A Guide to Cruises from Liverpool: Where You Can Sail

Liverpool is one of the best departure spots to enjoy a relaxing cruise holiday, providing everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Given its central location for the cruise terminal and travel routes, you can now choose this historic port for your departures. It's one of the most popular departure locations if you want to explore the Mediterranean sun, Norway's dramatic fjords, or the Canary Islands.

Our guide will make sure you experience everything Liverpool cruising has to offer. From what to expect at the terminal to the destinations you'll visit, this is one adventure you'll never forget!

Why You Should Go on Cruises from Liverpool

The city of Liverpool has a deep historical connection to the sea. The Liverpool cruise terminal conveniently sits along the River Mersey, adjacent to the Three Graces. It's only a short walk from the city centre, distinguishing it from other UK terminals that can be difficult to access and located far from city centres. 

Starting your holiday here is guaranteed to be both easy and pleasurable. Start your day in your serviced apartment then take a quick walk to the terminal to board your ship in less than an hour. This easy process will allow you to avoid airport lines and complicated transfers.

The Cruise Terminal Experience

This modern and efficient terminal is a smaller size compared to other busy ports in the UK, improving its smooth operations. The terminal staff offer great hospitality, providing you with smooth check-ins and amazing views of Liverpool's skyline when departing.

After opening in 2007, Liverpool Cruise Terminal expanded its facilities to accommodate bigger ships and more frequent sailings. Through new developments and future plans, the city will increase its cruising opportunities and create an exciting experience for travellers.

Cruise Lines Departing from Liverpool

The port of Liverpool now hosts several popular cruise lines that provide various ship styles and destination options. 

• Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: provides traditional cruising experiences on smaller ships that focus on comfort and character. 

• Ambassador Cruise Line: will provide you with a luxurious and economical trip to the city, offering expertly designed travel plans throughout Europe and more.

• Cunard: periodically sails back to its spiritual home in Liverpool and special commemorative voyages. 

• Saga Cruises: has Liverpool as part of its itinerary and provides travellers over fifty with a fully inclusive, adults-only experience. 

• MSC and P&O: began visiting Liverpool as of recently, showing the increasing interest in its role as a key departure port.

Each cruise line brings something unique. A few cruise lines provide adult-friendly activities through their spa facilities, gourmet restaurants, and peaceful lounges. 

Family-friendly cruise lines operate with more entertainment options and swimming pools for children and adults throughout the entire day. There's a cruise line to match your specific travel preferences, whether you're voyaging alone or with family.

Destinations You Can Sail To

The main attraction of departing on cruises from Liverpool is the various destinations available to passengers. As a traveller, you can choose between short trips and long journeys, both of which depart from the city's famous waterfront.

Norway’s fjords are a tourist favourite! Its European landscapes reach their fullest beauty during these cruises, showing steep cliffs, calm waters, and cascading falls. However, if you're searching for sunny beaches and warm weather, you should consider the Canary Islands cruise voyage. 

As a passenger, you will stay for 12 to 14 nights on these cruise adventures to visit Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Madeira. Before reaching the Canary Islands, you'll discover Mediterranean culture by visiting Spanish and Portuguese ports.

British Isles cruises provide an excellent opportunity for travellers who prefer to stay near home to experience the distinct characteristics of both the UK and Ireland. They feature multiple stops across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and southern England, allowing you to discover Belfast, Dublin, and Edinburgh directly from your ship.

During the summer, Liverpool offers Mediterranean cruise options. The trips last more than two weeks and include stops at Barcelona, Marseille, Naples, and Rome. Certain routes can lead you even further east into destinations such as Greece or Croatia.

Baltic cruises offer unique experiences through their port calls at major cities such as Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and occasional visits to St. Petersburg. Destinations that mix historical depth with impressive structures are the perfect spots for travellers looking for sights to see.

Seasonal and Special Sailings

Whitby cruises operate throughout the entire year, not only in summer. Most cruises run from spring through early autumn, but winter cruises are still around if you want to enjoy the sun or visit European Christmas markets.

Christmas market cruises attract many travellers because they offer access to beautifully decorated cities, twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and opportunities to purchase handcrafted gifts. You'll get to enjoy elegant gala dinners and live performances as you celebrate the New Year aboard your cruise.

Occasionally, cruise lines offer themed voyages, concentrating on musical themes, while others may highlight food and wellness. If you're traveling long-term, you can take trips departing from Liverpool during specific dates for a once-in-a-lifetime sea experience!

What It’s Like On Board

After you get on board, you'll find your luggage in your cabin with meals arranged, allowing you to spend your time solely on enjoyment. Some of the guest accommodations include basic interior rooms and extravagant balcony suites. 

Most cruise cabins have features that include private bathrooms attached to each room, daily cleaning services, and storage space. The cruise fare covers meals, including buffet and à la carte selections and speciality dining choices that require an additional fee.

The entertainment options cover live theatre performances, quiz nights, lectures, spa treatments, and cocktail-making classes. As a guest, you'll also be able to access pools, fitness centers, and lounges that offer delicious drinks and views of the sea.

Additionally, the cruise offers family-friendly accommodations through kids’ clubs and entertainment suitable for all ages. Adults-only spaces, romantic dining, and dance classes are also available to couples aboard the cruise. Each day features fresh choices whether you prefer to have an active or a relaxed trip.

Preparing for Your Cruise

At Your Perfect Stay, we offer serviced apartments that can accommodate you before your cruise, giving you enough time and space to get ready for your trip comfortably. Having access to a kitchen and having storage space allows you to organise efficiently, leaving time for last-minute purchases or relaxation before your departure.

While preparing, keep your travel documents ready and confirm that your passport will be valid for at least six months after your return date. You should also review visa requirements for when travelling internationally before your trip.

Additionally, dress codes will vary by cruise line. The daily newsletter from the ship provides information about dress recommendations, as well as planned excursions and events happening onboard.

Final Thoughts

Taking cruises from Liverpool offers something truly special. Starting your cruise from Liverpool promises a fulfilling and relaxing experience, giving you the chance to explore sun-soaked destinations and beautiful coastlines along the way.

At Your Perfect Stay, we provide travellers with comfortable accommodations that help them prepare for their journey or relax after their return. From the moment you check in, you'll begin your ideal getaway thanks to Liverpool's endless city escapes and opportunity for long-term visits. Take the leap and start your next journey by making Liverpool your favourite destination!

Cruises From Liverpool: FAQs

1. Where do cruises from Liverpool depart? 

In Liverpool, cruises will begin their trip from the Liverpool Cruise Terminal, which is located at Pier Head on the River Mersey. The terminal's location near the city centre makes it one of the UK's most convenient cruise departure spots.

2. Which cruise lines operate from Liverpool?

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines depart from Liverpool in addition to several other cruise lines. Fred. Liverpool is known as the main departure point for cruises from Olsen Cruise Lines, Ambassador Cruise Line, select Cunard sailings, and Saga Cruises.

3. Which locations can I travel to with a cruise that begins its voyage from Liverpool?

Liverpool offers cruises to various locations including Norwegian fjords, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean region, the British Isles, and the Baltic Sea.

4. When is the best time to take cruises from Liverpool?

The best time to take cruises from Liverpool ports is from April through October, but there are cruises that run for certain festivities and for the winter. Liverpool experiences its best weather for cruises during spring and summer, but autumn cruises have fewer crowds and stunning seasonal views.

5. Is a passport required when taking cruises from Liverpool?

The majority of cruises departing from Liverpool require you to have a valid passport, especially when traveling to EU countries or overseas. Make sure your passport is valid for six months after your planned return date.