Save time and effort on cruises from Southampton

If you only have a week or so to enjoy a holiday, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice adventure for a short break close to home. Look through the available selection of 2013 cruises from Southampton, and you'll understand why only a few days are needed.

The UK port is just a short journey from some of the best destinations Europe has to offer, making it the perfect starting point for your holiday. Below is a roundup of some of the reasons why cruises from Southampton are great for when you have just a few days to spare.

No flights are required

Should you only have around a week to get away from it all and relax, you don't want to waste a day travelling to the airport, waiting around and then catching a flight, before possibly facing a long transfer. One of the major benefits of cruises from Southampton is that you can hop straight on to your ship at the port and not have to worry about a single thing. Depending on what time of day you depart, you can freshen up and head out on deck to soak up the sun and view, get ready for your evening meal or take a nap before your busy afternoon ahead. No-flight cruises provide you with the ultimate freedom and are ideal if you dread the usual chaos that travelling in an airport can result in, especially when little ones are in tow!

Your holiday can start straightaway

Due to the convenient departure times of Southampton cruises, typically in the early evening, your holiday can kick off straightaway, allowing you to pack as much as possible into your holiday. With an evening at sea, you can make full use of the onboard facilities, whether you decide to relax on deck and watch the shoreline disappear out of sight, tuck into a hearty and delicious meal in the restaurant or enjoy a drink at the bar. All your stresses and strains will dissolve as soon as you step on to the ship, as all you have to worry about is what you will wear for that evening's meal or which part you will explore first.

Sightseeing can begin early the next day

Cruises from Southampton are perfect for those of you who like to get up bright and early to enjoy a full day's sightseeing. With your ship sailing through the evening and night, you will reach your first port of call first thing. For example, if you choose an eight-day cruise to the UK, Netherlands, Spain and France, you will more than likely spend your first day at the Dutch port of Ijmuiden. Here, you will spend hours exploring the destination and heading out on excursions, such as to the country's windmills or the bustling city of Amsterdam. You won't set sail again until later that evening, giving you plenty of time to discover what Ijmuiden and the surrounding area has to offer.

Likewise, the next day will see you land at St Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey, early in the afternoon. Your cruise will not leave here until later that night, again allowing you several hours to go on a walk, visit the museums and enjoy a mouth-watering meal at a waterfront restaurant.