P&O Cruises : OrianaCunard : Queen ElizabethPrincess Cruises Crown PrincessRoyal Caribbean International : Independence of the SeasCelebrity Cruises : Celebrity EclipseSaga Cruises : Saga SapphireFred. Olsen Cruise Lines : BoudiccaCruise & Maritime Voyages : MagellanHebridean Island Cruises : Hebridean PrincessNorwegian Cruise Line : Norwegian Jade
1. P&O Cruises' Oriana
Ship Overview
The 1,880-passenger Oriana enjoyed a three-week makeover in November 2016. The adults-only ship combines classic design features such as teak decks, with Art Deco touches. The extensive refurbishment was overseen by the designers of the line's flagship, Britannia, and includes updates to the cabins, entertainment areas, restaurants, bars and public areas. In addition to the main Oriental Restaurant, with two sittings, and the Peninsula Restaurant, with "Freedom Dining", other restaurants include Sindhu, showcasing Indian fusion dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, and the Beach House for steaks and seafood. Entertainment includes tribute acts, live music, cabaret and comedy shows. Other onboard amenities include three pools, the Oasis Spa, gym, well-stocked library, and art and dance classes.
Destinations
All Oriana itineraries start in Southampton and include cruises to the Mediterranean, Iberia, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Azores, Croatia, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, British Isles and mini-break cruises.
Ship Highlights
- Sindhu restaurant, from Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar
- Panoramic Crow's Nest Bar and elegant Anderson's clubby bar
- Crichton's Card Room for bridge tournaments
2. Cunard's Queen Elizabeth
Ship Overview
The 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth is perfect for passengers who yearn for traditional values and an oceangoing taste of yesteryear. The Art Deco aesthetic includes the dramatic architecture of the Grand Lobby -- a majestic atrium with a 6,000-book library. The two-deck Queen's Room is inspired by the royal gardens at Hampton Court Palace and dominated by magnificent crystal chandeliers. The 830-seat Royal Court Theatre has tiered seating and 16 private boxes, and other elegant public rooms include the Commodore Club with unimpeded views over the bow, and the Garden Lounge inspired by Kew Gardens. The 878-seat Britannia Restaurant is a striking room with intimate table groupings, and The Grills on Deck 11 are for passengers occupying Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites. The six Master and Grand suites are amongst the most lavish at sea (ranging to 1,375 square feet); and there are nine new single staterooms.
Destinations
The ship starts off the year (2018) with a multi-sector World Cruise; from spring it offers sailings to the Mediterranean, Greece, Norway, Baltic, Canary Islands, Round Britain and mini-break cruises
Ship Highlights
- Royal Arcade inspired by the Burlington Arcade in London
- Verandah Grill a la carte dining
- Glamorous evenings with themed balls
3. Princess Cruises' Crown Princess
Ship Overview
The 3,082-passenger Crown Princess is one of the larger ships in Princess Cruises' fleet and has something to appeal to all ages, from the excellent kids clubs to classes for adults, and an impressive variety of pools, bars, and restaurants. Signature features include "Movies Under The Stars" -- a giant outdoor LED cinema screen; an adults-only area, The Sanctuary, overlooking a pool, with waiters offering cold drinks and snacks. You'll find entertainment in the Princess Theatre, Club Fusion and Explorers Lounge; watering holes include the Adagio Bar, Crooners Bar, Wheelhouse Bar, and Skywalkers Nightclub. Alternative dining options include the Italian Sabatini's, Crown Grill for steaks and seafood, Vines Wine Bar for early evening tapas, and the Salty Dog Gastropub.
Destinations
Baltic, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Mediterranean and round-Britain.
Ship Highlights
- Movies Under The Stars
- Adults-only "Sanctuary"
- Salty Dog Gastropub
4. Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
Ship Overview
Independence of the Seas returns to the U.K. in 2018 in April, following a significant refurbishment. The heart of the 3,634-passenger ship is the Royal Promenade -- a boulevard longer than a football pitch and geared for shopping, dining and entertainment including nightly street parades. The Alhambra Theatre is the venue for a brand-new, virtually full-length production of "Grease". Bustling watering holes include Vintages wine bar and the top-of-the-ship Viking Crown Lounge. The Studio B skating rink hosts skating lessons by day and spectacular ice shows at night. The 1,200-seat main dining room spans three decks linked by a dramatic staircase, and speciality restaurants include Giovanni's Table and Chops Grille, offering Italian cuisine and generous cuts of beef respectively. There's also retro diner Johnny Rockets. Activities include the FlowRider surfing simulator and rock-climbing wall.
Destinations
Canary Islands, Norway, Mediterranean, France, Spain and mini-break cruises
Ship Highlights
- Grease full-length production show
- Studio B Ice Shows
- Huge variety of activity and accommodation options for families
5. Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Silhouette
Ship Overview
Celebrity Silhouette comes to Southampton for the very first time in 2018, replacing its extremely popular sister ship Eclipse, which was Southampton-based for eight years. Silhouette is the younger sibling (2011) by one year and the main difference can be found on the top deck where the Corning Glass Show, has been replaced by the Lawn Club Gril and The Porch, a for-fee casual breakfast and lunch option. The real grass lawn has become exclusive, and you'll have to pay to get onto most of this area. The rest of the ship is the same: superb dining options, comfortable cabins and wonderfully-designed spaces -- inside and out. The line has tie-ups with The Wine Show and TV adventurer Ben Fogle, who designs shore excursions.
Destinations
Norway, Iceland, Baltic, Russia, Mediterranean, Azores, Canary Islands, Spain, France; mini-break cruises
Ship Highlights
- Lawn Club Grill
- Canyon Ranch SpaClub
- Excellent dining
6. Saga Cruises' Saga Sapphire
Ship Overview
The 720-passenger Saga Sapphire is a British classic with a modern twist. The quirky Beach Club on the sun deck has beach huts dispensing ice cream and old fashioned sweets, with fish and chips at lunchtime. Fez-shaped lampshades and cushions bearing comedian Tommy Cooper's one-liners add humour to Cooper's Bar; and another delightful room is the Aviator Lounge with a striking decor dedicated to heroes of the skies. The Pole To Pole main restaurant has four zones, each styled on a different continent; and East to West is a specialty Asian restaurant. Many cabins have private balconies, and there are 44 cabins for solo travellers. There are special interest cruises for lovers of art, gardens, music, bird-watching, and walking. Another Saga bonus is free chauffeur-driven home to port transfers of up to 250 miles each way.
Destinations
Norway, Baltic, Canary Islands, British Isles, Canada, Caribbean, Mediterranean
Ship Highlights
- East To West speciality restaurant
- Travel insurance and home pick-up included
- The Aqua Spa and heated indoor pool
7. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Boudicca
Ship Overview
The 880-passenger Boudicca will go through an extensive refurbishment in March 2018 and will be fitted with a new dining room, as well as other enhancements to cabins and public spaces. Ship highlights include the informal Secret Garden Cafe, which has an al fresco ambience at breakfast and lunch; as well as popular Indian, Thai and Indonesian-themed buffet dinners. The Secret Garden Lounge is the epicentre of life on board, while the most serene room is the Observatory above the Navigation Bridge. The Neptune Lounge offers revues of West End musical favourites, as well as guest stars from the stage and TV. Boudicca is a good choice for solo cruisers as there are two single balcony suites, four outside singles, and 24 inside singles.
Destinations
Boudicca's first sailing will be a five-night mystery cruise on March 29th. Other itineraries include: Spain, Canary Islands, Morocco, Norway, Azores, Bermuda and Indian Ocean
Highlights
- Atlantis Spa and Salon
- Keenly-priced terrace balcony cabins
- Long-standing and personable crew
8. Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Magellan
Ship Overview
Cruise & Maritime Voyages specialises in adults-only, no-fly cruises for the British market, and particularly attracts older couples and singles. The 1,452-passenger Magellan is the largest ship to join CMV's fleet. Spanning nine decks, the ship has wide corridors and expansive wooden decks. There is a traditional feel to the elegant Waldorf and Kensington restaurants; a casual alternative is the light and airy Raffles Bistro. Bars and lounges include the Captain's Club Magellan, Churchill's Lounge, Hampton's Bar and Sinatra's Bar, and there's also Scott's nightclub. The two-tier theatre-style Magellan Show Lounge stages review shows geared to the British audience, and there's also evening entertainment in the Columbus Club. There are two swimming pools, including one overlooking the stern with two whirlpools alongside. Solo cruisers are well catered for with 42 superior inside singles, and a host of superior ocean view singles.
Destinations
Magellan sails from Dublin, Dundee, Liverpool, Newcastle, Newport and Tilbury to Norway, Iceland, Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores; Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland .
Ship Highlights
- Informative lecture programmes
- Friendly ambiance for first-time and solo cruisers
- Comedy nights
9. Hebridean Islands Cruises' Hebridean Princess
Ship Overview
A voyage amongst the breathtakingly beautiful remote islands of the Hebrides and Western Isles, and the lochs and inlets of Scotland's West Coast, onboard the Hebridean Princess is a pure delight. This tiny ship carries just 50 passengers and a crew of 38. The world's smallest luxury cruise ship has an enviable reputation for offering an all-inclusive experience. In fact the Queen chartered Hebridean Princess to celebrate her 80th birthday. The impeccable cuisine in the Columba Restaurant features top quality, fresh, locally-sourced produce. On seven-night cruises there are two formal nights including the captain's gala farewell dinner when haggis is served with traditional flair. The 20 boutique hotel-style cabins are richly decorated to individual designs there are also 10 comfortable single cabins.
Destinations
Operating cruises from four- to 10-nights from Greenock to the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
Highlights
- Celebrated guest speakers
- Inclusive excursions to castles, gardens and museums
- Country house ambience
- Medusa Lounge and Nightclub for karaoke
- New Cavern Club
- Mandara Spa with Thermal Suite and hydrotherapy pools
10. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade
Ship Overview
The 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade is a midsize ship which offers an intimate feel yet is packed full of fun. The ship, which launched in 2006, has a contemporary design, blended with Art Deco styling. Jade saw a major refit in 2017, which saw the addition of the Cavern Club, so successful on big sister Norwegian Epic. Entertainment options include the Stardust Theatre which stages the acclaimed "Elements" with its magic show, to the pop country music "Blazing Boots". Music is found throughout the vessel, with a poolside crooner by day and a packed jazz session in the Aloha atrium at night. The Spinnaker observation lounge has dancing in the evenings, while more intimate socialising takes place on Deck 6, where Magnum's Champagne Bar, Mixers Martini Bar, and Tankards Beer and Whisky Bar are clustered together. Speciality dining is offered at La Cucina; Cagney’s Steakhouse; the Brazilian Moderno Churrascaria; Japanese Teppanyaki for Hibachi treats; Asian-fusion creations and sushi at the Jasmine Garden and superb French cuisine in Le Bistro. The ship also has the Haven -- a "ship within a ship" concept of private suites and dining.
Destinations
Scotland, Norway, Iceland.
