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With free gratuities; free shore excursions; free champagne, wine & more; free gourmet speciality dining; free unlimited wifi, adventure isn't too far away.

British Isles and Beyond

Unlock hidden secrets across France, Denmark and the United Kingdom. These voyages bring you to Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate, the rolling vineyards of legendary Bordeaux, the Celtic Sea and so much more. Here the seasons are proper, the air fresh and pure and yes, a little bit magical.

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From atmospheric old ports in Bilbao to fabulous vineyards in Bordeaux, our Europe cruises offer the perfect combination of old-world beauty and modern charisma. Uncover the joys of San Sebastián, a decidedly French-influenced city seductively wrapped around the crescent Bay of La Concha. Or, take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee.

The Baltics & Scandinavia

A place of fabled tales where rolling forests give way to chic cities, the Baltic region is a celebration of Nordic culture, castles and cutting-edge design. Discover bustling traditional food markets like Riga Central Market and explore the winding lanes of Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town.

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10 of the best no-fly cruises

Skip the airport queues with this selection of sailings that leave from ports you can reach by car, coach or train.

L ooking for a holiday to remember but put off by the chaos of the airport? A no-fly cruise could be just the thing for you. These trips let you travel to stunning beaches, amble around medieval towns and see the northern lights without setting foot on a plane. Whether you dream of sunning yourself in the Med, cycling in the Netherlands or visiting Monet’s lily pond, there’s plenty to do even before you look at the activities onboard.

Main photo: Alesund, one of the stops on Silversea’s Norway cruise (Alamy)

1. Iceland via Ireland, from Southampton

There are vast contrasts on this voyage from Southampton on the smart Celebrity Silhouette. One day you’ll be admiring the rolling countryside of Ireland and the next gazing at the vistas, waterfalls and volcanic scenery around Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland . The ship has a gorgeous spa, a lawn on the upper deck for boules, croquet or a picnic, and 12 places to eat — so you can dine somewhere different each night of the trip.

Details Eleven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,183pp, including drinks, tips and wi-fi, departing on August 29, 2023

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2. France, from Bordeaux

Make your own way to elegant Bordeaux for this voyage on Uniworld’s lavish SS Bon Voyage, with parking at the port included. The cruise explores the bucolic wine regions of the Médoc with some interesting diversions, including village tours, a Bordeaux heritage walking tour, the farmers’ market in Libourne and tastings galore, of course. There’s an infinity pool on deck if the summer heat becomes too intense.

Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,999pp, including all drinks, tips and excursions, departing on August 20, 2023. Drive to Bordeaux

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3. Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban

Look out for red deer, eagles, otters and other wildlife on this potter through the starkly beautiful western Highlands and Inner Hebrides, from Oban. Your home is the MV Hjalmar Bjorge, which sleeps just 12. Activities include wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull, with guided excursions provided by Skyefari. From there, depending on the weather and sea conditions, you’ll stop at Tayvallich to see otters or drop anchor in the quiet lochs of Hourn and Nevis.

Details Six nights’ full board from £1,860pp, including activities, departing on October 2, 2023. Take a train to Inverness

hebrideanadventures.co.uk

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4. The Rhine, from Basel

Drift through the steep-sided Rhine Gorge, offering some of Germany ’s most enchanting scenery, on a voyage from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Amadeus Imperial. You’ll have a day in Strasbourg to sample the local classic of an Alsace white with a thin-crust tarte flambée. Other highlights include the wine-growing village of Rüdesheim, deep in the gorge; Roman-era Koblenz; and Cochem, guarded by the turreted Reichsburg Castle.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,689pp, including drinks with meals and train travel, departing on June 8, 2023

amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

• Best river cruises in Europe

5. The Netherlands and Belgium, from Amsterdam

Explore the network of waterways that criss-cross the countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium on the sleek riverboat AmaCerto. You’ll see the parade of old windmills that line the canal bank at Kinderdijk, and have days in Amsterdam and Brussels . The ship has a fleet of bicycles for exploring the conveniently flat countryside, which may be a welcome activity after all the beer and chocolate tastings.

Details Seven nights’ full board from £2,961pp, including drinks with meals, and excursions, departing on June 20, 2023

amawaterways.co.uk

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6. The Mediterranean, from Tilbury

Follow the sun south as the days begin to shorten in October. This 32-night epic on Ambassador Cruise Line’s comfortable Ambience whisks you from Tilbury to the furthest eastern reaches of the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul , Haifa (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, the jumping-off point for Cairo. Other stops include Athens , Naples , Lisbon and Gibraltar . There is a pub, elegant lounges and an Indian fusion restaurant aboard.

Details Thirty-two nights’ full board from £2,199pp, departing on October 16, 2023

ambassadorcruiseline.com

• This is what it’s really like on a cruise: the myths dispelled

7. The Seine, from Paris

Most cruises on the Seine last a week, but this voyage on the sumptuous Scenic Gem gives you 11 days, including overnights in Rouen and Paris . You’ll see the Somme battlefields and the port of Honfleur, the beauty of which inspired numerous impressionists. Marvel at Monet’s lily pond and take in a classical concert at Château de la Roche-Guyon, a medieval castle carved into an alabaster rock face. Return rail fares from London to Paris are included, too.

Details Ten nights’ all-inclusive from £4,045pp including drinks, tips, activities and rail travel from London, departing on August 7, 2023

scenic.co.uk

8. The Canary Islands, from Southampton

Board the adult-only Aurora in December to soak up some sun before Christmas. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting Madeira , Tenerife , Lanzarote , Vigo and Lisbon . On board there’s masses going on; some of the best venues include Olly Smith’s wine bar, the Glass House, and the sumptuous Oasis spa.

Details Sixteen nights’ full board from £1,299pp, departing on December 1, 2023

• Best things to do in the Canary Islands

9. Scotland, Norway and Iceland, from Southampton

Explore Norway’s fjord-indented coast and Iceland’s rugged terrain in unfettered luxury on the 596-passenger Silver Shadow, a ship where everything from a home pick-up to free-flowing champagne is included. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, with stops in Newcastle and Edinburgh before heading on to Norway and Iceland . Other stops include Bergen, art deco Alesund, whale watching capital Husavilk and Reykjavik .

Details Fourteen nights’ all-inclusive from £7,300pp, including home pick-up, drinks, tips, wi-fi and some excursions, departing on June 21, 2023

silversea.com

• When’s the best time to cruise Norway’s fjords?

10. Mediterranean for the family, from Southampton

Take the kids on Royal Caribbean’s fabulously family-friendly Anthem of the Seas for a Mediterranean adventure which departs during the school holidays. You’ll sail round-trip from Southampton, visiting destinations including Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia , Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona , Ibiza and Lisbon, each offering the chance for lazy days at the beach, plus museums, galleries and tapas bars galore. On-board thrills include bumper cars, rollerskating and a skydiving simulator.

Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £1,567pp, departing on August 11, 2024

royalcaribbean.com

• Best family-friendly cruise lines • Can I go on a cruise without being vaccinated? • What to pack for a cruise • How to save money on a cruise

Take me there

Inspired to book a no-fly cruise? Here are the best options from Imagine Cruising and Princess Cruises .

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No Fly Cruises

No fly cruises.

You can choose from a large variety of cruise lines providing no-fly cruise itineraries including world-renowned liners such as MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard & Carnival Cruise Line.

No-fly cruises from the UK go to a huge selection of destinations around the world, everything from  relaxing cruises , Mediterranean cruises including  Greek Island Cruises , and as far-flung as Denmark and  Canada .

NO FLY? NO PROBLEM!

Many people believe that you first need to fly abroad to set off on a luxury cruise or sail to an exotic destination, but thanks to the UK’s convenient location, you can keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Leaving directly from ports around the UK, No Fly Cruises are a popular choice for cruise-goers who prefer their holidays as hassle-free as possible.

Removing the stress that comes with airport queues, flight delays and baggage restrictions are just a few of the advantages of a No Fly Cruise and, thanks to Cruise Nation’s wide selection of great deals on No Fly Cruises from the UK to destinations around the world, you won’t find yourself limited on where you can travel to.

WHY CRUISE NATION?

We offer No Fly cruises from a selection of UK ports, with deals on No Fly Cruises from Southampton or Dover. This allows our customers to travel in comfort to a port near home, before easily embarking on their next cruise holiday.

Cruise Nation’s No Fly Cruise Deals are some of the most competitive on the market, and can see you sailing directly from the UK to sun-soaked destinations including the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Baltics and the Norwegian Fjords.

Don’t let a flight get in the way of your perfect cruise holiday – book one of our great value deals on No Fly Cruises in 2022 or 2023 and find out just how far you can go without setting foot on a plane.

WHY BOOK A NO FLY CRUSIE?

There are a variety of different reasons why some of our customers prefer to book a No Fly Cruise over one that requires air travel. For some, the hassle and stress of airports – from spending hours in departures to being restricted on how much baggage they can bring – takes all of the joy out of travelling, whilst for others, a genuine fear of flying might stop them from booking a cruise with airfare included.

When you choose a No Fly Cruise from Cruise Nation, all you need to do is make your way to your chosen port. You can bring as much luggage as you like, with no restrictions on baggage weight or contents. From the moment you step onboard, your holiday can begin, with no queuing or delays.

NO FLY CRUISE DEALS

We know that our customers each have a different idea of their dream cruise, which is why we have one of the biggest and most competitively priced selections of No Fly Cruises in the market.

Whether you are looking for a cheap, three-day No Fly Cruise to the majestic Norwegian Fjords or you want to book a seven-day last minute, No Fly Cruise to the  sunny Canary Islands , we have a great value deal for every holiday style, vacation length and budget.

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

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2024 Southampton Cruises

When you cruise from southampton, your adventure starts the moment you step on board our ships, giving you even more time to enjoy your holiday. , uk cruises are the perfect option for families. the hassle-free process of arriving at the departure port and boarding your ship are bound to keep you, and your family happy. the perfect start of a family cruise from southampton in 2024., enjoy the convenience of sailing from the uk on a no fly cruise., our ship from southampton, celebrity apex cruises from southampton.

Our revolutionary Edge® series ship, Celebrity Apex®, will be sailing from Southampton for a full season starting May 2024 replacing Celebrity Silhouette. We’ve curated some exciting itineraries that explore northern Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring visits to must-see places such as the Norwegian Fjords, Reykjavik, Arctic Circle, Ibiza, Lisbon, and Madeira. 

Book your place now from £150pp deposit.

Top Destinations on No Fly Cruises from Southampton

Soak up the history, culture, and food of the beautiful Mediterranean, a seaside paradise for those looking to experience the best of Europe.

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Hurtigruten’s UK boss cites increased demand for No Fly Cruises

by Keith | Jan 28, 2021 | Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise News , Northern Light Cruising Co

Norwegian expedition line, Hurtigruten , has today announced nine new no-fly cruises that will depart from Dover in 2022/23.

These new voyages range from 11 to 22-day sailings onboard the newly refurbished MS Maud . Destinations will include popular no-fly ports in the Norwegian Fjords, the North Cape and Lofoten Islands. The longest of these voyages will cruise the coast of Norway along the classical Hurtigruten route and visit the stunning Svalbard archipelago, promising unrivalled views of the Northern Lights on route.

Hurtigruten has already scheduled five itineraries from Dover that include a British Isles adventure.

UK General Manager, Anthony Daniels referred to the growing demand for no-fly cruises in his launch comment:

“Since launching our Dover departure sailings, we’ve seen an increased demand and appetite for no-fly cruises that venture closer to home… We’re delighted to be expanding on our inaugural Dover season with a series of new and unique itineraries offering our guests the opportunity to experience the Norwegian coastline and beyond like never before.”

Hurtigruten looks set to be a firm favourite for no fly cruise fans looking for something of the adventurous too.

>> Visit Hurtigruten’s website for more details

Related & Curated No Fly Cruises News

Is there a cruise that goes around the British Isles?

by J D | Jan 17, 2024 | Celebrity Cruises , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , Hurtigruten , Oceania Cruises , Royal Caribbean

  Yes, there are several cruises available that tour around the British Isles, each offering a unique experience and itinerary. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore various destinations, including Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Cork, Guernsey,...

First-ever Hurtigruten Expeditions UK sailing departs from Dover

by Danielle | Sep 23, 2021 | Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise Lines , No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Dover

  MS Maud officially set sail on her inaugural sailing from the Port of Dover – the first-ever year-round UK departure for leading expedition brand Hurtigruten Expeditions. Offering year-round sailings to explore the best and remote locations around the British...

Hurtigruten Expeditions announces additional British Isles departures from Dover this summer

by Danielle | Apr 21, 2021 | Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise News , UK Domestic Cruising 2021

  Hurtigruten Expeditions has increased its adventurous Dover 2021 summer sailing programme with the addition of two more sailings to its popular British Isles itinerary - British Isles – Picturesque Ports, Isolated Islands and Wonderful Wildlife. The two, 15-day...

Hurtigruten add taster and Iceland no-fly cruises to 2022 programme

by Keith | Mar 4, 2021 | Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise News

  Norwegian expedition cruise line, Hurtigruten, has today announced additional no-fly cruises to sail in 2022. The two voyages, departing from Portsmouth and Liverpool will make a total of thirty no-fly cruises from the expedition line in 2022. A significant...

Cultural cruise brand Voyages to Antiquity launches partner no fly cruises with Tripsmiths

by Seb | Nov 26, 2020 | Hurtigruten , Swan Hellenic , Tradewind Voyages , Voyages to Antiquity

  The news around no fly cruises just keeps on coming as we learn that the cultural cruise line, Voyages to Antiquity, that chartered its only ship in 2019 has now joined forces with Tripsmiths to continue to offer its past and prospective guests a cruising...

Hurtigruten’s NEW Expedition Cruises from Dover brochure is out now

by Keith | Oct 16, 2020 | No Fly Cruise News , Hurtigruten

It's here, it's brand-new and it's very exciting. What is it? it's Hurtigruten's expedition cruises brochure and it has recently dropped in the UK. It features a variety of exciting no fly cruises from Dover. We can't see the brochure as being available to order on...

Top 5 Prettiest No Fly Cruise Ports

by Seb | Sep 19, 2020 | No Fly Cruise Blog , Hebridean Cruises , Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruises Blog , P&O Cruises , Saga Cruises

The team at No Fly Cruises has been busy researching some of the prettiest no fly cruise ports that are relatively easy to visit from the UK. These are ports that just look so good, you can't put the camera down. In fact you'll end up with so many photos of them you...

New Dover round-trip no fly expedition cruises announced by Hurtigruten

by Keith | Sep 8, 2020 | Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise News

As it focuses on more no fly cruises from the UK, Hurtigruten has announced 3, 15-day expedition voyages from Dover. With departures in April, July and August next year, these voyages are offering exploration, wildlife and adventure in the company of experts and...

5 of the most tempting No Fly Cruises that are on sale now!

by Seb | Aug 27, 2020 | Destinations , Cunard , Hebridean Cruises , Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruise Blog , No Fly Cruises , No Fly Cruises Blog , Silversea , Tradewind Voyages

The team at No Fly Cruises has been busy researching some of the most enticing and interesting no fly cruises currently on sale in the UK and we've come up with what we honestly believe are five of the best, all departing next year! *** SPOILER ALERT *** It’s...

Yes you can ‘Staycation’ on a stunning cruise ship!

by Seb | Aug 8, 2020 | Destinations , Hurtigruten , No Fly Cruises , Small Ship Cruising

A classic cruise ship berthed in a small UK port on a round-Britain no-fly cruise   The word 'staycation' has had somewhat of a renaissance this year, an informal noun that essentially lends itself to the notion of a holiday spent in one's home country, rather...

Recent Posts

How much luggage can you take on a no-fly cruise.

  There is a myth that you can take as much luggage as you like on a no-fly cruise. With big ships and no flight restrictions, why not right? However, the amount of luggage you can take on a no-fly cruise departing from a UK port can vary depending on the cruise...

How about no-fly cruises from the UK that are all inclusive in 2024?

  This is a popular trend for general cruise enthusiasts, especially the all-inclusive no-fly cruise from the UK. The good news is that for those looking to embark on a no-fly, all-inclusive cruise from the UK in 2024, there are several enticing options to...

Can I do a river cruise without flying?

  Yes, you can do a river cruise without flying from the UK. The UK has several rivers that are navigable and offer cruise experiences, such as the Thames, Severn, and the Scottish lochs. Additionally, you can travel from the UK to mainland Europe via train or...

What is the most popular cruise line in the UK?

  P&O Cruises tends to stand-out in terms of capacity and regional interest as the most popular cruise line in the UK. P&O Cruises, a British-American owned company, has a long history and a strong reputation in the UK market. Here are some reasons for...

Can you cruise to the Caribbean without flying?

  Yes, it is possible to cruise to the Caribbean from the UK without flying. Several cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises that depart from the UK and sail to the Caribbean. These cruises typically start from major UK ports such as Southampton, and the journey...

Which cruise lines leave from the UK?

  Several cruise lines offer departures from the UK and no-fly cruises, providing a range of destinations and experiences. the notable ones include: Ambassador Cruise Line: Ambassador Cruise Line has various offerings with destinations including Brazil, West...

Do any cruises depart from Scotland?

  Yes, "no-fly" cruises do depart from Scotland. These cruises offer the convenience of starting and ending your journey in Scotland without the need for air travel. Popular departure points in Scotland for no-fly cruises include Edinburgh (often from the port of...

Fred Olsen V’s Ambassador Cruise Line’s No Fly Cruises in 2024

  Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Ambassador Cruise Line are both popular choices for cruises, particularly among UK travelers. Here's a comparison based on various factors: Fleet and Size: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operates a fleet of smaller, more intimate ships....

The best no fly cruises and cruise deals in 2024

No-fly cruises from the UK can take you to a plethora of destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, North America, and the charming Canary Islands. They also offer cruises to the Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles, showcasing a wide variety...

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Set sail on a cruise from the UK & Ireland without the need to fly. No baggage restrictions & no busy airports! Great deals on all no flying cruises from the UK.

Cruising from the UK & Ireland

No flying cruises departing from UK & Ireland ports are popular now more than ever before. This maybe be due to passengers not wanting the hassle of making their way to and from busy airports or it maybe just a simple fear of flying.

Either way, many cruise lines, including Cunard, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line offer sailings departing from many UK cruise ports including; Dover, Edinburgh, Greenock, Harwich, Liverpool, Newcastle and Southampton. Smaller cruise ships even depart from ports like Bristol Avonmouth, Tilbury, Portsmouth and Hull.

Another good reason to sail from the UK or Ireland is the baggage restrictions. If you have to fly you are limited to what you can take by annoying weight restrictions, usually 1 suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 25 Kg. Without the need to fly you are free to take as much luggage as you like, within reason!

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The 10 Best No-Fly River Cruises You Need To Try

River cruises in Europe are a great way to enjoy the scenery without worrying about flying. The end destination of many river cruising trips is often Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels – all major cities with plenty going on for visitors. Perfect for those that want “no-fly” options for a holiday in Europe!

Unlike many further afield overseas holidays, river cruises in Europe really lend themselves to the increasingly popular “no-flying” holiday concept.  Due to climate concerns regarding carbon emissions and the restrictions in airports due to Covid-19, river cruising without flying will become even more in demand, we predict. The start and end destinations are usually capital cities or major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels or Cologne. 

From the UK, we are blessed with a short channel crossing either by ferry or by rail to take us to continental Europe and the river cruise starting points on the rivers of France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.  With a bit of careful planning, we can even get you to The Danube.  So when you are looking for the best no-fly river cruises, what should you be looking for?

Advantages/disadvantages of no-fly river cruises in Europe

From talking to clients we believe that the following applies:

Advantages of no-fly European river cruising

More flexibility due to multiple daily train times – depart when you want

A much more relaxed experience than moving through an airport and encountering prolonged security queues

Able to arrive much later to check in

There’s more space on a train and able to move about during the journey

Unlikely to be long delays so you arrive on time

The ability to view the countryside makes you feel that you are travelling, discovering and on holiday already

Disadvantages of no-fly European river cruising

With the UK no longer being an EU member state, there may well be longer immigration queues for UK citizens to enter the Schengen area via the rest of the world lanes than previously experienced.  NB: However, the same would apply at immigration at airports.

Changing between Eurostar and domestic rail services such as SNCF or Deutsche Bahn may mean handling luggage and finding luggage space.

Travelling within the UK from outside the South East may mean having to get to London/Ebbsfleet the day before.

Our list of the 10 best no-fly river cruises in Europe, concentrates on the best river cruises that also mean you don’t have to fly but where travelling by not flying works best.  The list also concentrates on rail transportation as it is quicker than travelling by coach – coach travel we believe will wane in popularity due to its enclosed nature for long periods of time and social distancing restrictions.  But for those that like the ease of coach travel we have included a recommendation.   

So don’t let fear of flying or airports put you off going on a European trip, as a river cruise without using airports can work out to be easy to manage.  There is help for less mobile travellers with Eurostar and also the national continental rail operators such as SNCF or Deutsche Bahn.  As river cruise travel agents we can help plan and arrange any additional assistance, upgrades or porterage.

You can get to French river cruises without flying, Rhine river cruises without flying and The Netherlands and Belgium river cruises without flying.  And we can also accommodate The Danube without flying and without taking 2 days to get there.  Read on for more information.

So, save some emissions and bag yourself a holiday that works without flying.

Our no-fly river cruise office is now open.  Why not speak to us about your requirements today and we’ll recommend the best cruise for you?

The best 7 night no-fly Holland & Belgium river cruise

1. AmaWaterways “Best of Holland and Belgium” 

This round trip from Amsterdam can now be enjoyed from June through to December.  This trip suits both the active and the less active due to the wonderful “flatness” of the low countries which make it ideal for either walking, hiking or cycling.  Clients can take advantage of a direct train from London to Amsterdam.  Every day has lots of small touring group options including the option of a bike tour through one of the beautiful medieval towns such as Bruges or Antwerp or cycle next to the 19 windmills at Kinderdijk.  Taste waffles when you stop on your bike, or take the motor coach to the chocolate factory or the Belgian beer garden, the choice is yours.  Visit castles and museums and windmills and the incredible modern buildings of Rotterdam by architect Piet Blom, the Kubuswoningen, or ‘Cube-Houses’.  AmaWaterways provide the bikes and the tour guides.  Or for those of you that prefer a more leisurely pace, then a slow walking tour will be for you.  For the more active, the onboard Wellness Host will also provide daily yoga classes, runs and there’s an onboard gym.  This truly is a river cruise for all ages and states of activity.  And only a couple of hours by direct train from London.  Plus there is never an issue with high or low waterlevels. This is in the high end price bracket but certain departure times may have discounts available.   

Suitable for the more active travellers? YES

Biking tours every day including a bike tour to see Kinderdijk’s 19 windmills, hikes, wellness Host including onboard gym, lots of active experiences.

Suitable for the less active travellers? YES

Slow walker tours available, daily tours with motor coaches provided, lots of scenic cruising to Ijsselmeer and through Holland and Belgium’s waterways which are so numerous and include lakes, canals and rivers.

Price point = £££

The best 14 night Rhine no fly river cruise

2. APT River Cruises”Western Front Explorer”

This river cruise is (wonderfully) longer – 14 nights, still reachable directly from London to Amsterdam but is also a history buffs delight.  APT offers this 14 night all-inclusive river cruise with rail included and plenty of time to explore the history of this area including the World War 1 sites.  Only offered on a couple of dates each year, it sells out fast with guests from as far afield as Australia and Canada, eager to find out more about this area of history.

Covering the best of The Netherlands and Belgium’s waterways, there are several tours to choose from each day depending whether you are feeling historic, gastronomic or simply curious to explore your surroundings.  There is of course the chance to experience the haunting nightly “Last Post” at the Menin Gate in the Ypres region of Belgium.  Savour a Michelin-starred lunch at Château Neercanne , enjoy the artwork of masters Piccasso and Monet.  Travelling on the April departure will also allow a visit to the world famous Keukenhof flower gardens. Or an exclusive private organ recital and cheese making classes anyone?  There is also plenty of time to explore on your own with your APT app with GPS, take out a bike through the beauty of the lowlands and simply recount your day with your fellow worldwide travellers over your all inclusive drinks in the lounge of your luxurious ship. This is in the high end price bracket but certain departure times may have discounts available.  

Suitable for less active travellers? YES

Home pick up in the UK and escorted touring on ship and butler services and in room dining in selected suites.

Suitable for more active travellers?  YES.

Bikes onboard and biking tours.

The best 7 night no-fly Rhine & Moselle river cruise

3. Titan Travel “Scenic Sights of the Beautiful Moselle”

This is a great 7 night no fly river cruise on the Rhine and the lesser-visited Moselle.  For those that want to be looked after from the minute you leave your front door, then this is the perfect Rhine and Moselle no-fly river cruise for you.  If you haven’t heard of Titan Travel before, as a tour operator Titan specialise in catering to travelers who like to be looked after and provide a car to your door as well as international transport and it is all included in the brochure price. 

Titan VIP home pick up will pick you up from anywhere in the UK and then transferred to coach and ferry crossing. This one is not available by rail, unfortunately.  So easy but with beautiful visits to Cochem, Bernkastel and Trier. With drinks included you can happily discuss your discoveries of the day with your new ship mates.

There are loads of departures and prices from a little over £1000 for a lower deck cabin low season.  Titan now charter their own ships so are able to offer a good 4 star standard of no-fly river cruise often with drinks included and some excursions.  On this tour you will be visiting Beethoven’s house as well as Cochem castle with wine tasting, Bernkastel and beautiful Trier.  The river ships are comfortable and the staff and fellow guests very friendly.  Titan are currently using the Serenade river ship, refurbished in 2018 there are fixed window cabins and french balcony cabins.  Plus, there are also low single supplements for travellers who don’t want to share a cabin.

Price point = £

4. The best short tulip time no-fly river cruise

Riviera travel “amsterdam, kinderdijk and dutch bulbfields river cruise by train”.

Often known as a “Tulip Time” cruise, this Spring time river cruise should be a must for all those that love river cruising.  The cruise is timed to coincide with the blooms of Holland and Belgium, when the lowlands are starting to wake up from winter. 

Perhaps you haven’t tried river cruising before, so a shorter, cheaper cruise which doesn’t involve wasting time hanging around in airports could get you to try it? This Riviera Travel river cruise, the best short no fly river cruise by train to Amsterdam shows you the highlights of Amsterdam, the windmills of Kinderdijk, Dutch fishing villages and the world famous Tulip bulbfields of Keukenhof gardens all in a short 4 night break.

Riviera Travel offer the UK’s most popular river cruises and charter their own luxury ships with literary names such as MS George Eliot, MS Geoffrey Chaucer and MS Oscar Wilde.  Your fellow travellers will be predominantly from the UK.  For a higher standard cruise, their value is hard to beat as tours are included on a daily basis as well as all meals onboard. 

It is best to book early as there are a limited number of no single supplement cabins on the lower deck on each departure if you are travelling solo or in a group and not wishing to share a cabin.

5. The best no-fly Rh ô ne river cruise

Amadeus river cruises “treasures of burgundy & provence”.

This 7 night roundtrip river cruise from Lyon, can be overlooked, unfairly as some feel that it is not going from north to south or south to north in the same way some of the other cruises.  That preconception really does it a disservice.  The train from London to Lyon is much, much shorter and the distance travelled on this cruise is the same.  You visit Macon, Beaune, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon and Chalon sur Saone just as you do on the other cruises.  But miss the long journey back again from Avignon by train.

The Amadeus Provence luxury river ship is one of the prettiest on the river with an on deck infinite pool.  You can watch the world go by on board or explore Provence and Burgundy yourself. There’s also nothing like the camaraderie guests have with the Amadeus staff, who have been working for this small Austrian family owned company for year. They really make the trip.

Suitable for less active travellers? YES.

Much easier train journey than travelling to Avignon, ability to stay onboard and watch the world go by if you decide not to go on a tour.

Suitable for the more active? YES .

The onboard Activities Host offers early morning yoga sessions, hiking trips and onboard bicycles and biking tours available.

Price point = ££

6. The best no-fly Christmas time Rhine river cruise

Amadeus river cruises “christmas cruise on the rhine”.

This 6 night river cruise on one of Amadeus’ luxury river cruise ships brings our customers to come back and enjoy it year after year.  Join the Eurostar in London and change in Brussels to arrive in Cologne just yards from where your river ship will be moored and get ready for a very different Christmas experience.  

The atmosphere on board is incredible as you celebrate Christmas with your fellow European and North American travellers and the long standing Amadeus crew, loyal to this small Austrian family owned river cruise company.  Catch the Christmas markets in Cologne before Christmas and enjoy a gala Christmas dinner after decorating the tree. You can also attend midnight mass at Speyer cathedral if you are still able to move!

Suitable for couples, families with older children and friendship groups, this cruise is also suitable for those that don’t want to share a cabin as single supplements are lowered.

Tours are available to purchase onboard or you may want to just wander yourselves in your groups and the Cruise Manager will always be on hand to advise you.  You may even get some snow, but we make no guarantees.

Suitable for less active travellers? YES. 

An easy train journey from London to Cologne via Brussels. The ability to stay onboard and watch the world go by if you decide not to go on a tour, there will always be something to do.

Suitable for the more active travellers? YES. 

7. The best no-fly Danube river cruise

Amadeus river cruises “beautiful blue danube & the danube delta”.

This is the easiest by far Danube no fly river cruise by train.  Other companies try to do the Danube by train.  However much fun it might be (which it isn’t really) to take over 2 days to get to Hungary by train, it has really lost it’s glow by the time you have to go back, a mere 7 days later!  You really have to like trains!  Instead, this trip starts and ends in the beautiful Germany city of Passau, rarely visited by UK guests on the Danube itself.  

The train journey to this part of the Danube takes about 10 hours from London St Pancras changing trains in Brussels and Frankfurt. In my opinion Frankfurt itself is worth a visit including at visit to the Goethe Institute, Germany’s most famous writer/poet.

You will see the very essence of the Danube on this 16 day trip. Visit Passau, Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Romania, Bulgaria, The Iron Gates as well as taking a Danube Delta small boat safari with an ecologist in this incredible UNESCO preserved biodiversity site and then go all the way to Constanta and the Black Sea. A 7 night Danube trip usually can only cover Germany and Austria, so with this trip you get some much more as well as a shorter train journey and a longer holiday. 

With departures throughout the season this is THE bucket list Danube cruise and one that can be done easily without flying.

8. The best no-fly Seine river cruise

Scenic river cruises “normandy & gems of the seine”.

We love this 11 day round trip on Seine from Scenic as it gives travellers  more time to explore Paris and Normandy by including visits to Honfleur, Deauville, Giverney,  as well as an onboard expert to explain in depth the Western Front.  Nothing is missed out in this tour of Paris and Northern France and also includes special extra excursions and treats such as shopping with a chef.  More time to discover and also enjoy a fantastic luxury ship, the Scenic Gem with full all-inclusive.

The no-fly bit is very straightforward as it involves a Eurostar from London to Paris and then you will be picked up from Paris Gare du Nord.  10 nights on a wonderful cruise and then a simple couple of hours train journey back again to London.  This cruise in the high end price bracket but certain departure times may have discounts available.  

Ease of travel to the ship, all-inclusive onboard, motor coach tours available

Suitable for more active travellers? YES

Scenic provides electric bikes which can be used for bike tours and taken out independently with a GPS onboard guide for your own adventures, just reserve at the front desk.  Gym onboard as well as exercise classes.

9. The best no-fly river cruise to Bordeaux, France

Uniworld river cruises “brilliant bordeaux”.

Discover the waterways of the Bordeaux region, fast flowing and intriguing on this 7 night no-fly river cruise with trains from London to Bordeaux via Paris.  The journey takes about 7 hours with one change.

This is an ultra luxury all-inclusive river cruise with the boutique river cruise company, Uniworld.  This particular cruise offers the friendliest and most attentive yet unobtrusive staff on the luxurious SS Bon Voyage, fantastic regional dining experiences onboard.

But off the ship, there is more to this cruise that simply Bordeaux wines – that is if you need anything more than just Bordeaux wines, in what is the home of wine.  Why not do a yoga class at the Blaye Fortress or if that is too much like exercise, then take a scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie through the most picturesque villages in the region.  There will be an opportunity to bike through the Médoc Vineyards as well as discovering the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé.  And don’t worry, there will be plenty of private wine tasting and learning opportunities in this the most incredible of French regions. This cruise is in the high end price bracket but certain departure times may have discounts available.  

Uniworld take care of everything, you will be completely spoilt. Touring options will always include slower paced options and motor coaches.

With onboard fitness activities and bikes available, there will always be something to do to work off the incredible food and drink on offer throughout the trip.

10. The best no-fly Rhine river cruise to Switzerland

Riviera travel “rhine cruise to switzerland”.

Yes – I have included yet another river cruise with Riviera – they are the operator we sell the most of to our UK customers – in my no-fly river cruises to Europe top 10. 

This  is a 7 night no-fly river cruise which takes in the highlights of The Black Forest and beautiful Lucerne but starts from Cologne rather than Amsterdam.  There are merits to starting in Cologne and missing out the more industrial area of the North and also if you have already been to Amsterdam in the past.  Seeing Lucerne is a highlight in itself and works out very reasonably by not having to pay Swiss prices for accommodation in one of their most beautiful cities.

The journey by train is a little more involved from London to get to Basel in Switzerland with a few more changes if you were going to do it independently, which is why this fully escorted river cruise is highly recommended for those that would rather have it all sorted out for them. Riviera make it much easier. 

All tours are set each day and all transport escorted, including to and from the UK (London).

And there you have it, our top 10 no-fly river cruises in Europe.

I hope that you have enjoyed this list. It was a tough decision and there are very many that I had to leave out. This list is ones that tick all the boxes from ease of travel and quality of cruise within their price point.

P.S. -We do have a much wider selection of other of river cruises that don’t need flights within our website. Please do have a look.

Why not find out about “The Best All Inclusive River Cruises”

We’d love to hear your questions and find the right river cruise for you. Our online consultations let us bring the cruises to life for you, and go beyond the brochure. Why not give us a try?

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About Alex Leete

Who is Alex Leete? A passion for travel and over 15 years' experience in the industry encouraged me to set up Global River Cruising, our own family run company. Over the last few years we have been on as many river cruises, ships and seen as many destinations as we possibly can so we can rightfully call ourselves "experts". As independent specialists we work hard to find the perfect river cruise for our clients - at the very best prices too!

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No Flying River Cruises

European river cruises by rail or coach.

At River Cruising, we understand that not everyone likes the idea of flying – which is what makes cruising an attractive alternative for many travellers. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of no-fly river cruises – so you can travel to the most beautiful and captivating destinations without setting foot on an aeroplane.

With exciting travel options from luxury operators and the biggest names in river cruising, you’ll find the perfect itinerary for you. Travel with national rail and Eurostar to your first port and enjoy a relaxed, scenic train journey before embarking on your river voyage.

One of our River Cruise Experts, Lisa, regaled us with details of her  no flying river cruise experience with Riviera Travel . She travelled by Eurostar to Paris for their Paris & Normandy itinerary. You can read all about her experience  here .

Many of the tour operators featured on our website offer a no-flying option, which provides the exact same service and inclusivity as the flying kind. The only difference is how you choose to get there.

To find out more about our no-flying river cruises, select a cruise line below to see where the journey will take you. Our team of UK based river cruise experts are available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays, to help plan your river cruise holiday! Recently awarded the UK & Ireland's NUMBER ONE River Cruise Agency, you can trust our 4th generation, family business to look after you! All of our holidays are protected by ABTA & ATOL for financial protection and 100% peace of mind. We are also proud to boast the 5* Platinum Feefo Trusted Service Award for our customer care, both before and after booking! Read more about our award-winning company here and we look forward to speaking with you soon!

No Flying Uniworld River Cruises

You can now book a range of Uniworld European itineraries via Eurostar! Subject to availability on the following sailings: Brilliant Bordeaux, Paris & Normandy, Burgundy & Provence, Castles along the Rhine, Dutch Delights, Tulips & Windmills, Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time, Rhine & Moselle and Classic Germany & Amsterdam!

No Fly Riviera Travel River Cruises

For those of you who prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can travel via Eurostar on selected tours and river cruises in Europe, such as Paris, Bruges, and many more. Travelling by train is the ideal solution if you don’t like flying, cannot fly for medical reasons or simply want fewer restrictions on luggage.

NO FLYING River Cruise Itineraries

No-fly cruise deals

We've put together a brand-new collection of stress-free no-fly cruises from the UK.

These cheap no-fly cruises have nationwide departures , from ports including Southampton, Hull, and Newcastle, and departure dates in 2024 and 2025 .

Many are all-inclusive cruises , meaning absolutely everything is covered in the headline price.

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