Do Cruise Ships Go to London?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a cruise and wondering if your ship will take you to the bustling city of London? Well, the answer is yes and no. Let’s delve deeper into this question.

Yes, Cruise Ships Go to London

London boasts of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. It is a vibrant city with so much to offer, from its rich history to its modern culture. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many cruise ships have London as one of their destinations.

The Ports

The two main ports that serve London are Southampton and Dover. Southampton port is about 80 miles away from central London and has excellent transport links such as trains and buses that can take you directly to the city. Dover port is approximately 75 miles away from central London but has limited transport options.

The Cruise Lines

Several cruise lines include London on their itinerary; these include:

  • Princess Cruises
  • Cunard Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Holland America Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises

These cruise lines offer different packages that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some will dock at Southampton while others at Dover.

No, Cruise Ships Don’t Go to Central London

While it’s true that some cruise ships go to Southampton or Dover, which are both close to London, none docks at a port in central London. The River Thames flows through central London; however, it’s not deep enough for large vessels like cruise ships.

The Alternative Ports

If you want your cruise ship experience to include the city of London, but don’t want to dock at Southampton or Dover, there are alternative ports close to the city. These include:

  • Harwich International Port
  • Tilbury
  • London City Cruise Port

These ports are smaller and can accommodate smaller vessels. They are also closer to central London and have excellent transport links.

In Conclusion

While cruise ships don’t dock in central London, many do include the city on their itinerary. Ports like Southampton and Dover offer great transport links to the city, while alternative ports like Harwich International Port, Tilbury, and London City Cruise Port are closer to central London.

So there you have it! You can now plan your cruise trip to include a visit to one of the world’s most exciting cities – London.