• Write a Review
  • Boards
  • Deals
  • Find a Cruise
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Cruise Tips

Cruises to England

39 Reviews
Newcastle (England) (Photo:Shahid Khan/Shutterstock)

About England

One of the most vibrant cities in the north of England, Newcastle gained a whole new lease on life in the mid-1990s following the rebirth of the derelict downtown Quayside area. Spiffed up along the river banks with a host of trendy bars, restaurants and nightclubs, all set against a spectacular backdrop of several different, very eclectic bridges, the city has an unmistakable stance that renders it almost unique on mainland Britain.

It retains a mixture of ancient and modern that brings visitors back time and again. The old castle keep, dating from the 11th century, still looms over a cityscape of classical Georgian architecture and vast thoroughfares such as Grey Street, topped by the soaring monument of the same name.

Yet the same city offers up such cutting-edge buildings as the mesmerising, shell-backed Sage Gateshead theater, with its echoes of Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, and the famous BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, acclaimed as the finest in the north of the country. Nearby, the country's first bio-technology "village" can be seen at the astounding Centre for Life.

At the heart of it all is the extraordinary "Geordie" passion for football (Geordie being the famous nickname for people from this region). Premiership team Newcastle United plays out their home fixtures at St. James' Park, venerated almost as a cathedral by the soccer mad locals. The local Newcastle Brown Ale is world famous but, alas, no longer brewed there.

The main cruise season for Newcastle departures tends to be between May and September, with companies such as Fred. Olsen and Cruise & Maritime Voyages using the port on a regular basis.

  • More about England

  • Why go to England?

  • England Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 64 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Silver Shadow
Silver Shadow (Photo: Silversea)

132 Night
132 Night Expedition Cruise

274 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

10 Night
Europe - British Isles

2,932 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Seven Seas Mariner
Seven Seas Mariner (Photo: Regent)

150 Night
150 Night World Cruise

378 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Regal Princess
Regal Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

12 Night
Europe - Western Cruise

1,733 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Europe - Western Cruise

1,190 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

132 Night
132 Night World Cruise

378 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

12 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

29 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

79 Night
Grand Mediterranean & Northern Europe

157 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

22 Night
Baltic, Kiel Canal & Scandinavia Gems

157 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

1,190 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

19 Night
South Pacific Cruise

240 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

16 Night
Australia Cruise

Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

1,190 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

25 Night
Expedition Cruise

274 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

17 Night
South Pacific Cruise

240 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

More about England

Why go to England?

Pros:

Known for its lively nightlife, the city also has a dynamic art scene, plus stunning beaches within a short drive

Cons:

Wrap up warm. Even in summer the north of England can feel on the brisk side

Bottom Line:

A vibrant city characterized by friendly locals, the River Tyne and its famous football club, Newcastle United

England Cruise Port Facilities?

Cruise ships dock at the port of North Shields, some 8 miles from Newcastle's city center. (Don't confuse this with the nearby Port of Tyne, which is a shipping port used for cargo.) Taxis run to and from the city center, and there is a light rail service called the Metro that connects North Shields to the city center. Best stops for alighting in Newcastle are Haymarket and the Central Station. Please note that the Metro usually stops running at midnight.

The cruise terminal only has a couple of shops and a cafe-bar area, with no reliable Wi-Fi. The adjacent Royal Quays shopping outlet features a variety of shops, plus cash point (ATM) facilities. This is within easy walking distance of the terminal itself.

There's plenty to do in the actual port area of North Shields. Stroll the area around the Quayside, or visit the nearby beach for a spot of local style relaxation. Check out the massive Tynemouth Priory (open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on the headland, once one of the largest fortified castles in the United Kingdom. It contains a sedate, cloistered chapel dating from the 13th century and impressive views from the looming battlements out over the beaches and the North Sea itself. An exhibition, entitled "Life in the Stronghold," highlights the Priory's role as a castle, church and artillery fort through the ages.

The Royal Quays shopping outlet is just a 5-minute walk from the terminal and offers shopping, dining venues and bars.

Good to Know?

Pickpockets can be a problem along busy thoroughfares such as Clayton Street, Grey Street and the Bigg Market area. If using a card to obtain cash from an ATM, make sure your pin number is always shielded.

Getting Around?

On Foot: There are shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance of the port, but reaching the city's main attractions will require public transportation or a taxi.

By Taxi: Taxis are always available and metered, unless you agree to a day rate with your driver. Drivers are honest and will be happy to provide you with information on the city during your journey.

Public Transport: The city has many public transport links, including the Metro and a bus service. Stops for both are within walking distance of the port. The main Metro stop for Port of Tyne is Percy Main and the main bus stop for services into the city is outside of the Royal Quays shopping center.

Renting a Car: Although you can rent a car to explore the city, it is not recommended. There are no facilities at the port to leave the car and no collection/drop-off points within a short distance. As most of the city center is pedestrian only, it is best to use a taxi or public transport.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The pound sterling is the official currency. Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates. The city has plentiful ATM machines -- "cash points" in the local slang-- available 24 hours a day.

Language?

English, but often spoken with a very strong dialect that is somewhere between Irish and Scottish.


England Cruise Reviews
Stayed overnight and very enjoyable, arrived around an hour early and was on the ship by the time it said for first check in.Read More
User Avatar
Mark-Wemyss
Taxi driver gave us very good and helpful informations concerning the city and the local community.Read More
User Avatar
epitom50
Nice city..... We took the train to the city center and walked around to various venues. Worth seeing for sure.Read More
User Avatar
gnodleae
great guide, wonderful castle of Harry Potter fameRead More
User Avatar
tpate12

Related Cruises

Cruises to Ocho Rios

Cruises to Ocho Rios

1,206 Reviews
Cruises to Newport

Cruises to Newport

250 Reviews
Cruises to Puerto Limon

Cruises to Puerto Limon

390 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

435 Reviews
Cruises to St. Vincent

Cruises to St. Vincent

133 Reviews
Cruises to Santiago (Valparaiso)

Cruises to Santiago (Valparaiso)

124 Reviews
Cruises to Berlin

Cruises to Berlin

230 Reviews
Cruises to Portland (Maine)

Cruises to Portland (Maine)

382 Reviews
Cruises to Punta Arenas

Cruises to Punta Arenas

187 Reviews
Cruises to Salalah

Cruises to Salalah

34 Reviews
Cruises to Falmouth

Cruises to Falmouth

1,556 Reviews
Cruises to Saint-Malo

Cruises to Saint-Malo

14 Reviews
Cruises to Manila

Cruises to Manila

85 Reviews
Cruises to Suva

Cruises to Suva

125 Reviews
Cruises to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

Cruises to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

1 Review
Cruises to Gothenburg

Cruises to Gothenburg

87 Reviews
Cruises to Hvar

Cruises to Hvar

36 Reviews
Cruises to Tournon

Cruises to Tournon

35 Reviews
Cruises to Skagen

Cruises to Skagen

95 Reviews
Cruises to Pinhao

Cruises to Pinhao

38 Reviews
Want to cruise smarter?
Get expert advice, insider tips and more.
By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critic’s Privacy and Cookies Statement and Terms of Use.
About UsCruise DestinationsFirst Time CruisersFind A Cruise

International Sites

© 1995—2023, The Independent Traveler, Inc.

  • Privacy and Cookies Statement

  • Terms of Use

  • Site Map