The Ultimate Guide To Cruising From Liverpool

• Cultural Hub: Sail from the heart of a city renowned for its musical heritage, football legends, and maritime history.

• Convenient Access: Discover how easy it is to reach the terminal by road and rail, with the city centre just a short walk away.

• Global Gateways: Explore the destinations you can reach from the Mersey, from the rugged Icelandic coast to the sunny Mediterranean.

Over the last few years, Liverpool’s dynamic cultural and economic revival has seen it become a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

With its convenient position on the Irish Sea and exceptional hospitality, the Liverpool Cruise Terminal has firmly established itself as a favourite departure point for British cruisers.

But beyond the Beatles and the football, why should you consider cruising from the Mersey?

In this guide, we take a closer look at the terminal itself, how to get there, and which cruise lines depart from this iconic waterfront.

A Historic Setting

Liverpool Cruise Terminal sits right next door to the iconic Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building—the jewel in Liverpool’s skyline.

The terminal itself is a feat of engineering: a 350-metre-long structure that floats on the River Mersey, rising and falling with the tide.

This clever design allows large cruise ships to anchor and passengers to disembark without having to enter the enclosed dock system, saving significant time.

A Maritime Legacy

Since the cruise terminal opened in 2007, over 700,000 passengers have visited the city. The port has deep ties to maritime history, particularly with Cunard Line.

In 2015, Cunard celebrated its 175th anniversary here, culminating in a spectacular event where the Three Queens (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth) performed a synchronised 'dance' on the river.

Getting To Liverpool Cruise Terminal

Whether you are driving or taking the train, accessing the port is straightforward.

By Road

• From the M6: Take Junction 21A and follow the M62 towards Liverpool City Centre.

• Arrival: Follow signs for the Waterfront or Docks until you see the Liver Building.

• Postcode: For sat-nav users, the general postcode for the terminal area is L3 1DL.

Parking

There are various accessible parking options. Your cruise line may arrange this for you, or you can book directly with the designated Cruise Parking providers.

• Short Stay: For those dropping off passengers, there is a multi-storey car park on Fazakerley Street (L3 9UA).

• Drop-Off: A drop-off zone is available right outside the Baggage Reclaim area for immediate unloading.

By Train

Liverpool Lime Street is the main station serving the city. It is approximately a 20-minute walk to the terminal through the city centre. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes around 5 minutes.

Inside Liverpool Cruise Terminal

The facility consists of two fully accessible terminal buildings.

• Accessibility: Wheelchair-adapted vehicles and assistance are provided for those who require mobility support.

• Facilities: Refreshments can be purchased from the Passenger Lounge and Baggage Reclaim areas, and toilets are available in both buildings.

Nearby Amenities The historic Royal Albert Dock is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Here, you can find a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops, and museums, including the Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story, and the International Slavery Museum.

Cruise Lines Departing Liverpool Cruise Terminal

The terminal is a major hub for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, with their ship Borealis often homeporting here, offering a classic and comfortable cruising experience tailored to the British market.

However, Liverpool also welcomes calls and departures from many other major lines, including:

• Celebrity Cruises

• Princess Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise Lines

• Holland America Line

• Silversea

• Cunard

• Royal Caribbean

• Ambassador Cruise Line

• Azamara

Where Can You Sail To From Liverpool?

The variety of destinations available from the Mersey is impressive.

• Northern Europe & Iceland: Head north to the cool charm of Reykjavik or cruise deep into the stunning Norwegian Fjords.

• The Mediterranean: Sail south to the sun-soaked coasts of Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

• British Isles: Circumnavigate the UK, exploring the rugged beauty of the Scottish Islands and the Hebrides.

• Grand Voyages: Fred. Olsen Cruises often runs longer itineraries from Liverpool, taking intrepid travellers to undiscovered gems like Cape Verde, Morocco, and even Greenland.

Sailings can range from quick 5-night breaks to epic 80-night grand voyages.

Visiting Liverpool

If you have time before or after your cruise, exploring the city is a must. The terminal’s central location puts you in the heart of the action.

Music & Culture

Liverpool is arguably most famous as the birthplace of The Beatles. You can discover their story at the dedicated museum on the Albert Dock, visit the legendary Cavern Club on Mathew Street, or snap a photo with the statue of the Fab Four on the waterfront.

For Sports Fans

The city is home to two giants of English football: Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C. Both Anfield and Goodison Park offer stadium tours, allowing you to dive deep into the history and heritage of the beautiful game.