Southampton is Britain's principal cruise port and one of Europe's most important places for beginning or ending a voyage. P&O Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and numerous visiting operators use the port.
Its position at the head of Southampton Water provides sheltered access, while direct motorway, railway and airport connections make it practical for passengers travelling from across Britain and overseas. The scale of the port does, however, mean that knowing the correct terminal is essential.
Where cruise ships dock in Southampton
Southampton has five dedicated cruise terminals divided between two large dock areas:
- Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal: Berths 38/39 in the Eastern Docks, normally approached through Dock Gate 4.
- Ocean Cruise Terminal: Berths 46/47 in the Eastern Docks, normally approached through Dock Gate 4.
- City Cruise Terminal: Berth 101 in the Western Docks, usually approached through Dock Gate 10, with Dock Gate 8 also used when directed.
- Horizon Cruise Terminal: Berth 102 in the Western Docks, normally approached through Dock Gate 10.
- Mayflower Cruise Terminal: Berth 106 in the Western Docks, normally approached through Dock Gate 10, with Dock Gate 20 also used when directed.
Ships do not always use the same terminal on every sailing. Berth allocations can change because of the day's vessel schedule or operational requirements, so passengers should check their cruise documents and any last-minute message from the operator before entering the docks.
Getting to Southampton by train
Southampton Central is the nearest mainline railway station. It has frequent direct services from London Waterloo and connections with Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Bristol and other parts of the national network.
The station is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from most cruise terminals. A taxi normally takes around 5 to 10 minutes, although queues and congestion can increase on busy multi-ship days. Walking may be possible for City or Horizon with light luggage, but Mayflower and the Eastern Docks are farther away and some routes pass busy roads or controlled port entrances.
Arriving by air, coach or car
Southampton Airport is the nearest airport. Southampton Airport Parkway station stands beside the terminal, and trains to Southampton Central take approximately 8 minutes, usually operating every 10 to 15 minutes. Travellers using Heathrow, Gatwick or another London airport should allow generous time for a coach, rail or private transfer.
National Express services arrive at Southampton Coach Station near the city centre. City and Horizon terminals are the most practical to reach from there, while a taxi is normally preferable for Mayflower, Ocean and Queen Elizabeth II.
Drivers approach Southampton through the M3 and M27 motorway network and then follow the A33 signs for the docks. Do not rely solely on the word Southampton in a sat-nav: use the terminal name, postcode and dock gate supplied by the cruise line or parking operator. Official on-port parking, meet-and-greet services and off-site parking with transfers are available and should be booked before departure.
Terminal facilities
Facilities vary slightly, but Southampton's cruise terminals provide baggage drop, porter services, check-in desks, security screening, waiting areas, seating and toilets. Taxi ranks or organised collection areas operate outside the terminals. Food, retail and dependable Wi-Fi provision inside the buildings can be limited, so essential purchases are best made before entering the port.
Horizon is the newest terminal and opened in 2021. It incorporates more than 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels and shore-power equipment. Shore power is also available at Mayflower, allowing compatible ships to switch off their auxiliary engines while connected.
What to see before or after a cruise
Southampton's Old Town contains sections of medieval wall, Tudor House and Garden, God's House Tower and streets connected with centuries of maritime trade. SeaCity Museum tells the city's story and examines Southampton's particularly strong connection with Titanic and the people who sailed aboard her.
Westquay provides extensive shopping, restaurants and last-minute cruise supplies close to City and Horizon terminals. Oxford Street, Ocean Village and the waterfront are convenient for passengers using the Eastern Docks, while the city centre contains hotels across a wide range of budgets.
Passengers with a longer stay can travel to Winchester, the New Forest, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Stonehenge or the Isle of Wight. Journey times and return arrangements should be planned carefully if Southampton is only a port call rather than the end of the cruise.
Accessibility
All five terminals provide step-free access, accessible toilets, designated seating, hearing loops and nearby drop-off areas. Disabled parking spaces are available, but the applicable car park and booking process depend on the operator serving the sailing.
Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance, a boarding aid or support with a mobility scooter should notify the cruise line at least 48 hours before travel. Gangway gradients vary according to the ship, berth and tide. Because Southampton is a secure working port, passengers must not attempt to walk between terminals or through unsigned dock areas.
Practical information
- Country: United Kingdom
- Region: England
- Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
- Time zone: Europe/London
- Primary language: English
- Number of cruise terminals: Five
- Port arrangement: Alongside berths
Terminal assignments, dock-gate access, train services, parking instructions and ship timings can change. Always check the latest cruise-line documents and the official Southampton VTS cruise schedule before travelling.