Starting your cruise from the UK shouldn't limit your ports of call, especially with there being so many different destinations available. So, whether you are looking to enhance your adventure of a lifetime or want to take that perfect winter-sun escape, there are plenty of opportunities to visit glistening white beaches and sparkling blue shores that are slightly further afield than typical ex-uk destinations.

Plus, if you aren't a fan of the summer temperatures, there are a wealth of other ports that offer a different style of holiday. So here are some of the destinations you can sail too from the UK in 14 nights or less.

St. Petersburg

Weaving through the Baltic Sea, past other well-known cities like Copenhagen, Tallinn and Riga, guests can dock right in the heart of St. Petersburg. As the second-largest city in the country and the most accessible via ocean cruise, this elaborate city boasts most of Russia's extravagant architecture, from the extensive gardens in the Peterhof Palace to the gleaming mosaics on show at the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. If you are a fan of beautiful palaces, St. Petersburg should be your go-to destination and, even if you're not, there are plenty of other things to do.

Although Russia is not known as a foodie destination, it's renowned for its bakeries. Before leaving, make sure to get your hands on some baked goods such as pirozhki (a small sweet or savoury pie) or sirniki (pancakes made with sweet cottage cheese and your chosen topping).

New York

Taking the grand voyage across the Atlantic Sea will land you in The Big Apple, distinguished as one of the most well-known cities around the world. New York is no stranger to tourists and has frequently landed itself on top of people's bucket lists and there's a good reason why. Apart from the immense skyscrapers and coveted central park, not much is known about New York's downtown highlights, but this city's hidden gems have a lot more to offer than people think.

As you will quickly learn, New York is a busy city. Not only are millions of people commuting to and from work during the day, but communities are brought together by midtown complexes like the Rockefeller Center and The High Line development. Apart from these areas, the main attractions are your best bet; the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building are great ways to catch a different perspective of the city. Finally, America is known for its lively nightlife and New York is at the forefront of this, with shows running late into the evening. There's a reason why The Big Apple is the City That Never Sleeps.

Florence/Pisa

Making up the best cruising combo, Florence and Pisa combine the more authentic side of central Italy. You will dock in Livorno and be given the option to travel towards Pisa and its historical leaning tower, Cattedrale di Pisa and Pisa Baptistery. What shines amongst all else in this city is the rich heritage, from places influenced by famous astronomer Galileo Galilei to the modern street art scene that can be followed on the city walls. Exploring a city can be hard work, especially during the summer months, but, fortunately, Pisa is full off great gelato shops with millions of different flavours to keep you going.

Your other option is to head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and all of the stunning art that was created during this time. And Florence takes the cake when it comes to remarkable architecture and artwork. At the centre of the city lies the poster-child, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (or better known as Florence's Cathedral), offering amazing panoramic views if you are willing to take the 463 steps to get to the top. Other noteworthy attractions include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio (a medieval stone bridge) and the world-famous masterpiece - the statue of David.

Reykjavik

While Reykjavik might not hold the same historic highlights that the other cities on this list do, it offers new-style features to draw cruisers in. One of the main attractions of the city is the small population size and density - only 122,000 people live in the Icelandic capital. For people who are looking to chase the Northern Lights, Reykjavik is a good start and the lights regularly pay a visit here, depending on when in the year you travel. The centrepiece, Hallgrimskirkja, boasts a 244ft tall steeple, taking almost 40 years to build. Be sure to take the climb to the top for breathtaking vistas over the city.

Adventuring out of the city, Iceland's stunning glaciers, jaw-dropping waterfalls and spectacular marine life are all opportune places to start your trip. Much like Norway, Iceland has a very relaxed attitude towards their natural landscapes, allowing free access to many amazing sights.

These are just a few of the stunning destinations you can visit without having to take a flight. If you would like to learn more about our cruises from the UK, contact our friendly sales team via the freephone number above or complete the online enquiry form.