AS uncertainty remains on whether holidays will be permitted as lockdown restrictions are eased - cruise ship firms are offering tours of the UK.

A range of tours sailing between the British Isles and popular ports up and down the country have gone on sale, with some leaving from Newcastle.

And although UK tour cruises are nothing new, it would appear more cruise line companies are adding them to their itinerary to get Brits travelling.

SEE MORE: P&O Cruises confirm unvaccinated holidaymakers will be BANNED from summer sailings

Earlier this week, P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow, revealed that it was planning a series of "Ultimate Escape staycations" operating UK coastal cruises.

But already, the likes of Cunard and Fred Olsen are taking bookings for such tours as it offers an alternative to continued restrictions abroad.

SEE MORE: Fred Olsen launches 21 brand new cruises from Newcastle for 2022​

Under current restrictions, domestic and international holidays are not part of the list of permitted reasons for leaving the country.

As things stand, you can only leave the country for the likes of work or educational purposes, but this is due to be reviewed by the Government on May 17. 

But we've rounded up a snapshot of cruises taking place within the next few weeks (provided restrictions allow).

Fred Olsen

This cruise ship firm operates out of Newcastle with regular sailings to Norway, the Mediterranean, Baltic and the rest of Europe. 

Online, it is taking bookings for sailings between Newcastle and the "scenic islands" of the British Isles from June 2021. 

Cunard Line

The renowned brand is offering sailings from June 2021, with trips between Liverpool, Saint Peter Port, Belfast and Glasgow. 

The company, which has seen the likes of the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Victoria ships arrive in the North-East, is advertising UK tours right up to 2022.

P&O Cruises

As previously mentioned, the cruise line has already confirmed it will run a series of UK tours. 

But it has hinted that such tours will run from Summer 2021, although exact dates have not yet been confirmed. 

Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises, said: "We are delighted that the Government has acknowledged that UK domestic cruise holidays can begin from May 17.

"Whilst it will take some weeks after this date for us to restart our operations we are very much looking forward to welcoming guests on board this summer for our series of Ultimate Escape staycations - UK coastal cruises."

What rules are likely to be in place

If holidays are given the go-ahead, there may still be restrictions at that destination and a requirement to have a PCR test upon arrival.

In England, if taking a domestic-only cruise, it is understood that passengers will not need to undergo a PCR test. 

It means that passengers would be able to enjoy a cruise, provided they have not tested positive for Covid or are self-isolating, in the same way as they would by visiting a hotel.

Social distancing requirements will still be in place if travel restrictions are lifted in May 17, as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's roadmap has previously stated easing of social distancing measures would only take place from June, at the earliest.