterranean, and Norwegian destinations to see the Northern Lights. River cruises feature a gentle-paced float along the Mekong, the Nile, the Rhine, and the Danube.

No matter your destination, expect an intimate experience with a few dozen or a couple hundred fellow passengers rather than thousands. Viking claims it’s “the thinking person’s” cruise liner, with a relaxed, cerebral vibe that offers extended time in port and curated excursions at culturally rich destinations.

Why buy? Expert verdict

Viking is ideal for travellers who prefer smaller groups and destination-focused itineraries. Its adults-only cruises feature onboard lectures in history and art, cooking classes, and a curated library and book club. On land, you can select from various cultural excursions that provide fascinating insights into local life and customs. In contrast to some of the mega-ships, you won’t find casinos or formal white-gloved events.

For the flavour of Viking’s fares, the 13-night Northern Lights tour to the Arctic includes 5 guided tours and costs £4,490. The 8-day journey to Antiquities—from Rome to Athens—costs £2,590, while the 15-day trip to the Panama Canal and Central America comes in at £4,490 per person. The 15-day cruise down the Mekong, featuring 16 guided tours, will set you back £6,795.

Our expert score: 3/5

Pros

Cons

Cruise holidays have a reputation as premium holiday choices that are out of reach for many. But Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, does an admirable job of offering cruise trips that cater to the more budget-conscious traveller.

Its medium-sized fleet isn’t as extensive as some of its more established rivals, but the ships feature kids’ clubs, theatres, pools, fitness centres, and other options.

If you’ve ever been on a TUI (or equivalent) all-inclusive package holiday abroad, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect on board. As of November 2024, deals include a 13-night cruise around Barbados for £2,113 per person, 9 nights in the Med for £1,396 per person, and 4 nights visiting Spain and Gibraltar for just £495 per person.

Why buy? Expert verdict

If you want to enjoy the cruise experience without the premium price, Marella is the pick of the bunch. Its ships are all-inclusive as standard, which includes all meals, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and tips.

Marella excels with its guided shore experiences at 140 different destinations. Passengers can book excursions before they depart or while the cruise is underway.

Marella customises its shore experiences to suit preferences. Its “Wow Factor” excursions appeal to adventurous types, and “Different Perspective” trips offer alternative ways to explore destinations on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. “Culinary” day trips are for foodies keen to try the local cuisine, while the “All Rounder” aims to tick several boxes during each on-shore visit.

Cruise lines cater to a wide variety of travellers. Each offers different types of onboard experiences and on-shore excursions with a range in fares, departure ports, and included amenities.

Mainstream cruise lines are the most popular, appealing to travellers with broad interests, whether groups, families, couples, or solo travellers. These cruise lines boast large fleets and big ships, some with the capacity to host thousands of travellers. Itineraries include short trips close to home ports, medium-range trips to Europe and nearby destinations, and more expansive, global journeys.

Luxury cruise lines demand a premium fare for an elite standard of service. Destinations tend towards exotic locations with exclusive shore excursions, while onboard luxuries often include silver service dining and high-culture events.

Other cruise lines include smaller-ship cruises with most passengers open to new friends and experiences, expedition cruise lines focussed on intrepid trips for adventure enthusiasts, and boutique cruises that cater to niche interests and themes, such as food, history, or wellness retreats.

What type of cruise line should I pick?

If you’ve never been on a cruise, selecting the best cruise company that suits your needs might feel intimidating, but you can simplify the choice by evaluating various factors.

First, consider your budget. If you favour affordability over luxury, start with a cruise line like Marella, with reasonably priced, all-inclusive deals. If budget isn’t a concern and you’re keen to experience the high life, our top luxury pick, Cunard, will almost certainly appeal.

Next, consider your travelling companions. If it’s family, including the kids, you can’t beat Disney. Older couples who wouldn’t enjoy waterparks and energetic kids might prefer Saga’s over-50s excursions. Solo travellers may lean towards the smaller-scope adventures offered by Viking.

Lastly, consider your destination and on-shore excursions. Are you happy to spend most of your time onboard? Or are you keen to explore as many new destinations, cultures, and cuisines as possible? Research which cruise lines offer the best services for your preferred itinerary.

Your fare will include a package of services and amenities, though this varies between cruise lines. Typically, booking guarantees accommodation, meals, entertainment, access to pools, gyms, lounges and bars, and stops at ports. However, you can purchase upgrades on most of those features. For example, you might have to pay extra for a cabin with a balcony, access to an exclusive lounge, or unique dining experiences.

Not all cruise lines include alcoholic drinks in their all-inclusive packages, and Wi-Fi isn’t always standard—though some, like Saga, provide it. In addition, guided daily excursions may be separate.

Finally, you’ll usually arrange your own transportation to the port for UK departures. Exceptions include Saga’s brilliant chauffeur service (including domestic flights where required). And while Marella’s cruises don’t depart from UK ports, its packages include the price of all flights and transfers.

When researching the best and worst cruise lines, consider these key factors:

Potential destinations

Some cruise lines specialise in particular regions, including small river cruises and destination-specific expeditions. Decide on your destination before choosing a cruise company.

Your budget

Modern cruises provide a range of fares to suit most budgets. You’ll find that many cruise liners offer all-inclusive package deals that include dining and drinks. But do your research and check what’s included (or not), like guided tours, Wi-Fi, and adult beverages.

Your trip goals

Cruise lines typically tailor their packages to specific customers and trip types. So whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, family entertainment, or meeting new people, define your trip expectations to help you make the right choice.

Customer reviews and ratings

It’s easy to find the latest reviews of cruise liners online, including those written by users here on Review Centre. Other trusted sources include Feefo and Which?.

We researched more than a dozen leading cruise lines and selected our 6 favourites based on the following factors:

Customer reviews

In addition to checking Review Centre’s customer reviews, we looked at the customer surveys on other platforms. Cruise lines with high customer ratings and feedback were more likely to make our list.

Price range

Cruises have a reputation as one of the pricier holiday types. While this is true of many luxury liners with elite service standards, many mid-range choices are also available. In our research, we noted cruise liners that offer budget, mid-range, or luxury fares.

Industry protections

All our final cruise picks offer the industry-standard ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) financial protection. We also ensured that those offering flights as part of their packages include ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection, so you can claim a full refund if your cruise company or associated supplier goes out of business.

Typical customer

While most mainstream cruise liners offer a broad appeal, some appeal to specific niches. We’ve clarified age restrictions or the unique opportunities or advantages they offer interested travellers.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

Although last-minute deals often reward flexible travellers, the best time to snag a discount is during wave season. Wave season is the cruise industry’s version of Black Friday, except it’s 3 months rather than a single day. It starts after the winter holiday season in January and continues to the end of March. “Wave season” reflects the tidal wave of promotions that cruise lines offer during this time.

What if I need to cancel my trip?

If you can’t travel after confirming your booking, your right to a refund differs among cruise liners. You may be eligible for a full refund if you cancel well before the departure date, e.g., more than 2 months before. Cancelling any closer to the departure date may risk payment penalties or the loss of your deposit. Some companies may offer you the option to rebook for a later cruise.

We advise purchasing travel insurance on the day you book your cruise. It typically allows you to claim a full refund on lost payments if you can no longer make the cruise due to covered reasons, such as health issues or the death of a close family member.

What if I have accessibility needs?

​​Most modern cruise liners can accommodate passengers with accessibility needs. They include accessible cabins, spacious corridors and elevators, and wheelchair assistance for boarding and disembarking. To ensure the best service for your needs, always notify the cruise company of any special requirements at the time of your booking.

Will I get seasick?

Holidaymakers preparing for their first cruise may be nervous about seasickness. While there’s no guarantee you won’t experience some nausea before you get your “sea legs,” modern ships are equipped with stabilisers intended to reduce motion onboard. If you have a history of motion sickness, a cabin in the middle of the ship may be best, and you might want to pack common remedies.

Cruise holidays evoke a sense of adventure as you take to the high seas to discover distant lands. But while the idea of going on a cruise is exciting, finding the best cruise company and booking your trip can sometimes feel like choppy waters.

Given the number of cruise liners, deals, and itineraries available, getting started could mean trusting the captain’s advice: learn everything you can.

We hope our guide to the best UK cruise companies of 2025 provides all the information you need to ensure smooth sailing. Happy holidays, and full steam ahead!