Cruising is a popular and relaxing way to see the world. It’s a chance to unwind, soak in the sun and explore new places, all while being catered to by a dedicated crew. One such destination that’s gaining in popularity is the United Kingdom, specifically its naval shipyards. The country’s rich maritime history makes it a fascinating destination for cruise lovers, especially those with an interest in naval architecture or maritime history.
The UK is home to several active, historic shipyards where you can see the construction of modern ships, as well as the restoration of historic vessels. Some cruises offer the unique opportunity to dock at these shipyards and take guided tours around the dockyard. Let’s take a closer look at which UK cruices offer these detailed tours.
Royal Historic Dockyard Tour by Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the most historic and noteworthy naval shipyards in the UK – the Royal Historic Dockyard. This is an exclusive tour that offers a peek at the UK’s naval history, right from the era of the HMS Victory to the present day.
The cruise docks at the port of Southampton, and from there, passengers are taken to the dockyard for a guided tour. The tour includes a visit to the historic HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, and the world’s oldest naval ship still in commission. You would also visit the HMS Warrior, Britain’s first iron-hulled, armored warship.
The grandeur of the Royal Historic Dockyard is best enjoyed from the comfort of a balcony suite, with stunning views of the sea and the historic naval ships.
The Dockyard Tour by Cunard Line
The Cunard Line, famous for its luxury cruises and impeccable service, offers a unique dockyard tour that sets sail from Southampton and docks at the historic port of Portsmouth. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to explore the naval shipyards from both a historical and modern perspective.
The tour includes a visit to the Royal Naval Museum, where you can learn about the UK’s impressive naval history. You will also have the chance to see the HMS Victory and other historic naval ships up close. In addition, Cunard Line also offers visits to modern naval constructions at the dockyard.
If you opt for a large suite, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of dockyard activity and the surrounding sea, making your cruise experience truly unforgettable.
The Bermuda Club Cruise
The Bermuda Club offers a unique cruise experience with its Naval Shipyards tour. The tour includes a two-night stay at the historic naval base in Portsmouth. The Bermuda Club gives passengers the chance to dine in style with half-board dining included in the price of the cruise.
The luxury ship offers a variety of comfortable suites, some of which offer stunning views of the shipyard and the sea. The cruise includes a detailed tour of the naval shipyard, with a particular focus on the history and construction of the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy.
P&O Cruises’ Shipyard Tour
P&O Cruises offers a unique cruise experience with a detailed tour of the naval dockyards in Portsmouth. This tour is part of a larger seven-night cruise around the UK, which makes it an excellent option for people who want to explore more of the country.
On the naval dockyard tour, you’ll explore the historic structures, witness the modern naval constructions, and get a chance to see the HMS Victory and other historical ships. The cruise offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy cabins to luxurious suites, many of which provide an excellent view of the sea and dockyard.
Luxury Dockyard Tour with Seabourn Cruise Line
For those who wish to enjoy a luxurious cruise experience, Seabourn Cruise Line offers a grand tour of the UK’s naval shipyards. This cruise departs from Southampton and visits the naval shipyard in Portsmouth.
Passengers can enjoy an all-inclusive cruise experience which includes all meals, drinks, and full use of the ship’s facilities. The highlight of the cruise, however, is the detailed tour of the naval shipyard. You’ll explore the historic dockyard, visit the Royal Naval Museum, and see historic ships such as the HMS Victory.
Seabourn Cruise Line offers a range of suites, many of which feature a balcony facing the sea and dockyard, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning views at their leisure.
The Balmoral Shipyard Tour by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is renowned for its British heritage and offers a unique Balmoral Shipyard Tour that provides a comprehensive insight into the country’s naval history. This cruise starts from the port of Southampton to the historic naval dockyard in Portsmouth.
Upon arrival in Portsmouth, a comprehensive guided tour of the dockyard takes place. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore historic naval ships such as the HMS Victory, the oldest naval ship still in commission. Equally fascinating is the view of modern ship constructions in progress, including naval destroyers and aircraft carriers.
The tour also includes a visit to the Royal Naval Museum, bringing to life the stories and events from over centuries of Royal Navy history. The free sea upgrade to a large balcony suite offers an impressive view of the naval dockyard and the open sea, making the cruise an unforgettable experience.
One of the Balmoral Shipyard Tour’s notable features is its wifi excursion service. This service allows passengers to stay connected even while taking the tour. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also offers excursion discounts that end in September, making it a perfect choice for those planning a late summer holiday.
Choosing a cruise that provides a detailed tour of the UK’s naval shipyards is an excellent opportunity to delve into the rich history of naval architecture and maritime history. The cruises mentioned above offer unique, detailed tours of the naval dockyards, showcasing both historical and modern aspects of the UK’s naval constructions.
Consider the upgrade premium options for a more luxurious experience. The breathtaking view from a large balcony will not disappoint. You’ll appreciate the tranquil seas and bustling dockyard activity from your private space.
For those interested in dining, several cruises offer speciality dining options. The speciality dining on the Norwegian Aqua, for instance, is a culinary delight. Similarly, the Bermuda Club offers half-board dining included in the package.
The flash sale and discounts ends in September, so it’s an opportune time to book your preferred cruise. The key takeaway is to choose a cruise that matches your interests, whether it’s naval history, modern shipbuilding, or a mix of both. The experiences these cruises offer promise an enriching journey through the UK’s rich maritime heritage.