“Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”. If Mark Twain lived in the 21st century, there is no doubt he would have still been a cruise enthusiast. And, what better a way to explore, dream, and discover than in complete luxury? In the UK, there are plenty of luxurious cruises for those with nautical stars in their eyes. 

While the birth of modern cruising is mostly announced as arriving in the 1960s, traces of cruising date back a lot further. Actually, Twain himself rode the ‘first cruise to begin in America’, which left for a 6-month trip in 1867. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought the marketing, amenities, and luxuries we now associate with the cruising industry. Now, cruising is the epitome of luxury travelling and indulgence. 

It is easy to struggle for choice deciding between UK cruises. But Beau Monde Traveler has got you covered. Here are our top six most luxurious UK cruises. 

The Outer Hebrides, The Majestic Line

The Outer Hebrides archipelago consists of over 200 islands to explore; reason enough to embark on a cruise with The Majestic Line. This cruise itinerary is ideal for those wishing to immerse themselves in an authentic, untouched Scottish way of life. Gaelic is still relied upon for conversation and everyday living on many islands – an ode to the Hebrides’ preservation of Scottish culture. 

The Outer Hebrides itinerary takes you first to the Inner Hebrides. Then you sail on to more remote destinations such as North and South Uist, Barra, The Monachs, and Taransay. Spotting untamed wildlife is a pure treat on these islands, and you can expect birds, deer, and even a wild horse or two. 

Guests embarking on The Outer Hebrides cruise spend their ten days on the MV Glen Shiel, a 2019 launched small cruise ship. With a maximum of twelve passengers on-board, you’ll have a more intimate, quieter experience than on a larger vessel.

A Celebration of Britain, Viking Cruises

Departing from Portsmouth and sailing to Liverpool and back, the Celebration of Britain itinerary offers an idyllic introduction to Southeast England. Undoubtedly, exploring the Cornish and English Channel coastline by ship is the most scenic way forward. Experiencing the chalk-white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast from the waters is incomparable to any other mode of visiting.

Aside from the Jurassic Coast, guests can look forward to The Isles of Scilly, Isle of Portland, and maritime ports of call of Liverpool and Falmouth. Beatles fans amongst cruisers can take advantage of plenty of shore excursions in Liverpool – perhaps opting to visit Penny Lane or indulge in the full ‘Beatles Experience’. As a thoughtful touch, in nearly every port, guests have an ‘included shore excursion’.

And, on-board, the luxury continues. Guests receive complimentary access to all spa facilities, alcoholic beverages with meals, and 24-hour room service. Viking Cruises provide a multi-faceted approach to luxury on A Celebration of Britain. Overall, for a unique perspective, privileged access to many private estates, and a thorough on-board ‘enrichment program’, Viking Cruises pull out all stops. 

The British Isles, P&O Cruises

Combine the UK, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands with P&O Cruises’ fourteen-night cruise. The route is a great option for those wanting to experience more off-the-beaten-track ports and a taster of the UK. The itinerary also features plenty of days at sea – enforcing days of complete relaxation for added downtime. 

The route starts and ends in Southampton, stopping in Belfast, Killybegs, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Torshavn, and Stornoway. Torshavn, of the Faroe Islands, is particularly famed for its Nordic-style Old Town. The grass-roofed traditional houses make for a fascinating exploration of local architecture and a compromising addition to a mostly UK-based cruise. Similarly, a stop in Ireland’s Donegal provides a taster of old-world Irish fishermen culture – especially as Killybeg holds the title of ‘Ireland’s largest fishing port’.

The cruise ship Arcadia hosts up to 2,094 guests, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to socialise and meet fresh faces. And, with onboard facilities such as the Oasis Spa and an entire art gallery, you may find even days at sea becoming packed quickly with activities. 

Jewels of the National Trust, Seabourn

Another cruise combining the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the Jewels of the National Trust includes the top ports across the Isles. The itinerary spans fourteen days of cruising, starting and ending in Dover. 

Guests can expect plenty of ports, including Portland, Falmouth, Fishguard, Cork, Dublin, and Belfast. These are followed by Rothesay, Oban, Ullapool, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Great Yarmouth. The route loops around the South coast of England, stopping in Wales before exploring the Republic, then Northern Ireland. Your adventure carries on to Scotland before the cruise makes its way South from Northern England, ending by the iconic cliffs of Dover. 

Shore excursions are gold mines on this route. Stop off at The Guinness Factory in Dublin, Edinburgh Castle, Titanic Museum in Belfast, or the fort at Fishguard. With on-board luxuries and such a comprehensive itinerary, the Jewels of the National Trust is an easy addition to our top six cruises. 

A Taste of Argyll, The Majestic Line

Our fifth addition to our six most luxurious UK cruises is another itinerary from The Majestic Line. Perfect for those short on time but chasing an indulgent introduction to Scotland, the Argyll itinerary spans over a convenient three days. 

Starting from Holy Loch, cruise down to Southern Argyll islands, including Arran and Bute. The route varies between ocean and sheltered loch cruising, making it a versatile all-year itinerary. There is a mixture of shore excursions, highlights of which include the village of Tighnabruaich and the 19th-century house of Mount Stuart. 

The Majestic Line places emphasis on culinary experience throughout the cruise. The cruise line prides itself on basing its meals off of locally sourced produce. “From venison, lamb, and beef reared in the Argyllshire hills, to langoustine and lobster caught in the cool clear waters off the coast” – the cruise itinerary paints a picture so pretty you might have to press book. 

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland, National Geographic Explorer 

For those who prefer the ‘a little bit of everything’ approach, the National Geographic Explorer is the cruise line to note down. True to National Geographic’s educational approach, each excursion is led by a naturalist or historian guide, leaving you in qualified, knowledgeable hands. While the cruise ends in Norway, it offers the most in-depth exploration of the UK’s Northern regions. You maximise your UK exploring time by flying back from Norway, saving the cruise back from Scotland to London. 

Starting in London, the cruise negotiates the South English Coast: stopping at Portsmouth, Fowey, and the Isles of Scilly. Crossing the Irish Sea, the itinerary includes the Republic of Ireland, with port stops at Cork, Sligo, Donegal, and Dingle – famous for the tale of Fergie, the dolphin of Dingle Bay. Crossing back over to Scotland, the route explores the Inner and Outer Hebrides, stopping at Staffa to excitingly enter Fingal’s Cave via zodiac. Finally, the cruise navigates the Shetland Islands’ remote beauty before finishing the cruise in Bergen, Norway. 

On-board, guests can enjoy luxuries including a full fitness suite and well-stocked library. When exploring off the ship, guests also have included access to zodiac and kayak excursions. The Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland is an ultimate choice amongst UK cruises for luxury meet expeditionary. 

Embarking on UK cruises treats travellers to a blend of rugged coasts, cultural cities, and plenty of native animals on both sea and land. Better still, the UK pioneers luxury cruising. Forget any fears of high expectations and expect luxury and adventure in equal doses when cruising around the UK.