Cruises From Newcastle
Cruises From Newcastle
Cruises from Newcastle are a great option if you live in the North East of England. Far less distance to travel to join the ship (unlike driving all the way down to Southampton). A smaller cruise terminal to get lost in. But it does mean options are a bit more limited for 2024/2025. If the options do seem a little limited, why not consider fly cruises from Newcastle, meaning you fly to your destination first, and then join the cruise ship. Although you will have to go through the hassle of an airport, it's only Newcastle which is a bit smaller than others, and it does then offer you much more choice, joining your ship in places like Palma de Mallorca, Rome and Miami.
Popular Cruise Lines From Newcastle
Newcastle Cruise Guide
Why Cruise From Newcastle
Convenience
One of the great things about enjoying a cruise from Newcastle is the convenience. While most cruises from the UK depart from Southampton, that's not the easiest or most convenient departure point if you live in northern England, or even Scotland. The cruise terminal is located in North Shields and serves both DFDS and other leisure cruise lines like Fred Olsen Cruises.
No Flights
Another great reason to enjoy a cruise holiday from Newcastle is that you don't have to fly. While fly cruises from Newcastle airport are available, cruising is all about the ease, comfort and convenience, and that means skipping the airport queues, forgetting about flying, and settling in from the moment you arrive.
Small Cruise Terminal
There's just the one cruise terminal in Newcastle Upon Tyne which is also the ferry terminal at North Shields Port. With only a small terminal, that means you don't get lost, check-in is quick and easy, and the cruises are much smaller, providing a much more intimate experience.
Newcastle Cruise Terminal
The international passenger terminal is located in South Shields to the east of the city centre. It serves both the DFDS ferry to Amsterdam (via IJmuiden) and the passenger cruise ships that depart here, or stop here as a port of call during their itinerary.
Getting There
If you're travelling by car, organising your parking situation ahead of time is the way to go. Depending on how you book and the tour operator or travel agent you book with, this may be included as part of your cruise package, or you may need to add this on extra. If you're travelling with DFDS, they have dedicated shuttle bus transfers between the port and Berwick Street (opposite Newcastle Central Station) which cost extra and can be prebooked in advance. There is also a Port Of Tyne Shuttle Bus which runs to the Royal Quays Shopping Centre nearby and Tynemouth. The nearest Tyne and Wear Metro station is Percy Main, about a 20 minute walk from Newcastle Cruise Terminal. From Percy Main you can head straight into Monument and St James, and connections to Newcastle Airport and Newcastle Central Railway Station (with further UK rail links).
Facilities
Being small, facilities at the passenger terminal are limited, but you won't be spending much time here anyway. There's plenty of seating, a small shop which sells some of the last minute essentials, as well as a self-service restaurant if you're feeling peckish before boarding.
Newcastle As A Destination
Several cruise companies feature Newcastle as a destination port within their itineraries. These are often cruises around the UK or up to Norway and Iceland. Companies with Newcastle in their itineraries include TUI (Marella Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, P&O Cruises and Silversea.
Last Minute Cruises From Newcastle
Despite being a more convenient option for many, sailings from this part of the UK aren't for everyone, especially with limited brands. As such, sometimes these don't get filled as much or as quickly as the companies would like, and you know what that means...
There are plenty of cruise deals and discounts to be had. With cabins that need to be filled, last minute cruises from Newcastle can be ideal if you're flexible and looking for a cheap holiday. Going directly to the Fred Olsen website can be a good first stop to see what's on offer.
Cruises For Families
The main two cruise lines which depart Newcastle are Fred Olsen Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line. Ambassador operates a strict adults only cruise policy, whereas Fred Olsen welcomes families with children. The overnight ferry with DFDS to Amsterdam also welcomes children with one or two small facilities on board.
On Board
Fred Olsen cruise ships are small with a much more intimate experience. This can be great if you hate getting lost in the crowds on a bigger ship. Because of this, there aren't as many facilities or things to do, however, family friendly ships do still have the Little Skippers Club, a kids' club dedicated to keeping the little ones happy.
Popular Destinations
The British Isles
Newcastle often features on cruises around the British Isles, but you can also depart from here too. Take in places like Liverpool, Stornoway and Alderney, to see a bit more of your own country.
Northern Europe
DFDS offers an overnight ferry to Amsterdam, which is often sold in as a cruise, or a mini cruise if you're only spending a day or night in the city. For longer cruises, Sweden, Norway and the Norwegian Fjords are a popular option, with Arctic adventures to hunt for the Northern Lights also featuring.
Mediterranean
A trip down to the Mediterranean can often take two to three weeks, but offers the ideal opportunity to hit up some of the Med's best destinations, all in one trip, and without having to touch an airport departure lounge.
Canary Islands
Whether you're escaping for the summer holidays, or you are in desperate need of some winter sun, a cruise to the Canary Islands offers one to two weeks of sunshine (although you've still got to get out of British waters!). Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote frequently feature on Canaries itineraries, as well as a port or two in Spain or Portugal on the way down.