Location
Southampton is the UK’s leading cruise port and a major turnaround (homeport) for sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic. It has several cruise terminals around the docks.
How to Arrive
- Southampton Airport (SOU) is about 6 km away; London Heathrow (LHR) is roughly 110 km (around 75–90 minutes by road).
- Trains from London Waterloo reach Southampton Central in about 80 minutes.
- Many passengers use coach transfers between London/airports and the terminals.
Cruise Terminal & Getting Around
- The port has multiple terminals (e.g. Mayflower, Ocean, City, Horizon); your cruise line confirms which one you use.
- Taxis and transfer coaches serve each terminal; the city centre and West Quay shopping are a short ride away.
What to See
- The SeaCity Museum, with its Titanic story (Southampton was the Titanic’s departure port).
- The medieval Old Town walls and Bargate.
- Mayflower Park and the waterfront.
- Day trips to the New Forest, Winchester or Stonehenge.
Shopping & Food
West Quay is the main shopping centre, with high-street brands and restaurants. The Oxford Street area offers independent eateries and pubs.
Local Tips
- The currency is the pound sterling (£), not the euro.
- Emergency numbers are 999 (UK) or 112.
- As a homeport, allow plenty of time for embarkation-day traffic around the docks.
