From September to December 2025, UK cruise ports are set to welcome a remarkable collection of first-time itineraries from four renowned cruise lines. These routes, launching from Portsmouth, Southampton, and London (Tilbury), will range from luxury adults-only getaways to immersive Arctic adventures and festive Baltic escapes.
Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and Ambassador Cruise Line will each bring new offerings tailored to diverse traveller preferences — from city-hopping in Western Europe to chasing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle.
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady – Adult-Only Luxury from Portsmouth
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady will make a stylish debut from Portsmouth with two unique itineraries designed for adults-only cruising.
The first, departing 5 September 2025, is a 7-night round trip calling at Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Zeebrugge, and Le Verdon (Bordeaux). This sailing blends iconic European cities with vineyard-rich countryside, perfect for those seeking culture and fine wine.
A week later, on 12 September 2025, the ship will embark on a 13-night one-way voyage to Barcelona. Along the way, guests will visit La Coruña, Lisbon, Casablanca, Málaga, and Ibiza, offering a vibrant mix of Atlantic ports, Moroccan culture, and Mediterranean nightlife before disembarking in Spain’s Catalan capital.
Norwegian Star – Arctic Wonders and Cultural Cities from Southampton
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star will bring two distinct itineraries from Southampton in October 2025.
On 10 October 2025, the ship departs on a 12-night round-trip Arctic Norway expedition. Highlights include Tromsø and Alta — prime locations for viewing the Northern Lights — along with Kristiansund, Bergen, and Haugesund. These ports showcase Norway’s stunning fjords, colourful harbour towns, and Arctic landscapes.
Later, on 22 October 2025, the Norwegian Star sets sail for a 9-night one-way voyage to Lisbon. The itinerary includes Zeebrugge, Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Le Havre, Le Verdon (Bordeaux), Bilbao, La Coruña, and Vigo. This route blends cultural capitals, wine regions, and Atlantic coast charm before ending in Portugal’s capital.
Borealis – Fred. Olsen’s Baltic Winter Escape from Portsmouth
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis will depart Portsmouth on 8 December 2025 for a 14-night “Fairytale Castles & Old Towns of the Baltic” itinerary.
This winter voyage includes Warnemünde, an overnight stay in Tallinn, and calls to Helsinki, Turku, Riga, and Copenhagen. Travellers can expect festive markets, snow-covered medieval towns, and rich architectural heritage. The overnight in Tallinn offers ample time to explore Estonia’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and sample seasonal specialities.
Ambience – Ambassador’s Southern European Adventure from Tilbury
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience will leave London (Tilbury) on 20 September 2025 for a 14-night “France, Portugal & Spain Adventure.”
Ports include La Coruña, Portimão, Cádiz, Lisbon, Leixões (for Porto), Le Verdon, and Cherbourg. This itinerary offers a mix of Atlantic coastal cities, Iberian culture, and French wine country, appealing to guests seeking warmer autumn weather with a strong cultural focus.
A Diverse Mix of First-Time Sailings
What makes this late-2025 UK cruise lineup unique is that all these itineraries are new offerings — not repeated from previous seasons. Announced through official cruise line updates and industry briefings, they reflect a growing appetite for more varied routes from UK homeports.
Travellers can choose from:
- Adult-only luxury aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady
- Adventure and exploration with Norwegian’s Arctic expeditions
- Seasonal charm through Fred. Olsen’s Baltic winter journey
- Sun-seeking escapes with Ambassador’s Southern Europe voyage
Boost for UK Cruise Tourism
The launch of these itineraries also signals a boost for UK cruise tourism. By offering sailings from Portsmouth, Southampton, and Tilbury, operators make it easier for British travellers to embark without long-haul flights, while also attracting international guests to the UK as a departure hub.
For ports like Portsmouth, which will host both Virgin Voyages and Fred. Olsen, these sailings could bring a surge in visitor numbers and economic benefits to surrounding businesses. Southampton continues its role as a major global cruise gateway, while Tilbury remains a key player for mid-sized ships and unique itineraries.
Conclusion – A Season of Choice and Discovery
Late 2025 will see UK cruise passengers spoiled for choice. Whether the goal is sipping Bordeaux wine, watching the Northern Lights, wandering through medieval Baltic towns, or dancing in Ibiza, there is a new sailing tailored to the experience.
From September to December 2025, the variety of routes departing UK shores reflects the industry’s confidence in the British market. For seasoned cruisers and first-time passengers alike, these debut itineraries present a rare opportunity to explore new destinations on fresh routes — all without leaving home soil to embark.
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