Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland and is also home to the UK’s northernmost cruise terminal. It is traditionally known as a centre for the North Sea Oil industry and is also renowned for its granite architecture. Today, it is also more commonly known as a prosperous cosmopolitan city, with many beautiful parks, floral displays, a wide collection of museums and an extensive sandy beach.

This distinctive city offers a unique range of cruise itineraries, with passengers able to embark on a range of intriguing expedition journeys into the Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords, around the UK and into Northern Europe.

As the UK’s northernmost cruise terminal, it provides a wealth of holiday opportunities for northern Scotland. A car journey from Inverness takes just three hours, while a journey from Dundee takes less than an hour and a half. Direct rail links are also available from both of these cities, as well Edinburgh and cities situated further afield including Leeds.

One of the most enjoyable ways to reach Aberdeen from further afield is via the Caledonian Sleeper, which departs regularly from London Euston. There are also regular flight services to Aberdeen Airport for those looking to travel from further afield.

Belfast is a city steeped in maritime history, which is thought to date back as far as the 17th century. It was here, at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, that White Star Line’s RMS Titanic was built and today, the Northern Irish city is home to the largest Titanic museum in the world.

Located two miles from the city centre, cruises from Belfast depart from a port located on the River Lagan - the largest in Northern Ireland. It welcomes more than 100,000 passengers every year, with passengers embarking on ships from a variety of major lines.

Train services from across Northern Ireland can take you to Belfast Central Station, which is located just two miles away from the port. For those arriving from England, Scotland and Wales, direct flight services are available to Belfast City Airport - approximately 8 minutes away from the port via taxi.

The cosmopolitan city of Bristol is a thriving centre of culture and this soon becomes apparent through the city’s distinctive art and music scene. It is also home to a number of fascinating architectural wonders, with many listed buildings dating back to medieval times.

Built in 2013 at Avonmouth Docks, approximately six miles from the city centre, Bristol Cruise Terminal offers an ideal link to the Atlantic Ocean via the mouth of the River Severn. Cruises from Bristol are an ideal choice for anyone considering embarking from central or south-west England, or southern Wales. The port offers plenty of parking facilities, with car journey times approximately 50 minutes from Cardiff and one-and-a-half-hours from Exeter and Swansea. Alternatively, train services from across the UK can take you to Avonmouth Station – which is just over two miles away from the cruise terminal.

Cruise terminals in Bristol and Newport have made it easier than ever for passengers from the south and south-western regions of the UK to embark on a holiday across the seas.

The Welsh capital has historically been regarded as a highly industrial city, but recent decades have seen rapid regeneration that has helped transform Cardiff into a modern, cosmopolitan centre. It has much to offer visitors, including the 19th-century Cardiff Castle, the 21st century Wales Millennium Centre and the picturesque Bute Park. It is also known for being the greenest city in the UK, with more green space per person than anywhere else in the country.

Cruises depart from Queen Alexandria Dock and getting to Cardiff is very easy by car. Simply drive along the M4 and enter the city from junction 33, if travelling eastward, or junction 29 if travelling westward. Follow the respective signs to docks and enter from either the West or East gates, where a security guard will guide you the rest of the way to the terminal.

If travelling by train, you will want to head to Cardiff Bay station, which is a short taxi journey from the docks; while Cardiff Airport is only a 30-minute drive away. It is also possible to catch a coach to Cardiff city centre, with a large station located by Sophia Gardens.

The glistening White Cliffs of Dover have become one of Britain’s most iconic sights. Situated in Kent, these cliffs mark the narrowest part of the English Channel, with little over 20 miles separating the town from Calais. It is overlooked by Dover Castle, which was founded in the 11th century and has been described throughout history as the “Key to England”.

Dover Cruise Terminal can accommodate up to three cruise ships at any one time and its proximity to France makes it a great option for itineraries to Belgium, the Netherlands, the Norwegian fjords, and the Baltic nations.

Cruises from Dover are an ideal option for anyone situated in south-east England, with easy access from Canterbury, Brighton, and Eastbourne. The nearby Dover Priory Station is situated less than a mile from the cruise terminal and provides quick and easy rail access from London.

The Irish capital of Dublin is a bustling hub of culture and history. Situated on the east coast, this unique city is home to some of the friendliest people on earth and you are bound to enjoy many brief encounters over a traditional pint of Guinness in one of the many Irish pubs. Dublin is also known for its many prolific authors, which has led to it becoming a UNESCO City of Literature.

It is definitely worth spending some time to soak in this iconic city before embarking on a cruise from Dublin if you have the chance. Smaller ships are able to sail further up the River Liffey towards the city centre, while larger vessels often berth in Alexandra Quay – approximately one-and-a-half miles away.

Rail links to the terminal via the Point Luas station provide easy access to Dublin Port from the city centre. From Dublin Airport, an approximated 13-minute journey by taxi or bus service will take you to the cruise terminal. Dublin is also accessible via regular ferry services from Douglas, Isle of Man; Holyhead, Wales; and Liverpool.

Dundee is home to one of the UK’s northernmost cruise terminals, providing cruising opportunities for the Highlands and Northeast Scotland. It is Scotland’s fourth largest city and is home to a couple of significant maritime landmarks including the Maritime and Whaling Museum and the RRS Discovery – which was used by Captain Robert Scott on the first Antarctic expedition.

Situated at the mouth of the River Tay, the Port of Dundee is ideally located as a starting point for cruises via the North Sea to Iceland, the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic nations.

There are ample parking facilities from anyone taking a cruise from Dundee and good road access from Aberdeen, Perth and Edinburgh. Dundee railway station offers access from across Scotland and beyond and is located less than three miles away from the port.

Imagine admiring beautiful Scottish scenery as your cruise ship embarks on a journey towards Norway, Iceland, and the Scottish Highlands. The town of Greenock makes this possibility a reality, with its ideal location on the south bank of the River Clyde. The mountainous scenery and glistening waterways are sure to leave you with many fond memories.

Greenock is easily accessible from Glasgow and serves as the primary cruise terminal for the city.

Cruises from Greenock are an ideal option for central Scotland and Northern England, with decent road links and ample parking facilities. Greenock is accessible via rail, with Greenock West being the closest station to the cruise terminal. It is also accessible via Glasgow Airport, which is situated less than 30 minutes away by taxi or bus service.

The port town of Harwich is situated in Essex, East Anglia, and its position at the junction of two estuaries makes it one of the UK’s major harbours. Although it is rather small, it is home to a handful of landmarks including two lighthouses and one of the oldest Electric Palace cinemas in Britain.

Harwich has been a port town since the mid-19th century and this remains apparent today. Cruises from lines including Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines embark from Harwich throughout the summer, taking passengers into Europe and beyond.

It is an ideal embarkation port for East Anglia, with easy access via a good network of roads from Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Additionally, the Harwich International railway station is located directly on the terminal, making cruises from Harwich simplistic and easy.

In 2017, Hull will be the UK Capital of Culture, with a series of vibrant events and an £11 million redevelopment scheme due to take place. There is no better time to experience the diverse history and visit the range of landmarks that include museums, gardens, and the marina.

As part of these plans, the Yorkshire city will receive a new cruise terminal and riverside berth which will boost Hull’s status as a cruise port providing itineraries out of Hull into Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway.

Cruises from Hull currently depart from King George Dock, which is easily accessible by car and well signposted. Alternatively, there is a regular direct bus service to the dock from Hull Paragon Railway Station, which is well-connected to many nearby cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, and Lincoln.

The Merseyside city of Liverpool is one of the UK’s most iconic, renowned for its culture, music, and football. It has a strong maritime heritage, having been home to the head office of White Star Line – the managing company of the Titanic. Although the ship never visited Liverpool, it is believed that 1 in 10 of the crew members on board the fateful voyage was from the Merseyside area.

The city is very proud of its cruising traditions and, today, many lines operate cruises from Liverpool. Ships berth directly in Liverpool City Centre, making it one of the most easily accessible cruise ports in the UK. Additionally, a new cruise liner facility has recently been constructed to enable larger vessels to dock here.

Liverpool is easy to access via car or coach journey from Merseyside, Lancashire, or North Wales. It is also well connected via rail, with direct connections from across the UK including direct links to Manchester, Newcastle, London, and Norwich. In addition, Liverpool can also be accessed via flight services from across the UK to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

A stop in London Greenwich gives fabulous links straight into the heart of London whether you are looking for shopping, sightseeing or shows in the glittering West End.

Known for its maritime history, the London Borough of Greenwich is home to the Cutty Sark, a restored 19th-century ship, the huge National Maritime Museum, and the classical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College. The modern O2 arena sits on a peninsula to the north. Overlooking peaceful Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory is the site of the Greenwich meridian line.

What better way is there to arrive into or depart from London in style than by sailing under the gates of Tower Bridge? As the iconic landmark opens up in front of you, it welcomes you to England's capital in one of the most exceptional ways.

As an exclusive cruise port, Tower Bridge is open to small ships typically from luxury cruise lines such as Silversea Cruises and Windstar Cruises. If it wasn't already glamorous enough, you will berth alongside the illustrious HMS Belfast and even use her decks to disembark and embark your ship. With this fabled warship alongside your cruise vessel, there are few more exciting ways to start your holiday or visit cosmopolitan London.

The modern Tyneside port city of Newcastle Upon Tyne is situated in north-east England and is renowned for its art, music, sport, and nightlife. It is perhaps best known for the iconic Angel of the North statue – a 20-metre high steel structure with a 54-metre wingspan. Remains of Hadrian’s Wall, which was built in 122AD in what was once known as Roman Britain, are still visible in Newcastle Upon Tyne to this day.

Situated on the banks of the River Tyne, the Port of Tyne is located just ten miles outside the city centre. The cruise terminal has been recently refurbished and today it offers efficient baggage handling facilities and six check-in desks. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines regularly operates cruises from Newcastle Upon Tyne to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic nations, and the Mediterranean.

A cruise from Newcastle is a great option for anyone intending to travel from Cumbria, Yorkshire, and southern Scotland. There are good road links to Newcastle Upon Tyne and the city is well linked via rail to a number of the UK’s most renowned cities. From Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre, there is a regular metro service to Tyne Dock.

Situated on the Dorset coastline, the charming town of Poole is situated just two and half hours away from London via train and offers a gateway to some of the finest destinations Europe has to offer.

With a strong maritime tradition, Poole is certainly one of the quainter and relaxing options when it comes to embarking on a cruise. The waterfront is filled with boats all throughout the year and is renowned for its water sports and maritime heritage. If choosing to extend your stay in Poole, you may be interested in learning more at the Waterfront Museum, housed within a 15th-century warehouse.

Alternatively, you can embark on a short boat trip to the nearby National Trust site of Brownsea Island, which is particularly known for its abundance of red squirrels and for being the birthplace of the Scout Movement.

Just like Southampton, the city of Portsmouth is situated on the southern coast of England and has played a significant role in maritime history. It is the home of the Royal Navy and the city’s Historic Dockyard houses some of the most significant warships in the world including HMS Victory. More modern landmarks in the city include the Spinnaker Tower, a £21 million pound landmark which is accessible to the public and provides mesmerising views of Portsmouth’s redeveloped harbour.

Portsmouth’s award-winning passenger terminal building opened in 2011 and is the perfect place from which to embark on a cruise.

Located on the south coast of the British Isles, Portsmouth is easily accessible via car or coach. It also well connected via rail, with the cruise terminal situated a short taxi journey away from either Portsmouth & Southsea or Portsmouth Harbour stations.

The port town of Rosyth is located in Fife, Scotland, and is centred on the iconic Rosyth Castle. Up until the 20th century, this castle was surrounded by water and much of what exists of the town today has been built on reclaimed land. It is situated just across the Forth Road Bridge from the city of Edinburgh, which is well worth spending a day or two exploring on its own.

Cruises from Rosyth take passengers into Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, and the Arctic Circle. Situated just north of Edinburgh, it is an ideal option for holidaymakers from central Scotland and northern England.

Rosyth is easily accessible via road and is located just 12 miles north of the Scottish capital. The two settlements are also well-connected via twice-hourly direct rail services. If you are planning on spending a night or two in Edinburgh prior to or after your cruise, your best option may be to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located just outside the city centre.

Southampton has a long-standing maritime tradition, with passenger services having departed from here since 1881. The site on which the city stands has existed since Roman and Saxon times, with many remnants from these eras still visible in the city today. During the Middle Ages, defensive walls were built around the town – many sections of which are still standing. In the 21st century, has established itself as a premier location for shopping and nightlife and it is worth considering spending a night or two here prior to embarking on your cruise.

With a total of four passenger cruise terminals, Southampton is widely regarded as the UK’s number one cruise port. Some of the world’s largest vessels have departed from these shores in recent years, with lines such as Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises operating cruises from Southampton to a range of destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean has also showcased their vessels here, with the world’s largest cruise vessel - Harmony of the Seas - docking here in 2016.

There are decent road links between London and Southampton, with the M3 motorway connected to the M25. There are also good road links between Southampton and both the south-west and south-east of England. Each of the cruise terminals is situated close to the city centre, making rail transport to Southampton Central – followed by a short taxi journey – a good alternative to driving. If you are travelling to Southampton from further afield, a flight into Southampton Airport is a fantastic option and the onsite railway station provides great access to the city centre.

Located in the Essex borough of Thurrock is the town of Tilbury, with the town’s cruise terminal often referred to as ‘London Tilbury’ due to its proximity to the capital. Although it was established in the 19th century, an impressive fort has existed on the site since the 16th century.

Situated just 25 miles outside of London, Tilbury’s deepwater cruise port provides the opportunity for larger vessels to dock in the area. From here, you can embark on one of the many short itineraries to Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, or the Canary Islands. If you are looking to travel further afield, you may glad to know that world cruises and itineraries to Far East Asia are also regularly operated out of Tilbury.

Road links to Tilbury are very good, with the terminal situated just seven miles from the M25 motorway, making cruises from Tilbury an easy option for anyone living in the nation's capital. There are also good direct links from London via coach and regular rail services from Fenchurch Street.