Southampton cruise terminal in the UK is home to a number of cruise ships departing on European and Mediterranean cruises. Located in south England, this port is steeped in maritime history. The Titanic sailed from there in 1912. Find out how to get to the Southampton cruise port, where the cruise terminals are, as well as information about Southampton hotels.
Best Airport for Cruises from Southampton
Cruise passengers from abroad should choose their airport wisely when arriving into the UK. The Southampton Airport (SOU) is the most convenient because it is only about five miles from the Western Docks. But, flights from North America generally fly into either Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) first then connect to Southampton. Here are the expected travel times, distances and fares from the other airports.
- From Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Port. It is approximately 70 miles and will take about one hour and 30 minutes by car. Expect to pay about 150 GBP for a private transfer.
- From Gatwick to Southampton Cruise Port. It is about 90 miles and will take closer to two hours by car. Expect to also pay about 150 GBP for a private transfer.
There are four cruise terminals, divided between the Western and Eastern Docks. For 2010, a number of cruise ships will use Southampton as an embarkation port. Azura (P&O Cruises), Celebrity Eclipse (Celebrity Cruises), Grand Princess (Princess Cruises), Queen Victoria (Cunard Line) and Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) will all offer cruises in 2010 from Southampton.
The Ocean Cruise Terminal. This new cruise terminal is known as Berth 46, located at the Eastern Docks. Both P&O Cruises and Cunard Line are the most frequent users of this cruise terminal.
The Queen Elizabeth II Terminal. This cruise terminal is known as Berth 38 and 39, located at the Eastern Docks. These berths are not used as frequently as the others and they tend to have a ship there only when the other docks are full.
The Mayflower Terminal. This cruise terminal is also known as Berth 106, located at the Western Docks. Princess Cruises uses this terminal for the Grand Princess, but both P&O Cruises and Cunard Line use it as well, depending on who is in port that day.
The City Cruise Terminal. This cruise terminal is also known as Berth 101, located at the Western Docks. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises utilize this cruise terminal for their cruise ships. For example, the Independence of the Seas and the Celebrity Eclipse will use this terminal in 2010.
Hotels in Southampton for Cruise Passengers
Devere Grand Harbour. This modern 173-room hotel is conveniently located on the Southampton waterfront. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in town featuring a spa, indoor pool and gym.
Premier Inn. Only two miles from the docks and close to the West Quay shopping mall, this basic yet comfortable hotel features 113 rooms and budget prices.
White Star Tavern. Along with being known as an award-winning restaurant, the establishment is also a boutique hotel. Located in the heart of town, the rooms are clean and contemporary.
Jury's Inn. This is one of Southampton's largest hotels. Modestly decorated but conveniently located, best describe this hotel. It's an easy walk to West Quay shops through East Park.
Holiday Inn. This is another budget-friendly hotel that also offers park and cruise rates. There is an on-site restaurant (kid's eat free), indoor pool, steam room, sauna and gym.
Whether choosing Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Heathrow Airport (LHR) as the gateway airport for a Mediterranean or Europe cruise from Southampton, the cruise terminals are a fair distance away. At the minimum, expect a private car transfer to take between 1.5 hours to two hours with a cost of around 150 GBP. An alternate port for Europe cruises and Mediterranean cruises is Dover, England.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
