Much as we love to travel, us Brits often prefer a taste of home while on holiday. Whether it's a morning cuppa -- made with boiling water of course -- Marmite, fish and chips, British beer, a restoring artisan gin and tonic, or comedians tuned into our idiosyncratic humour; all of these things can add extra appeal to a cruise. There are plenty of lines that offer the best of British sailing and here is our selection.
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1. Cunard
Echoing the style and allure of cruising in days gone by, to many passengers the Cunard name alone epitomises Britishness. Having sailed from Southampton to New York and back since 1847, a transatlantic crossing with Cunard is the essence of life on the ocean wave, and today the Queen Mary 2 is the world's only real ocean liner -- a vessel primarily built for long sea journeys.Onboard, Cunard ships boast a number of superlatives, including the biggest ballroom and largest library at sea, along with notable British partnerships. The line has an affiliation with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), arguably the most famous acting school in the English-speaking world, to present specially edited versions of renowned plays and adaptations of literary classics on transatlantic crossings. Passengers can even hone their own skills at RADA workshops. Other partnerships include the English National Ballet and Cheltenham Literary Festival.Signature Cunard experiences include impeccably served afternoon tea with freshly-baked scones and finger sandwiches -- served on the dot of 3:30 p.m. daily -- and opulent gala balls. The "Cunard Insights" enrichment programme features eminent guest speakers from the world of politics, science, the arts, entertainment and more.2. P&O Cruises
3. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Widely known as the "friendliest fleet afloat", kettles in cabins and Sunday roast (with top-notch Yorkshire puds) are just a part of the archetypal Fred. Olsen experience. Although Norwegian-owned, the line's four ships -- the 1,360-passeenger Balmoral, 929-passenger Braemar, 856-passenger Boudicca and the 804-passenger Black Watch -- are unashamedly British and as a result virtually all the passengers are from the UK. Satisfying the British sense of curiosity and exploring destinations in depth rather than just scratching at the surface, Fred. "brings the world closer" by docking in destinations larger vessels are unable to reach and increasing scenic cruising in between. Catering for the increasing number of Brits that travel alone, Fred. has fantastic facilities for solo travellers, from cabins with balconies to exclusive onboard events. Life onboard has a British slant with West End-style shows, well-stocked libraries featuring familiar-name authors and accounts payable in pounds. The price of beer and drinks is refreshingly inexpensive, too, with no pesky service charge added. A standout treat is the white glove service afternoon tea (in addition to daily afternoon tea in the buffet restaurant) available a couple of times a week on every cruise and featuring dainty finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream.4. Saga Cruises
5. Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Boasting wraparound teak promenade decks and classic lines, Cruise & Maritime Voyages' (CMV) fleet of six vessels conjure up an image of what many British cruisers would deem "proper" ships. CMV is Britain's leading independent cruise company and 2019 marks the 10th year of operating no-fly cruises from 15 British and Irish ports, more than any other line. While the ships don't have the razzmatazz of all-singing all-dancing modern vessels, British cruisers return time after time for the country house home-from-home atmosphere, bar prices on a par with your local, lots of traditional British fare -- from full English breakfast to nightly five-course dinners -- and Brit-focused entertainment, such as the Themed Cruise programme of arts and crafts, comedy and cricket. The 800-passenger Marco Polo and intimate 550-passenger Astoria are adults-only ships, while Columbus and Magellan cater for families during the school summer holidays.Onboard talks on cruises of five nights or more are geared to British interests and there are also arts and crafts sessions on these longer sailings, such as bead jewellery, mosaic decoration, calligraphy and decorative card art. There are also "A Laugh on the Ocean Waves" itineraries where passengers can enjoy the talents of guest comedians guaranteed to tickle the British funny bone.6. Marella Cruises
7. Noble Caledonia
Carrying a maximum of just 118 passengers, Noble Caledonia's trio of ships -- Island Sky, Caledonian Sky and Hebridean Sky -- recreate the atmosphere of a country house party, albeit one that's afloat. Many of the 70 plus crew members have been with the company for years, welcoming back loyal passengers; mostly discerning Brits looking to travel in quiet surroundings with like-minded shipmates.Drinks with meals and all tips are included, as well as guides and drivers along the way. From spring 2019 complimentary Wi-Fi was added to the inclusions on all three vessels -- one less pesky charge for British cruisers -- and any extras are payable in pounds.Showcasing high quality and attention to detail, the immersive global itineraries appeal to the culture vultures. Passengers can also expect to hear from eminent guest speakers such as Japan expert Reverend Dr Judith Thomas, honorary fellow of Trinity College Cambridge and former Bishop of London Lord Chartres, and Major Gordon Corrigan, military historian and the author of a number of books on subjects ranging from the Hundred Years War to the Peninsula War to the First and Second World Wars.8. Hebridean Island Cruises
9. The Majestic Line
Crew members taking the tender to fetch morning newspapers is part of the attention to detail that is part and parcel of the personal service on The Majestic Line. The fleet comprises four vessels, Glen Massan, Glen Tarsan and Glen Etive, with a fourth ship, Glen Shiel, joining in summer 2019. Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan are beautifully restored classic fishing vessels, converted to cater to the comforts of fare-paying passengers, and the other vessels were especially built for The Majestic Line. All of them are filled with traditional wood and gleaming brass along with a country house-style decor which lends itself to the relaxed onboard atmosphere. Carrying just 11 passengers, the vessels explore the lochs and islands off Scotland's western coastline.Meals are a highlight and showcase local produce that is often unique to the area. Meat comes from the three-generation family-owned Jackson Brothers Master Butcher in Oban and seafood is sourced within a six-mile radius of Oban by Watts Fish, another small family business. Passengers can also fish from the boats, and creels are laid down for lobster, crab and crayfish. Anything caught will feature at the next meal, creating a wonderful farm -- or fish -- to-fork experience.Crew members taking the tender to fetch morning newspapers is part of the attention to detail that is part and parcel of the personal service on the Majestic Line. The fleet is made up of four vessels, Glen Massan, Glen Tarsan and Glen Etive with a fourth ship, Glen Shiel, joining in summer 2019.Updated January 08, 2020
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