An image of a Norwegian Fjord

Cruise Guides

Choosing a Route

Discover

Do you love the idea of spends a month at sea, enjoying the sunshine and embarking on a luxurious world cruise?

Or would you prefer something more low key, perhaps a mini-break with one of our cruises from Southampton?

Southampton - England
An Aerial view of Southampton, UK

Either way, we know it’s no easy decision to pick the perfect cruise route. There are quite literally thousands to choose from - some of which scourer parts of the globe you might not have even thought about before. And that’s without taking into consideration the number of cruise liners to choose from, too.

Carnival Glory - Carnival Cruise Line
The Carnival Glory

Mini cruises

If you only have a few days to spare, then there’s a good chance you won’t want to venture further than Northern Europe - or even the UK. In these circumstances, there are hundreds of fantastic options to choose from. Some of the most popular cruise routes involve travelling around areas such as Scandinavia - particularly the Fjords in Norway. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience all the luxury of being on a cruise, without spending weeks at sea.

Northern Lights - Norway
A view of the Northern Lights over a mountain, river and town in Norway

Furthermore, all the main cruise liners offer excellent mini cruise deals - meaning that you’ll enjoy the same onboard entertainment and fine dining opportunities as a trip to the Caribbean or Far East. P&O Cruises, for example, offer 2-night short breaks to cities like Bruges and Saint Peter Port in Guernsey. Royal Caribbean will also frequently have 2-night trips to Paris and Zeebrugge (Belgium). Overall, these mini cruises enjoy the best of both worlds - offering the comfort of luxurious cruising at an affordable price.

Bruges - Belgium
A view of a river in Bruges

Long-haul cruises

For those of you with more time to spare, however, then you’ll love a long-haul cruise around the world. These cruise trips can last anywhere between 1 and 4 months, travelling to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of the globe. This includes:

  • Far East - with stop offs in cities like Safaga, Dubai, Phuket, Singapore, Mumbai, and Sharm El Sheikh

  • South America & Pacific - with stop offs such as Rio De Janeiro, Bora Bora, Easter Island, Hong Kong, Osaka, and San Diego

  • Europe & Australia - with stop offs such as Rome, Venice, Rhodes, Dubai, Mangalore, Hong Kong, Darwin, Sydney, Auckland, and Los Angeles

Phuket - Thailand
A view of a bay in Phuket, Thailand

Alternatively, it is also possible to embark on a ‘grand world voyage’ to several continents across the globe. This can involve travelling with Southampton to Rome, to Singapore, and even Australia - making it a truly once in a lifetime cruise. This is the ultimate journey for people celebrating an anniversary, or simply wanting to enjoy a special occasion in the laps of luxury.

Furthermore, cruisers have the option of departing for their trip either leaving from the UK or on another port abroad. This will depend entirely on whether you would prefer a fly or no fly cruise - both of which offer maximum independence and flexibility.

Sydney - Australia
Sydney Opera House lit up at night

Popular cruise routes

So whether you choose to travel for 2 days, or 2 months, there are a number of different route options that cruisers can enjoy.

But what if you prefer going on holiday for one week or two?

Destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Far East, and United States are all exceptionally popular. And the best part is that all these cruise routes are suitable for young families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Here is a guide to the most popular cruise routes today.

Cruises from Southampton

For those of you who would prefer a no-fuss voyage, then you’ll probably love embarking on a no-fly cruise.

This means that you can depart for your cruise straight from the UK - usually from Southampton. This is the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of travelling abroad, but without waiting in any additional queues and travelling to the airport.

Southampton Cruise Port
Southampton Cruise Port

Furthermore, many no-fly cruises from Southampton involve mini voyages to destinations in Northern Europe - like Hamburg and Zeebrugge.

It comes as little surprise, then, that cruises from Southampton are becoming increasingly popular in Britain.

Hamburg - Germany
The Speicherstadt District of Hamburg Lit up at night

Choose a Cruise Route

With a seemingly endless selection of choices, picking the perfect cheap cruise deal can sometimes be a daunting task.

At Cruise Nation, we specialise in helping our clients to find the ideal cruise route just for them - whether this means travelling for a few nights, or a few months.

Gardens by the Bay - Singapore
A view of Singapore

If you would like to learn more about our excellent selection of cruise package deals, please contact one of our friendly cruise specialists today.

Barcelona - Spain
A view of the flowers in Park Guell in Barcelona
Average Customer Rating:
4.9/5|
Feefo logo

Independent Service Rating based on 480 verified reviews.Read all reviews

Award

Zoe Beard very professional and efficient

Professional and timely. I was unable to make my booking online and your agent Zoe Beard listened to my requirements and researched my best travel options for direct flights and accommodation. Securing your sale and my booking in one call. She recapped on all details...

Mrs Julia Thomas-03 July 2025

-03 July 2025

Good service , good price .

Both Shirley and Laura have been great , helpful and great at answering all my questions regarding the cruises we were enquiring about.

-02 July 2025

It's our 3rd time booking with cruise nation never had a problem and they are always happy to help. Will definitely book ever cruise through cruise nation.

-02 July 2025