The best cruises sailing from the UK, including Mediterranean, Caribbean and Baltic voyages

But one of the most noticeable changes on the cruise map for 2023 can be seen in sailing in the Baltic Sea. Baltic voyages lost last year a glorious jewel that has underpinned so many itineraries: the glorious Russian city of St. Petersburg. Now off-limits due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, cruise lines have been forced to look for alternatives, such as lesser-known Scandinavian outposts full of local charm.

Billed as Sweden’s answer to the Hamptons, Sweden’s Gotland, surrounded by the gorgeous cobbled town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is popping up more and more. Renowned for being Sweden’s only baroque city and home to the country’s largest naval base, Karlskrona is similar to Gotzka Sandon, an uninhabited island north of Gotland famous for its secluded paradise of white-sand beaches and pine forests. in another city.

Finland’s destinations also attract attention, such as the west coast city of Vaasa, the northern beach resort of Kalajoki, the picturesque seaside town of Rauma, and numerous secluded islands.

The Danish islands of Bornholm and Christiansso, the charming port city of Klaipeda in Lithuania and the island of Saaremaa in Estonia will also join the voyage in 2023.

Oceania Cruises’ voyage from London to Oslo departs June 21 and includes stops in Skagen, Denmark and Visby and Karlskrona, Sweden, with rates starting at £2,549 per person (Oceaniacruises.com).

Odyssey and a Journey Far Away

This year marks the return of world cruises departing the UK, with Cunard, P&O Cruises and Fred Olsen primarily offering circumnavigations from Southampton, although the latter also offers departures from Liverpool ( February 21, Sleepers from £7,999 per person).

The itinerary is largely unchanged from the traditional and proven route through Asia, the Americas and Australia, divided into segments of 80+ days of full sailing or up to 40 or 50 nights.

princess cruise offers part of world cruises from Dover. Guests can join the voyage en route to Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and New York.

One of this year’s most surprising destinations is the White Continent, featured as part of Fred Olsen’s 78 Nights South America and Antarctic expedition from Portsmouth. It even traverses the infamous Drake Passage past the mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula. .