The Best Cruises to Glasgow for World-Class Relaxation and Exploration
I used to think long trips were all about fast flights and uncomfortable train rides, but Glasgow cruises changed my mind. Now, I can’t get enough of watching rolling waves and misty coastlines unfold outside my cabin window.
Whether it’s relaxing on deck with a coffee or exploring lively ports, these cruises deliver a mix of adventure and tranquillity. If you’re ready to set sail, let me share the best cruises in Glasgow that gave me unforgettable journeys.
Royal Carribean
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Tour Name: 15-Night Iceland & Greenland Cruise
Vessel: Brilliance of the Seas
Starting Point: Southampton, England
Ending Point: Boston, Massachusetts
Schedule: August 30, 2025 (4:30 PM) to September 14, 2025 (5 AM)
Ticket Price: £2,159
Royal Caribbean cruises include various onboard features, like pools, a rock climbing wall, and casual or fine dining options. The journey begins in Southampton, where you can explore the city’s historic sites or venture out to nearby attractions like Stonehenge.
The Glasgow route arrives on day 3, giving time to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery or the historic Glasgow Cathedral. Other stops include Reykjavik in Iceland and Boston in the US, with plenty of time onboard to relax or explore the ship’s entertainment.
Pro Tips:
- Glasgow is less than an hour from Edinburgh by bus, making it an easy day trip if you’re short on time. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit to both cities.
- Public buses often don’t provide change, so it’s wise to carry the exact fare or a contactless payment method. This will save you time and avoid any hassle.
Carnival Cruise Line
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Tour Name: 9-Day British Isles from London, England
Vessel: Carnival Miracle
Starting/Ending Point: Dover, London
Schedule: August 1, 2025 (5 PM) to August 10, 2025 (5 AM)
Ticket Price: £1,127
The Carnival Cruise offers a mix of activities, including live performances, comedy, and plenty of chances to join in on fun events like trivia and deck parties. Starting in Dover, you’ll visit several unique destinations, including Liverpool, Holyhead, and Douglas.
On day 7, the ship arrives in Glasgow, where you can explore its historic sites and museums, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Shore excursions in Glasgow include a city walk, visits to Loch Lomond & Inveraray Castle, and a trip to Stirling Castle.
Pro Tip:
When you sail, there is a customary daily gratuity (tip) of $16.00 USD (around £12.50 GBP) per person for standard staterooms and $18.00 USD (around £14.00 GBP) for suites. You can prepay or have it added to your Sail & Sign® account.
Holland America
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Tour Name: 14-Day Wild British Isles: Glasgow Overnight
Vessel: Nieuw Statendam
Starting/Ending Point: Dover, London
Schedule: May 29, 2026 (5 PM) to June 12, 2026 (7 AM)
Ticket Price: £2,127
Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam offers comfortable staterooms with signature beds, premium shower heads, and TV with on-demand movies. The ship also has great dining options and entertainment, like B.B. King’s Blues Club and the World Stage.
On this cruise, you’ll visit ports such as Rotterdam, South Queensferry, and the Isle of Skye. The ship will reach Glasgow on the 10th day, giving you ample time to explore these destinations and enjoy the various onboard amenities.
Pro Tip:
Book early to take advantage of the 60% discount on the Have It All Cruise Package, which includes perks like shore excursion credits and free crew appreciation. This offer also gives you upgrades to Premium Wi-Fi and Elite Beverage Packages.
Celebrity Cruises
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Tour Name: 12-Night British Isles
Vessel: Celebrity Eclipse
Starting/Ending Point: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Schedule: July 3, 2026 (5 PM) to July 13, 2026 (6 AM)
Ticket Price: £1,546
The Celebrity Eclipse cruise offers a well-rounded journey with eight ports, including Glasgow (Greenock) on the 10th day. The cruise visits destinations like Waterford, Dun Laoghaire, and Liverpool, with scenic days at sea in between.
In Glasgow, you can take a 4-hour excursion through Loch Lomond, including a ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde, with mild activity. Onboard, there are yoga classes, fitness sessions, shopping, basketball, and lounges to relax in.
Pro Tip:
Upon arrival, you’ll find a card in your stateroom or mailbox to make all onboard purchases. You can track your spending through the Celebrity Cruises App, in your stateroom TV, or by visiting Guest Relations.
Azamara Cruises
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Tour Name: Scotland & Ireland Cruise: Glasgow, Dublin & Belfast
Vessel: Azamara Quest®
Starting Point: Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland
Ending Point: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Schedule: July 28, 2026 (6 PM) to August 19, 2026 (6 AM)
Ticket Price: £6,749
Azamara Cruises offers a relaxed experience, with various dining options, a spa, and private verandas for great views. The cruise visits destinations like the Fjords of Norway, the Mediterranean, and Scottish ports such as Aberdeen, Invergordon, and Oban.
On the 9th day, the ship arrives in Glasgow, where you can explore the city on a self-guided excursion. The excursion lasts 6 hours, allowing plenty of time to sightsee, shop, or enjoy a meal in the city.
Pro Tip:
Book early to save 20% and get $300 onboard credit, complimentary Wi-Fi for one device, and a premium beverage package for two when you book a Veranda or higher on select sailings.
Oceania Cruises
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Tour Name: Discovering Scotland: London to Belfast
Vessel: Marina
Starting Point: London (Southampton), United Kingdom
Ending Point: Belfast, Ireland
Schedule: September 4, 2026 (1 PM) to September 15, 2026 (8 AM)
Ticket Price: £3,705
Onboard Oceania Cruises Marina, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including dining at restaurants and participating in cooking classes. The cruise takes you through several ports, such as Stornoway, Invergordon, Portree, and more.
On day 10, the ship arrives in Glasgow, with a full-day excursion available to explore landmarks, like Glasgow Cathedral and the Burrell Collection. A private car tour is also an option, where you can tailor your day to visit the attractions that interest you most.
Pro Tip:
Using a travel agent like Barrhead Travel Holidays can make planning your Oceania Cruises vacation easier, as they’ll manage bookings, deposits, and payments on your behalf. Their expertise ensures personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Ponant
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Tour Name: Scottish archipelagos and the Faroe Islands: Nordic heritage and island identities
Vessel: Le Bellot
Starting Point: Fairlie (Glasgow), Scotland
Ending Point: Glasgow, Scotland
Schedule: May 12, 2025 (4 PM) to May 21, 2025 (8 AM)
Ticket Price: £7,473
Ponant’s expedition begins in Glasgow on a Saturday, offering excursions to explore the city’s rich history and nearby landscapes. From here, the ship sails through iconic routes including the Hebrides, Orkney Islands, and Norwegian fjords.
Aboard Le Bellot, guests enjoy luxurious yet intimate surroundings, accommodating 184 passengers. Activities onboard range from expert lectures and cultural programming to relaxing in the spa or enjoying meals at two fine dining venues.
Pro Tips:
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip, with two blank visa pages for documentation. Always confirm entry requirements with government agencies, as regulations can change without notice.
- Familiarise yourself with prohibited items and restrictions, such as the ban on drones onboard and in certain regions.
Princess Cruises Lines
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Tour Name: 11-Day British Isles (Ireland, Scotland & France)
Vessel: Regal Princess
Starting/Ending Point: Southampton (for London), England
Schedule: April 28, 2025 (4 PM) to May 9, 2025 (7 AM)
Ticket Price: £1,415
Princess Cruises offers a range of onboard activities, including Broadway-style shows, cooking demonstrations, and various enrichment programs. Guests can also enjoy multiple dining options, along with wellness facilities like a spa and fitness centre.
The ship will arrive in Glasgow on day 6, where you can join an excursion to Loch Lomond and Inveraray Castle. Other routes on this trip include Portland, Cork, and Edinburgh, with plenty of activities to enjoy at each stop.
Pro Tip:
Complete all pre-cruise steps in the app, such as ordering your Medallion, providing travel details, and uploading photos. This will ensure you can use the expedited Green Lane at the terminal for a quicker check-in process.
MSC Cruises
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Tour Name: Northern Europe, 10 Nights
Vessel: MSC Preziosa
Starting/Ending Point: Hamburg, Germany
Schedule: May 10, 2026 (5 PM) to May 20, 2026 (7 AM)
Ticket Price: £1,062
On board MSC Cruises, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained, from a variety of dining options to relaxing spaces like the spa and sunbathing areas. The ship features a well-equipped gym, pools, and theatre shows, as well as activities for kids.
The ship will be in Glasgow on day 6 of the cruise, where you can explore the city or take part in excursions. The cruise route includes stops in Hamburg, Cork, and Kirkwall, offering a mix of scenic ports and onboard relaxation.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure how to navigate the ship, a map is available at the reception to help you find your way around.
Seabourn Cruise Line
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Tour Name: 7-Day Castles, Lochs & Scottish Highlands
Vessel: Seabourn Sojourn
Starting Point: Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland\
Ending Point: Dover (London), England
Schedule: August 2, 2025 (5 PM) to August 9, 2025 (7 AM)
Ticket Price: £3,210
The Seabourn Sojourn features amenities like a fitness centre, dining options, and the Observation Bar for relaxing. Onboard, passengers can enjoy fitness classes, socialising, and the exclusive Tim Rice production, “An Evening with Tim Rice.”
The ship sails to destinations like Glasgow, Belfast, and Edinburgh. It will arrive in Glasgow on the first day, with other stops in Oban and Dover, offering a mix of sea days and port visits.
Pro Tip:
Use the Seabourn Source app to stay updated on daily activities, dining times, and shore excursions right from your phone, tablet, or laptop. It’s a handy way to track port times, book wellness classes, and manage your shipboard account.
Virgin Voyages
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Tour Name: 13-Day Cruise Around Scotland and Ireland
Vessel: Scarlet Lady
Starting/Ending Point: Portsmouth
Schedule: August 25, 2025 (6 PM) to September 7, 2025 (6:30 AM)
Ticket Price: £3,255
The Virgin Voyages cruise offers a variety of routes, including Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Stornoway, and more. Onboard, guests can enjoy various amenities such as multiple dining options, fitness classes, and entertainment, all included in the package.
You’ll arrive in Glasgow on the 9th day of the cruise, giving you time to explore the city. The ship also provides Wi-Fi, all dining, and beverages like water, soda, and juices, with no need to worry about gratuities or extra charges.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a more flexible payment option, consider using the “Book Now, Pay Later” plan. It allows you to spread the cost over low monthly payments with an easy application process, and you can set up autopay to keep things hassle-free.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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Tour Name: Spotlight With Chef Chris Gross: Amsterdam To Paris (Le Havre)
Vessel: Grandeur®
Starting Point: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ending Point: Paris (Le Havre), France
Schedule: August 28, 2025 (7 PM) to September 8, 2025 (8 AM)
Ticket Price: £7,617
Regent Seven Seas Cruises sails to destinations like Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, with onboard activities such as shows, talks, and wellness options. Passengers can also enjoy speciality dining and cooking classes.
The ship arrives in Glasgow on the 8th day, where you can take a tour of Ardgowan House and enjoy a bagpipe performance. Other stops include Invergordon and Stornoway, where you can explore local culture and sights.
Pro Tip:
If you’re receiving Concierge amenities, you can reserve Shore Excursions 365 days before your cruise and enjoy a 5% discount on Regent Choice Shore Excursions. For all other guests, reservations open 300 days before departure.