Best Last Minute Cruises for UK Travellers in 2025: Dates, Prices & Booking Tips
Amazing last minute cruise offers departing from UK
plus expert advice to grab the hottest deals before they sell out*
Book a last minute cruise now.
Are you dreaming of a spontaneous getaway at sea but worried it’s too late to book? Good news! Last minute cruise packages from the UK offer fantastic opportunities to sail away without breaking the bank. Whether you want a short break to the Mediterranean, a northern adventure to Scandinavia, or a relaxing week in the Canary Islands, there are great deals available all year round — often with upgrades or extras thrown in.
Anyone who knows or follows me will know that I’m not much of a forward planner - in fact I’m just back from a land trip I booked just 2 hours before leaving! The most last-minute voyage I’ve ever taken is a Disney cruise booked last year just three days before embarkation.
So don’t despair, it’s rarely too late to book an impromptu cruise just as long as the manifest - passenger list - hasn’t been completed.
Here’s your ultimate guide to snagging the best last minute cruise deals in 2025, including upcoming dates and typical prices to help you plan.
Offers available at time of writing but search for “late cruise deals” to find what’s currently available.
Top Deals This Week 11 August 2025):
🚢 Mediterranean Mini Cruise from Southampton — 3 nights, £299pp inside cabin, departs Aug 15
🚢 Canary Islands Escape from Liverpool — 7 nights, £499pp balcony, departs Oct 10
🚢 Three Marella cruises - various itineraries
More details below.
Why Book a Last Minute Cruise?
Huge savings: Cruise lines discount unsold cabins heavily as the departure date nears.
Added perks: Free drinks packages, onboard credit, or cabin upgrades are often included.
Flexible options: From 3-night mini cruises to 14-night voyages, there’s something for every schedule.
Spontaneity: Perfect for travellers with flexible calendars or who love last-minute adventures.
Top Last Minute Cruise Deals from UK Ports in 2025
If you’re flexible and ready to grab a spontaneous break, these upcoming sailings offer excellent value - whether you want sunshine, festive vibes, or spectacular scenery.
Example Marella Cruise Deals
“Last minute” Mediterranean (August 2025) — various 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings on Marella ships; from ≈ £1,211 per person (example last-minute price shown on Marella/TUI listings).
7 nights – Aegean Gems (24 Sep 2025) — Eastern Mediterranean sailing from Cyprus/Limassol (Aegean itinerary). From ≈ £1,088 per person (recent reduced fare shown on Iglu/TUI partner listings).
Mediterranean Mini-Cruise from Southampton
Perfect for a quick dose of sunshine and sightseeing, this three-night break departs 15th August from Southampton. Sailing with P&O Cruises, the itinerary includes charming St Peter Port in Guernsey and the French port of Cherbourg. Inside cabins start from around £299 per person, with the option to upgrade to all-inclusive for a small extra cost. It’s a great choice if you’re new to cruising or simply want a short, budget-friendly getaway.
Dates: August 15–18, 2025 (3 nights)
Itinerary: Southampton – Guernsey – Cherbourg (France) – Southampton
Cruise line: P&O Cruises (Arvia or Iona)
Price: From £299 per person (inside cabin), all-inclusive upgrades available
Why book? Ideal for a quick summer break with easy access and charming ports.
Western Mediterranean Cruise from Southampton
Sail away for seven nights starting 5th September, with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malaga, and Barcelona. This MSC Cruises voyage offers balcony cabins from around £449 per person. It’s perfect if you want a blend of vibrant cities and beautiful coastlines, all wrapped up in a sunny Mediterranean package.
Dates: September 5–12, 2025 (7 nights)
Itinerary: Southampton – Lisbon – Gibraltar – Malaga – Barcelona – Southampton
Cruise line: MSC Cruises (MSC Virtuosa)
Price: From £449 per person (balcony cabin)
Why book? Explore iconic Mediterranean cities with plenty of sunshine and culture.
Canary Islands Escape from Liverpool
Swap grey skies for year-round sunshine on this seven-night escape departing 10th October from Liverpool. Sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Braemar, you’ll visit Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Madeira — each offering a mix of golden beaches, vibrant markets, and relaxed island life. Balcony cabins are currently from around £499 per person, making it an appealing autumn getaway without the hassle of flying.
Dates: October 10–17, 2025 (7 nights)
Itinerary: Liverpool – Tenerife – Gran Canaria – Madeira – Liverpool
Cruise line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Braemar)
Price: Starting around £499 per person (balcony cabin)
Why book? Perfect for autumn sun seekers wanting a mild climate and scenic islands.
Baltic Capitals Cruise from Dover
Set sail on a 14-night voyage from 20th September, exploring some of Northern Europe’s most elegant and historic cities. Sailing aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria, you’ll visit Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and even St. Petersburg before returning to Dover. Inside cabins start from about £999 per person, offering a refined way to experience the Baltic with Cunard’s signature style and service.
Dates: September 20 – October 4, 2025 (14 nights)
Itinerary: Dover – Amsterdam – Copenhagen – Stockholm – Helsinki – St. Petersburg – Tallinn – Dover
Cruise line: Cunard (Queen Victoria)
Price: Starting at £999 per person (inside cabin)
Why book? A comprehensive Baltic experience with a classic luxury cruise feel.
Irish Sea and Scottish Isles from Liverpool
Fancy something a little closer to home? This five-night cruise departing 28th September explores Belfast, Dublin, and the Isle of Man aboard P&O’s Iona. Starting from about £349 per person for a sea view cabin, it’s a fantastic chance to see the best of the British Isles without leaving the UK.
Dates: September 28 – October 3, 2025 (5 nights)
Itinerary: Liverpool – Belfast – Dublin – Isle of Man – Liverpool
Cruise line: P&O Cruises (Iona)
Price: Starting at £349 per person (sea view cabin)
Why book? Perfect for a mix of city sightseeing and scenic coastlines close to home.
Norwegian Fjords from Dover
End of season Norwegian Fyords
For a truly breathtaking adventure, a week exploring the Norwegian fjords is hard to beat. Leaving Dover on 15th October, this Royal Caribbean itinerary visits Stavanger, Bergen, Geiranger, and Flam. Balcony cabins start at approximately £699 per person — ideal for nature lovers seeking stunning landscapes.
Dates: October 15–22, 2025 (7 nights)
Itinerary: Dover – Stavanger – Bergen – Geiranger – Flam – Dover
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean (Odyssey of the Seas)
Price: From £699 per person (balcony cabin)
Why book? A spectacular nature-focused cruise with breathtaking fjord landscapes.
Canary Islands & Madeira from Southampton
Swap the grey skies for golden sands on this seven-night winter-sun sailing aboard Marella Explorer 2. Departing Tenerife on 7 November 2025, this itinerary visits Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Arrecife (Lanzarote), Fuerteventura, Funchal (Madeira), and La Gomera before returning to Tenerife. Prices from around £1,070 per person (inside cabin, all-inclusive with flights)—a slightly higher figure than earlier estimates, but still a great value for this rich route and inclusions such as drinks, entertainment, and transfers.
Dates: 7–14 November 2025
Itinerary: Tenerife – Gran Canaria – Lanzarote – Fuerteventura – Madeira – La Gomera – Tenerife
Cruise Line: Marella Cruises (Marella Explorer 2)
Price: From ~ £868 pp (cruise only/£1,070pp (inside, all-inclusive with flights)
Why book? Island-hopping through the Canaries with a stop in Madeira—ideal for travellers craving warmth, relaxation, and a seamless all-inclusive cruising experience.
Christmas Market Cruise from Portsmouth
Pick up a Festive Christmas Market Cruise Bargain
Get into the festive spirit on this charming seven-night cruise departing 1st December. Explore the twinkling Christmas markets of Bruges, Antwerp, and Rotterdam aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral. Balcony cabins start near £599 per person — a magical way to soak up holiday cheer.
Dates: December 1–8, 2025 (7 nights)
Itinerary: Portsmouth – Bruges (Zeebrugge) – Antwerp – Rotterdam – Portsmouth
Cruise line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (Balmoral)
Price: From £599 per person (balcony cabin)
Why book? Celebrate the festive season exploring Europe’s charming Christmas markets.
New Year’s Eve Cruise from Southampton
Celebrate the turn of the year on this six-night sailing leaving 28th December. Ports of call include Lisbon and Vigo with P&O’s Arvia. Starting at £549 per person for a sea view cabin, it’s a fabulous way to welcome 2026 with onboard parties and new adventures.
Dates: December 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (6 nights)
Itinerary: Southampton – Lisbon – Vigo – Portsmouth
Cruise line: P&O Cruises (Arvia)
Price: From £549 per person (sea view cabin)
Why book? Ring in the New Year onboard with onboard celebrations and exciting ports.
Tips to Snag the Best Last Minute Cruise Deals
Be flexible with dates and cabin types: Mid-week sailings and inside cabins tend to have bigger discounts.
Subscribe to cruise newsletters: P&O, Marella, Fred. Olsen, and Cunard all send exclusive last minute offers.
Use specialist cruise deal websites: Sites like Cruise.co.uk, CruiseDirect, and VacationsToGo highlight last minute packages daily.
Call the cruise line or travel agent: Sometimes unpublished deals are available only over the phone.
Book refundable or flexible tickets: In case your plans change, flexibility is key.
Are you Tempted by a Last Minute Cruise?
Last minute cruises from the UK in 2025 present a fantastic chance to enjoy a memorable holiday without months of planning. Whether you’re craving warm sun or scenic northern waters, there’s a last minute deal waiting to whisk you away.
Keep an eye on deal alerts, act quickly, and get ready to set sail on your spontaneous sea adventure!
Share any deals you find in comments below.