The Sanctuary onboard

© Princess

Why a British Isles cruise is the ultimate staycation

Make your UK holiday one to treasure with Princess Cruises

April 2023

By Liz Darke

Staying on home soil for your holiday has never been so popular, which is no surprise when you consider the diverse mix of sights, attractions, beaches and scenery Britain has to offer.

If you’re keen for a staycation that delivers all of the above plus great value, service and heaps of luxury, then a British Isles cruise with Princess is the answer. Discover just a few reasons why a ‘seacation’ is a sure-fire winner this year…

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Explore the vast and luscious greenery at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens © Visit Dorset

You can see it all

A staycation doesn’t mean in staying one place when on a British Isles cruise. You’ll get to see so much more of the UK’s fantastic landscape when sailing around it and our diverse routes stop off at a series of exciting destinations. Cruising from place to place also eliminates the hassles you’d normally encounter on a multi-stop holiday: endless driving, train journeys (which could potentially be disrupted) and unpacking every time you reach somewhere new.

On one of our British Isles cruises, your mode of transport is one of our luxury ships and thanks to our brilliant itineraries, you can be strolling through Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens on the Jurassic Coast one day (an easy journey from Portland port stop), touring Guernsey’s west coast by bike the next and zipping around pretty Cork Harbour on a speedy RIB the day after, all without any effort.

They offer unforgettable experiences

Like those already mentioned, we offer a huge range of amazing shore excursions in every one of our destinations. These activities and experiences, which cater for all ages, tastes and energy levels, allow guests to make the most of each location they visit.

For example, you can enjoy a bracing clifftop coastal walk around Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula (followed by a pub lunch, of course), visit a whisky distillery outside Glasgow and sample a wee dram or two, soak up the majesty of Conwy Castle in North Wales or trace the footsteps of the Fab Four in Liverpool. There’s absolutely something for everyone.

Lotus Spa

Enjoy some rest and relaxation in the onboard Lotus Spa © Princess

You’ll have time to switch off

Of course, if you’re more in need of pure relaxation and escapism, you’re still in the perfect place onboard a Princess cruise. While shore excursions offer a great way of getting out and about, you’re also very welcome to make the most of the onboard Lotus Spa, take a dip in the top-deck swimming pool or hot tubs, and really take advantage of our OceanNow service, which allows you order food and drink from the MedallionClass smartphone app wherever you are – even if that’s lazing on a sunbed.

They’re great value

Our all-inclusive cruise fares – Princess Plus and Princess Premier – provide fantastic value for money, with food, alcoholic drinks, crew incentives and many other added extras all included. This means you don’t have to worry about shelling out for food and drink at every meal throughout your trip, which can really add up these days.

Pasta at Sabatini’s Trattoria

Be transported to Italy with a bowl of handmade pasta at Sabatini’s Trattoria © Princess

You can ‘travel’ to exotic lands without leaving British water

If you’d been hoping to holiday further afield but now can’t for any reason, you can still dip your toe into far-flung waters while on a UK cruise, thanks to a thoroughly global onboard offering. On our ships, you’ll find a diverse range of world cuisine, ranging from fresh burrata and homemade ravioli at Sabatini’s Trattoria to hand-rolled maki and chilled sake at Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar. At wine bar Vines, you’ll find top blends from all over the world, though your travels don’t have to stop with food and drink – why not stop by the Lotus Spa for a rejuvenating Thai massage too?

Checking in is a breeze

With the Princess MedallionClass app, getting ready for your voyage is smooth and easy, as is embarking and disembarking. Simply complete the OceanReady check-in process on the app before you arrive at the port of Southampton, and you’ll be able to glide through and onto your ship in no time. Start as you mean to go on, eh…

Excited for a British Isles cruise?

See all British Isles itineraries at princess.com

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About the Author

Liz Darke

Liz Darke

Liz is the editor of Journey. She's a seasoned journalist, who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Barcelona, Puglia in southern Italy and Mexico next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!