Sailing from the UK with multi-award-winning Royal Caribbean makes a cruise holiday fantastically easy and straightforward, with no airport waits or baggage restrictions to take into account – a real plus for everyone, but especially for those travelling with kids. We’ve looked at some of our favourite Southampton round-trips for May half term and the summer holidays, as well as one for those who haven’t tried a cruise before and would like to dip their toes in the water with a short trip across the Channel.
This is one of Royal Caribbean’s best-known ships, with some of the fleet’s top activities and amenities – including neon-lit skydiving sessions on Ripcord℠ by iFly®, the largest indoor active space at sea, Seaplex®, immersive virtual vistas and imaginative cocktails at Two70® Bar, and 90m views from North Star Bar. There are also several spacious pool decks, giving you plenty of scope to seek out a peaceful spot in the sun or the shade, with complimentary loungers, live music and tropical cocktails.
Like all Royal Caribbean’s 26 ships, Anthem dispels all the myths about cruising, with a packed menu of activities and entertainment all under one roof. Think West End-style shows, fantastic food, spacious accommodation, and exhilarating activities and amenities. They include Vitality℠ Spa & Fitness with its pampering treatments and therapies, including the YSpa programme for tweens and teens, plus world-class specialised exercise classes and a state-of-the-art gym. There are both adult only and family friendly pool areas to enjoy. Of course, the pool deck can't be missed, with loungers for parents to relax in the sun, as well as splash areas for the kids to enjoy.
And of course the dining is fantastic, including in the Windjammer buffet, the main restaurant with its extensive menu, and Vitality Café with its speciality wraps and signature juices and smoothies.
Southampton | Day at sea | Bordeaux (La Rochelle) | Bilbao | La Coruña | Day at sea | Paris (Le Havre) | Southampton
This is a brilliant cruise taking you to some of the most exciting cities in France and Spain while giving you two days at sea to make the most of your vessel’s facilities. Among the highlights is the fabulous French city of Bordeaux, known around the world for its wine but also a foodie hotspot where you can sample oysters from the Bay of Arcachon and superb mushrooms, asparagus and raspberries – don’t miss Les Halles de Bacalan food market in a waterfront hangar.
Southampton | Paris (Le Havre) | Southampton
This Paris weekender is perfect for those new to cruise, giving you a day to discover or rediscover this iconic city renowned for its excellence in cuisine, fashion, architecture and the fine arts. See its monumental landmarks and its world-class museums, shop in its famed boutiques and then take an evening stroll along lamp-lit avenues lined by restaurants and café terraces great for people-watching.
Southampton | Day at sea | Seville (Cadiz) | Malaga | Valencia | Palma de Mallorca | Ibiza | Barcelona | Day at sea | Lisbon | Day at sea | Southampton
This lovely, leisurely two-week cruise takes you around some of the highlights of the Mediterrenean, from party-loving Ibiza to the hip Catalan capital Barcelona. It features one of our favourite cities, Valencia, with its lush Turia Gardens, urban beaches, wonderful art and architecture, ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences and delicious paella and tapas.
To book your May half term or summer holiday cruise out of the UK with Royal Caribbean, or your Paris short cruise, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Aruba beckons with its serene beauty, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Aruba boasts award-winning, uncrowded, white-sand beaches that promise a slice of paradise where you can unwind to your heart's content. With guaranteed sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and stunning architecture, Aruba is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The personal experiences of our Travel Counsellors, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations, ensure that they can hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
