Royal Caribbean has pushed back the return of cruise calls to its private Haiti destination, Labadee, until at least April 2028, affecting dozens of sailings.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Names Meghan Montana as New CFO
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has named Meghan Montana as its next Chief Financial Officer, succeeding longtime finance chief Mark Kempa in January 2027.
Royal Caribbean Beats Expectations in Q3, Raises Full-Year Outlook
Strong demand and the new Sandals and Beaches partnership helped Royal Caribbean Group top forecasts in the third quarter, prompting it to raise full-year earnings guidance.
Holland America Debuts Alaska Heritage Tours Ahead of 80th Anniversary
Holland America Line has launched a new collection of Alaska Heritage Tours, timed to its 80th season cruising the region in 2027.
MSC Opens Bookings for 119-Night World Cruise Sailing in 2029
MSC Cruises has opened bookings for a 119-night world cruise departing in January 2029, with MSC Magnifica visiting 45 destinations across 21 countries.
Royal Caribbean Extends Oasis of the Seas’ Halifax Stop to a Full Day
After rerouting Oasis of the Seas to Halifax to dodge severe East Coast weather, Royal Caribbean has lengthened the ship’s stay there to give guests more time ashore.
Disney Reveals Disney Imagination as Name of First Japan-Based Ship
Disney Cruise Line and Oriental Land Company have named the first Japan-based Disney ship Disney Imagination, due to debut from Tokyo in spring 2029.
Best Time to Visit the Whitsundays: Month-by-Month Guide
The Whitsundays are warm enough to visit all year, but the weather, the water and what you can see change a lot between seasons. The short answer: June to October is the best time to visit, with dry, sunny days, calm evenings and humpback whales from June to September. If you want the warmest water, November to May is warmer, but it is wetter and you’ll be swimming in a stinger suit.
Best time to visit the Whitsundays at a glance
- Best overall: June to October (dry season).
- Driest month: September, with only about 25 mm of rain on average.
- Whale watching: roughly June to September.
- Warmest water: December to March, around 28°C.
- Stinger season: about October to May. Wear the stinger suits tours provide.
- Wettest and stormiest: January to March, during the wet season and cyclone season (November to April).
- Busiest: Australian school holidays, especially late December and January, Easter, and the mid-year break in late June and July.
Whitsundays weather month by month
Long-term averages for Airlie Beach, the gateway town for most boat trips:
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Sea temp | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 25°C | 28°C | Very wet |
| February | 30°C | 25°C | 29°C | Wettest |
| March | 29°C | 24°C | 27°C | Very wet |
| April | 27°C | 23°C | 26°C | Wet |
| May | 25°C | 21°C | 24°C | Drying out |
| June | 22°C | 18°C | 22°C | Fairly dry |
| July | 22°C | 18°C | 21°C | Dry |
| August | 23°C | 18°C | 23°C | Dry |
| September | 25°C | 20°C | 26°C | Driest |
| October | 28°C | 22°C | 26°C | Dry |
| November | 29°C | 23°C | 27°C | Getting wetter |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 28°C | Wet |
Even in the wet season, rain often comes as short, heavy afternoon storms rather than all-day rain. But the sea can be choppier, and tours are sometimes rescheduled.
The Whitsundays by season
Winter, June to August: dry, calm, and whale season
This is the classic time to visit. Days are sunny and around 22°C, nights are cool, and there is very little rain. Humpback whales arrive from Antarctica to breed and give birth, and you may spot mothers and calves from your boat. The water is at its coolest, about 21°C to 23°C, so a thin wetsuit makes snorkelling more comfortable. A steady south-east trade wind blows through winter, which is great for sailing but can make some crossings bumpy.
The mid-year school holidays, late June to mid-July, are busy. Book overnight boats well ahead, and August is busy too during the two big sailing regattas: Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week.
Spring, September to October: the sweet spot
For many people this is the best time of all. September is the driest month of the year, the water is warming up to about 26°C, and the crowds of the winter holidays have gone. Early September is your last good chance to see whales. Stinger season begins around October, so from then on you’ll wear a stinger suit in the water.
Summer, November to March: hot, humid and wet
Summer brings the warmest water, around 27°C to 29°C, and lush green islands. It is also the wet season, with high humidity, heavy afternoon storms and the risk of tropical cyclones, mostly from January to March. Late December and January are the busiest weeks of the year, as Australians go on their summer holidays. If you visit in summer, choose flexible bookings and travel insurance in case the weather changes your plans.
Autumn, April to May: quieter and good value
The rain eases through April and May, temperatures are pleasant at about 25°C to 27°C, and the water is still warm. Apart from Easter, it’s a quieter time, with good availability on boats. Stingers can still be around, so keep wearing the suits provided.
What is stinger season, and should it stop you going?
From roughly October to May, box jellyfish and the tiny Irukandji jellyfish can be present in the waters of tropical Queensland. They are rare but can be dangerous, so the local advice is simple: wear a full-length stinger suit whenever you swim or snorkel in these months. Most tour and sailing operators provide them free. Stinger season is not a reason to avoid the Whitsundays. Thousands of people snorkel safely in summer every year, but do follow the crew’s advice.
Best time for a Whitsundays sailing trip
Overnight sailing trips run all year. For the best mix of weather, calm anchorages and comfortable swimming, aim for August to October. If you’re sailing as a couple, choose a boat with private cabins rather than a backpacker boat. Our guide to the best overnight Whitsundays sailing trips for couples compares the options, and if you’re unsure how long to go for, read 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights?
Best time to see Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Whitehaven Beach looks stunning all year, but the famous swirling sands at Hill Inlet look best at low tide, on a sunny day. The clear, dry days of June to October give the best chance of that postcard view. Many tours time their visit to the lookout around the tides, so check the timing when you book.
Best time to visit the Whitsundays: FAQs
What is the best month to visit the Whitsundays?
September. It is the driest month, the water is warming up, the school holiday crowds have gone, and you may still see whales.
When is whale season in the Whitsundays?
Roughly June to September, with July and August usually the best months.
When should you avoid the Whitsundays?
February and March are the wettest months and have the highest cyclone risk. Late December and January are the most crowded and expensive.
Can you swim in the Whitsundays in winter?
Yes. The water is still around 21°C to 23°C. Most people find a wetsuit or stinger suit makes snorkelling more comfortable.
Norwegian Fjords Cruises from the UK (2027): Lines, Ports, Prices and When to Go
A Norwegian fjords cruise is one of the easiest bucket-list trips you can take from the UK. You board in a British port, spend a day or two at sea crossing the North Sea, and wake up between mountain walls and waterfalls. No flights, no airport queues, and you can pack as much as you like. This guide covers which cruise lines sail to the fjords from the UK, the ports to look for, the best time to go, and what it typically costs.
This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick answer
- Most common trip: 7 nights from Southampton, visiting three or four fjord ports.
- Season: mainly April to September, with the warmest weather and longest days in June and July.
- Typical price: big-ship 7-night sailings in 2027 start from roughly £600 per person for an inside cabin, and from around £800 to £1,000 for a balcony.
- Best for scenery: itineraries that include Geiranger or Hellesylt, Flåm and Olden.
- Closest to home: choose a line that sails from a regional port near you, such as Newcastle, Tilbury, Liverpool, Bristol or Belfast.
Which cruise lines sail to the Norwegian fjords from the UK?
From Southampton
Southampton has the biggest choice of fjord sailings, mostly on large, resort-style ships:
- P&O Cruises runs regular 7-night fjord cruises on its newest ships, Iona and Arvia. These are the most popular, and usually the cheapest, fjord cruises from the UK.
- Princess Cruises offers fjord sailings, including some longer trips of up to 14 nights that go further along the coast.
- Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises also schedule summer fjord cruises from Southampton, usually 7 nights.
- Cunard includes Norway on some of its Southampton itineraries, if you prefer a more traditional, dress-up style of cruise.
From regional UK ports
If you don’t live near Southampton, a few lines save you the trip south:
- Ambassador Cruise Line sails from several regional ports, including London Tilbury, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast. Its smaller ships allow extended scenic cruising in fjords such as the Geirangerfjord and Lysefjord, and Hellesylt is a new port of call for its 2027/28 season. Ambassador also runs coach transfers to its ports from towns across the UK. See Ambassador’s current sailings.
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines uses smaller ships with a relaxed, traditional feel. In 2027 its Bolette sails from Newcastle, including a 14-night voyage to Arctic Norway and Svalbard in June.
Big ship or small ship?
Both work well in the fjords, but the experience is different:
| Big ships (P&O, Princess, MSC, Royal Caribbean) | Smaller ships (Ambassador, Fred. Olsen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often the lowest per night | Can be higher, but often more included |
| Onboard | Lots of restaurants, shows and pools | Quieter, more traditional, more time on deck |
| Ports | The main fjord ports | Main ports plus some smaller villages |
| Departure | Mostly Southampton | Several regional UK ports |
| Atmosphere | Busy and lively, family friendly | Calmer, mostly adults |
The fjord ports to look for
Most 7-night itineraries pick three or four of these. The more of the first four you see, the more spectacular the trip:
- Geiranger (or nearby Hellesylt): the classic fjord view, with the Seven Sisters waterfalls. The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Flåm: a tiny village at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, and the start of the famous Flåm Railway up into the mountains.
- Olden: the base for trips to the Briksdal glacier and the Loen Skylift.
- Stavanger: a pretty old town and the gateway to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
- Bergen: Norway’s second city, with the colourful Bryggen wharf and the Fløibanen funicular.
- Ålesund: an Art Nouveau town with great views from the Aksla viewpoint.
The most scenic part of the trip is often the sailing itself. Ask whether your itinerary includes daylight scenic cruising into the Geirangerfjord or the Nærøyfjord. It is worth being out on deck for.
When is the best time to cruise the Norwegian fjords?
- April and May: quieter and cheaper. Snow on the peaks and waterfalls at full power from snowmelt, but colder, and some excursions may not have started.
- June and July: peak season. The warmest weather and near-endless daylight, and the highest prices. School holiday sailings book up early.
- August: still warm and busy, with prices often a little lower in the last week.
- September: cooler, more rain, fewer people and lower prices. Autumn colour on the hillsides.
- Winter: fjord cruises are rare. Winter sailings to Norway focus on the Northern Lights further north. See our guide to Northern Lights cruises from the UK.
Whenever you go, pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Even in July it can be chilly on deck, and the fjords get a lot of rain.
How much does a Norwegian fjords cruise cost from the UK?
As a rough guide for 2027, cruise-only prices per person (sharing) start at around:
- 7 nights on P&O from Southampton: from about £600 for an inside cabin, and from about £800 to £1,000 for a balcony.
- 7 nights in peak summer: expect £750 or more for an inside cabin and well over £1,000 for a balcony.
- Longer Arctic voyages: 14 nights to Arctic Norway on a smaller ship start from around £1,700.
Prices change constantly, so treat these as a starting point. Remember to budget for drinks, gratuities and excursions. The Flåm Railway and glacier trips are popular and can be expensive. For tips on timing your booking, see when to book for the best 2027 cruise deals.
Is a balcony worth it in the fjords?
For a fjord cruise, it is one of the best uses of a balcony. Much of the best scenery comes while the ship is sailing in or out of the fjords, often early in the morning. A balcony lets you watch it in comfort. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, an inside cabin and an early alarm will get you the same views from the open deck.
Will big cruise ships still be able to visit the fjords?
Yes, for now. Norway has introduced zero-emission rules for its World Heritage fjords: the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord and nearby fjords. Since January 2026 they apply to passenger ships under 10,000 tons. Larger ships have until 2032, so the big-ship fjord cruises from Southampton are expected to keep running in the meantime. After that, the routes may change, depending on how quickly ships can meet the rules.
Bergen features in our round-up of the best cruise ports worldwide, alongside Lisbon, Dubrovnik and Juneau.
The narrow fjord approaches are a good example of how harbor pilots guide cruise ships safely in and out of port.
If you are driving to Southampton, our guide to Southampton hotels with cruise parking compares stay-and-park packages near each terminal.
Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK: FAQs
How long is a Norwegian fjords cruise from the UK?
Most are 7 nights, with two sea days crossing the North Sea and four or five days in Norway. Some lines offer 5-night short breaks or 12- to 14-night trips that go further north.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Norway is outside the EU but in the Schengen area, so UK travellers need a valid passport. Check the latest entry rules before you travel.
Is the North Sea crossing rough?
It can be, especially early and late in the season. Big ships handle it well. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a cabin low down and in the middle of the ship.
Which UK port is best for a fjords cruise?
Southampton has the most choice. Newcastle is the closest UK port to Norway, so you spend less time at sea and more time in the fjords.
Cruise Deals 2027: When to Book and the Offers Worth Watching
The short answer: the best 2027 cruise deals usually appear in two windows: the Black Friday sales in late November 2026 and “wave season” from January to March 2027. For popular ships, cabins and school-holiday dates, booking sooner usually beats waiting, because the best-value cabins sell first.
Interest is climbing fast. UK Google searches for “cruise deals 2027” more than doubled between spring and late summer 2026, and some lines are filling up early: Viking has already sold over half of its 2027 cruises.
Below we explain when to book, how to tell a real deal from a clever discount, and which 2027 offers are worth a look right now.
Prices are “from” fares per person, as listed by the cruise line on 16 October 2026. They change often, so check the latest before you book. Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When is the best time to book a 2027 cruise?
There is no single cheapest day to book, but there are clear patterns in when cruise lines and travel agents run their biggest promotions.
| When you book | What you tend to get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Now to late November 2026 | Early-booking offers and Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales: onboard credit, reduced deposits, drinks or upgrade offers | School holidays, suites and balconies, popular itineraries |
| January to March 2027 (wave season) | The busiest booking period of the year, with many lines launching their headline promotions | Flexible travellers happy to compare lots of offers |
| Last minute (a few weeks to 3 months before sailing) | Lower fares on cabins that haven’t sold | Flexible dates and cabin type, people who live near the port |
Search data backs this up. UK searches for “Black Friday cruise deals” jump to around 5,400 a month in November, and searches for “cruise deals” hit their yearly high in January, when wave season begins.
Last-minute deals can be excellent value, but they’re a gamble for 2027. The cheapest cabin grades, family cabins and school-holiday sailings rarely survive until the last minute, and you may pay more for flights or travel to the port at short notice.
How to tell if a 2027 cruise deal is actually good
A big headline discount doesn’t always mean a good price. Before you book, check these six things:
- Price per person, per night. Divide the fare by the number of nights. This is the easiest way to compare a 7-night and a 14-night cruise fairly.
- What’s included. Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, speciality dining and excursions can add hundreds of pounds per person. A slightly dearer fare that includes them can work out cheaper.
- Cabin grade and location. “From” prices are usually for the smallest inside cabins. Compare like with like.
- Deposit and cancellation terms. Low-deposit offers are useful if you’re booking far ahead, but check when the balance is due and what you lose if you cancel.
- Getting there. For fly-cruises, add the cost of flights, transfers and any hotel. A no-fly cruise from a UK port avoids these costs entirely.
- Financial protection. Book with a cruise line or agent that is a member of ABTA, and make sure fly-cruise packages are ATOL protected.
For more on this, read our guide on how to find cruise deals that are worth it.
Common types of 2027 cruise offers
- Onboard credit: money to spend on board, on drinks, spa treatments or excursions. Very common for 2027 sailings.
- Reduced deposits: secure your cabin for a smaller upfront payment.
- Drinks packages or all-inclusive upgrades: often the most valuable offer if you’d buy drinks anyway.
- Cabin upgrades: for example, a balcony for the price of an outside cabin.
- Reduced single supplements: valuable for solo cruisers, as supplements can otherwise nearly double the fare.
- Price promises: some lines match a cheaper price found elsewhere, under strict conditions.
2027 cruise offers worth watching: Ambassador Cruise Line
If you’d rather not fly, Ambassador Cruise Line is one of the best-value ways to cruise in 2027. Its two adults-focused ships, Ambience and Ambition, sail from UK ports including London Tilbury, Portsmouth and Bristol.
The current offer: up to £800 onboard credit on new bookings of selected sailings made by 23 November 2026. The amount depends on the length of the cruise and the cabin type. On a 7 to 13-night cruise, for example, it ranges from £50 for an inside cabin to £200 for a suite. Solo travellers get half the credit. Ambassador also offers a “Guarantee” to first-time guests on cruises of 4 nights or more: if you’re not happy, tell the Hotel Director within 24 hours of boarding to claim a refund of your cruise fare.
Here are some of the 2027 sailings currently on offer:
| Date | Cruise | Ship | From | Nights | From (pp) | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2027 | Winter Escape to Warm Iberian Shores | Ambience | London Tilbury | 12 | £1,149 | £96 |
| 29 Mar 2027 | Jewels of the Iberian Coast and Moroccan Souks | Ambience | London Tilbury | 13 | £1,589 | £122 |
| 9 Apr 2027 | Melting Horizons: A Norwegian Spring Voyage | Ambition | Portsmouth | 10 | £989 | £99 |
| 11 Apr 2027 | British Isles Discovery and French Charms | Ambience | London Tilbury | 13 | £1,709 | £131 |
The February Iberia cruise calls at Porto, Lisbon, Cadiz and Gibraltar, making it a good-value way to swap a British winter for some Iberian sunshine. The April Norway voyage is the cheapest per night of the four, at under £100 per person.
Ambassador also sails to the Arctic in March and October 2027, from about £1,339 per person. We compare those sailings in our guide to Northern Lights cruises from the UK.
Up to £800 onboard credit on bookings made by 23 November 2026
See all Ambassador 2027 offersMore 2027 cruise news and offers
- Carnival extends its value packages to 2027 cruises
- Lindblad offers up to $2,000 air credit on select 2027 expeditions
- Our 2027 luxury cruise calendar
- 13 new cruise ships launching in 2027
8 quick ways to save on a 2027 cruise
- Be flexible with dates. Sailings outside school holidays are usually much cheaper.
- Consider shoulder seasons, such as spring and autumn in the Mediterranean.
- Look at repositioning cruises, when ships move between regions. They often have a low price per night.
- Book an inside or outside cabin if you’ll spend most of your time out and about.
- Choose a no-fly cruise from a UK port to avoid flight and hotel costs.
- Check whether a drinks package is cheaper than paying as you go.
- Travel as a group. Some lines, including Ambassador, offer discounts for group bookings.
- Compare the same cruise with the cruise line and a couple of agents, as perks can differ.
If you are sailing from the US, our breakdown of the cheapest cruises from Florida compares typical 7-night fares and gratuities by cruise line and port.
Regular cruisers who own cruise stock can also claim shareholder onboard credit from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCLH, though it does not always combine with other promotions.
Repeat cruisers should also check our guide to cruise line loyalty programs compared, since status perks can be worth more than a headline discount.
2027 cruise deals: frequently asked questions
Will 2027 cruises get cheaper if I wait?
Sometimes, but it’s risky. Fares tend to rise as ships fill up, and the cheapest cabins usually sell first. If you need specific dates or a certain cabin, booking early is usually the safer bet.
When do Black Friday cruise deals start?
Many cruise lines and agents start their Black Friday promotions in mid to late November, and some run them until Cyber Monday or into December.
What is wave season?
Wave season is the cruise industry’s busiest booking period, from January to March. Many lines launch their biggest promotions of the year then.
Are no-fly cruises cheaper?
Not always on fare alone, but they often work out cheaper overall because you avoid the cost of flights, transfers and hotel nights.
The image on this page is illustrative and does not show a specific ship or sailing.