Cruising is back in vogue. The romance once associated with air travel has suffered under the weight of rising fuel prices and budget airlines, meaning more people are returning to the cruise industry for emotional comfort during travel.

The number of cruises departing British shores has risen by over 20% in the past year, with nearly half being from UK departures. Coupled with the forecast launch of 5 new liners dedicated to the UK market, the outlook for British cruising has never been so bright.

The cruise industry is expecting that more passengers will be drawn to the benefits of cruise liners which they claim exclude all the things which make flying such a nuisance such as luggage restrictions, hand luggage worries, excess baggage charges, liquid restrictions and having to be ready hours before departure.

The other advantage of ex-Britain cruises is the well connected UK public transport network which makes travelling to ports such as Dover, Portsmouth or Southampton relatively easy. Most cruise companies now offer coach transfers with some providing a door-to-door service.

Autumn is a good time to make the most of discount prices and fewer passengers – So what are the best options for ex-UK cruises?

Cunard continues to offer the ultimate voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2 where a six night package from Southampton will cost around £900 per person. The Queen Mary 2 has consistently been voted amongst the world’s top liners and features lavish suites, incredible dining and entertainment.

P&O is offering a short-break to Belgium where customers can enjoy Bruges, Ypres and Ghent over the course of a long weekend for around £350 per person.

Royal Caribbean is highlighted by the world’s largest liner the Independence of the Seas which departs Southampton on an array of voyages. Their Canary Islands 11-night deal includes Lisbon, Madeira and Vigo in addition to the Canaries. At sea, passengers can entertain themselves with rock-climbing, mini-golf and ice-skating.

For something different why not check out Scotland’s floating country house: the Hebridean, or Fred Olsen’s Ancient World cruise.