The majority of cruises from Southampton sail to destinations across Europe, including Iceland and Greenland; the Norwegian Fjords; and around the Mediterranean. However, you can also embark on full world cruises or shorter world cruise sectors.
Southampton is a town steeped in maritime history and you can discover this at the hands-on Sea City Museum or stroll around the historic city Centre, home to attractions such as Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Tudor House.
It’s a great way to explore the world without having to use an airport
Dubbed ‘the home of ocean cruises’, Southampton’s historic port offers a huge variety of cruise holidays for you to choose from year-round. Whether you want to explore the Caribbean, enjoy an iconic transatlantic crossing or take in some sun on the beaches of Greece, there’s something for everyone.
The UK’s largest port has an extensive range of itineraries and cruise lines to choose from, from P&O’s family-friendly ships, to regal Royal Caribbean sailings. The choice is truly staggering, so you can be on your way to a magical destination in no time.
You can travel to Southampton’s cruise terminal by bus, coach or train. If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station is Southampton Central; and if you’re driving, you can park at one of five car parks close to the City Cruise, Mayflower, Ocean, or QEII Terminals. From there, it’s only a short taxi ride to your ship. There are also many hotels nearby that offer cruise-specific packages, including free parking.
It’s easy to get to
When you cruise from Southampton, you can explore a range of attractions on your own or as part of an organised tour. For example, you can visit the New Forest Museum and marvel at all its interesting displays or take a trip to Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre and get close to some fascinating creatures.
Other popular tours include visiting Stonehenge, where you can try to imagine a prehistoric civilization constructing the mysterious circle of stones that is such an iconic symbol of Neolithic engineering. You can also visit the historic town of Winchester, which boasts an imposing cathedral and medieval architecture.
If you want to shop, you can head to West Quay Mall or the High Street for major UK brands, while other shopping opportunities are available at the city’s markets and specialist boutiques. Alternatively, you can visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the nation’s historic ships. These include Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory and the Tudor warship Mary Rose.
It’s convenient
With a centuries-long history as one of England’s most important ports, Southampton is a convenient departure point for cruises. Its unique location on the south coast allows it to accommodate a variety of vessels, from historic trading ships to state-of-the-art cruise liners.
Travelers can explore the city’s medieval architecture or visit a number of museums, including the SeaCity Museum. The museum provides an intriguing look into the region’s maritime past and features a Titanic exhibition. It is worth visiting this museum before or after your cruise.
There are many ways to reach the cruise terminal, but it is recommended that you pre-book a taxi. This will ensure that the driver arrives when you need him or her and won’t charge you for waiting time. You can also take the bus, but this is more difficult for large groups. Those who prefer to drive can take the train to Southampton Central Station, which is near the port.
It’s fun
Sailing away on a cruise from Southampton is akin to opening up a treasure chest of global experiences. From the charming towns of Europe to sun-kissed Mediterranean shores to the incredible sights of Norway’s fjords and the exciting pace of transatlantic journeys, there are adventures to suit all tastes.
If you decide to spend a night or two in Southampton before your cruise, make sure to explore the city’s rich history and culture. For example, visiting the fascinating SeaCity Museum or following the walking trail around the medieval walls are both good choices. Alternatively, why not visit the Beaulieu Motor Museum, which is housed on the Montagu family estate and includes more than 250 restored vehicles.
The port of Southampton is easily accessible via taxi, bus or train. It’s also well connected to London, which can be reached in about two hours by car or train. There are even cruise shuttle transfers, which can be booked directly with the cruise line.
