Southampton is one of the busiest ports in the world for cargo and passenger vessels and has a collection of wonderful ships that call its shores home. P&O Cruises and Cunard have hundreds of itineraries leaving from Southampton and other lines, such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have several departures a year to various worldwide destinations.
The city of Southampton is also a great place to see – it’s not just an embarkation port. We always suggest arriving at your port the day before your cruise ship departs, so this gives you plenty of time to enjoy everything that this vibrant and growing city has to offer. There’s the Medieval Bargate (pictured), Hythe Pier, WestQuay shopping centre, Solent Sky, Southampton Guild Hall and so much more. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants and bars in the city centre. There are many hotels to choose from, and most of them are just outside of the dock areas, so you won’t have far to go the following morning – in fact, you may open your curtains and see your ship!
Southampton Cruise Ship Terminals
There are 4 cruise ship terminals in the city of Southampton: Mayflower Cruise Terminal – Berth 106 – Dock Gate 10; Queen Elizabeth 2 Cruise Terminal – Berth 38/39 – Dock Gate 4; Ocean Cruise Terminal – Berth 46/47 – Dock Gate 4; and Southampton City Cruise Terminal, Berth 101 – Dock Gate 10.
All four terminals are easily accessible. The docks are well sign posted along the motorway, and as you enter the city, signs become clear for the various dock gates – you really can’t go wrong. There is parking available at all terminals, but this must be booked long in advance of your cruise. A regular cruise-link service is also offered from various coach companies, if you would prefer to leave the car at home.
All of the terminals are also relatively close to Southampton Central train station (just a short taxi ride to each) and the airport isn’t too far. Again, just a short cab ride. If you are flying from a UK airport just remember the domestic baggage allowance – at least with a car, coach or train, you have a much bigger allowance.
Where Can I sail To From Southampton?
If you would prefer not to fly, then Southampton really is the ideal choice of embarkation port and the itinerary options are endless. People sometimes think that no-fly cruise options are restricting, but they are quite the contrary. You can take a 7-night cruise up to the Norwegian Fjords, a 14-night cruise to the Mediterranean, a 35-night cruise across to the Caribbean and USA, and you could even embark on a world cruise. The hardest thing is deciding where to go.
You can view all of our Southampton sailings by clicking here.
Of course, there are other ports in the UK that also offer sailings to/from and round-trip. These ports include Liverpool, Newcastle, Dover, Belfast and Greenock. For more information on voyages from these ports, please click here.
Book Your Cruise from Southampton with The Cruise Line
Established since 1993, The Cruise Line is one of the UK’s original luxury cruise experts and we would be delighted to assist in the planning of your next cruise. Call one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677 – we are open 6 days a week.
