London, England Cruise Port Guide
Southampton is the undisputed cruise capital of the UK, serving as a premier homeport for prestigious fleets like Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. As a historic maritime city, it offers a seamless blend of medieval heritage and modern convenience, acting as the perfect gateway to the English countryside and the bustling metropolis of London. Passengers will appreciate the efficient infrastructure and the deep-water harbor that has welcomed travelers for centuries. Whether embarking on a transatlantic voyage or exploring the British Isles, this port sets the stage for a memorable journey.
In This Guide
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Key London Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Visiting London Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to London Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in England
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monthly Pricing
Shore Excursions & Tours
E-Bike Hire Experience exploring the New Forest
Ride in style on retro Chopper e-bikes with fat tyres and pedal assist suitable for all terrains, available in two frame sizes to fit most heights. The rental headquarters is located adjacent to miles of coastal road tracks and trails, and your rental includes free helmets, locks, and route maps via a mobile app. Enjoy peace of mind with all-day breakdown recovery service and local advice on the best New Forest eateries and pubs.
Southampton Port to London - Transfer with Sightseeing
Transform your transfer from Southampton to London into a unique, tailored tour with an experienced local chauffeur. Travel in comfortable luxury along back roads to discover hidden gems or visit famous sights like Stonehenge and Windsor depending on your schedule. As a small family business committed to your satisfaction, we offer a full refund if the service does not meet your expectations.
Southampton to Heathrow via Attraction of your choice
Travel in a comfortable vehicle with a friendly and knowledgeable driver based near Southampton. We offer a highly personal and flexible service, allowing us to accommodate specific ideas or places you wish to visit during your journey. The vehicle offers ample luggage space, holding up to two large cases and two cabin bags, or three medium cases and two cabin bags.
Visit Stonehenge and Salisbury from Southampton
With more than six years of experience, our service provides international visitors with all relevant information and assistance to explore the famous sites of Britain. Operating on a philosophy of "under promise, over deliver," we aim to provide a reliable experience that encourages a return to Southern England. Let us help you discover the rich gems of Albion, including its history, archaeology, culture, and nature.
Bath and the Cotswolds Day Tour from Southampton
Take time out from your cruise vacation to explore Southern England’s most beautiful sights on this full-day trip from Southampton. You will spend the morning in the UNESCO-listed city of Bath, famed for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and connections to Jane Austen. Afterward, the tour travels through the beautiful Cotswolds to visit the sleepy villages of Castle Combe and Lacock.
Minibus from Southampton to London, Direct or via Attractions
Enjoy a stress-free journey with Hampton Private Transfers, a fully licensed and insured provider prioritizing your comfort. You will travel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle with at least seven full-size seats and ample room for your luggage. We are happy to accommodate flexible needs, including the transport of foldable mobility aids, scooters, or baby strollers.
8 Hour Private Tour from Southampton You chose where to go
This private tour takes you from Southampton to a destination of your choice. It serves as a great way to see the south coast of England during your travels. You will enjoy a dedicated service tailored to your specific destination requirements.
Cotswolds Private Day Tour from Southampton
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a private driving tour through the beautiful Cotswolds. We offer a recommended route that combines idyllic villages with famous towns to give you a wonderful overview of the region. However, we remain totally flexible regarding how long you spend in each place and are happy to modify the itinerary on the day to suit your wishes.
Private Excursion (Southampton Cruise Terminal Shore) to Stonehenge & Salisbury
We are an experienced and highly professional chauffeur company providing transport in London and the surrounding cities. Our highest priority is your complete satisfaction, ensuring you have confidence in us from the initial quote through to your final journey. We are willing to go the extra mile to make sure your travel is as safe and effortless as possible.
Post Cruise Tour Southampton to London via Windsor in a Private Vehicle
Discover the delights of the English countryside on this one-way post-cruise excursion from the Port of Southampton to London via Windsor. You will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle with ample luggage space and receive a meet and greet service at the terminal. Included admission tickets allow you to explore Windsor Castle's regal residence at your own pace with a multi-language audio guide before continuing to your airport or hotel.
Private Southampton Shore excursion Windsor-Bath-Stonehenge-Wilton-Highclere-LDN
This self-guided private transfer service gives you the freedom to explore the English countryside and heritage sites before or after your cruise. Your private driver will transport you between Southampton, London, or Heathrow with stops at attractions such as Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Highclere Castle. Please note that the driver is not a guide, and admission tickets for sites must be purchased in advance.
Cotswolds Private Tour from Southampton
Travel in a comfortable vehicle with a knowledgeable local driver who brings 14 years of experience to your journey. Our main vehicle is an air-conditioned Mercedes E350 equipped with bottled water and WiFi, ensuring a relaxed service. We pride ourselves on flexibility and are happy to accommodate changes to your booking or specific ideas for places to visit.
Key London Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A top attraction for visitors is the SeaCity Museum, which tells the story of the people of the city and their historic connections to the sea, including a dedicated Titanic exhibition. Just a short walk from the city center, the medieval Bargate serves as an impressive entrance to the old town and the ancient city walls. For aviation enthusiasts, the Solent Sky Museum showcases the region’s history of aircraft design, notably the legendary Spitfire. Most of these sites are accessible within a short taxi ride or walk from the terminals.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Many cruise passengers use the port as a gateway to London, which is approximately 80 miles away and reachable by train in just over an hour. The historic city of Winchester, home to the magnificent Winchester Cathedral and the Great Hall, is only about 20 minutes away by train or car. Another popular day trip is to the mysterious prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, located roughly an hour's drive northwest of the coast.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Port Location
The cruise terminals are spread along the waterfront, with distances to the city center varying depending on where your ship docks. The Ocean Terminal and QEII Terminal are relatively close to downtown, often just a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk to the main shopping areas. The City Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Terminal are situated further west, making a taxi or shuttle bus the most convenient option for reaching the center. Ships dock directly at the piers here, so tenders are not used.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). While credit cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, it is helpful to have some local currency for small purchases or buses. US Dollars and Euros are generally not accepted for direct payment in retail stores. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city center and near the main shopping districts.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Safety Considerations
The city is generally very safe for tourists to explore independently, with low crime rates in the main visitor areas. As with any busy travel hub, visitors should stay alert and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places like the Westquay shopping center or the train station. The port area itself is highly secure, but pedestrians should be cautious of heavy vehicle traffic when exiting the terminal gates. There are no major areas that tourists need to avoid during the day.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Weather & Climate
The climate is maritime, characterized by mild summers and cool, damp winters. During the main cruise season from May to September, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 22°C (60°F to 72°F). However, weather can be unpredictable, and rain showers are common throughout the year, so carrying an umbrella or waterproof jacket is highly recommended. It is best to dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Getting Around
Taxis are readily available at all cruise terminals, and ride-sharing apps like Uber operate extensively in the area. For public transit, the Unilink bus service offers efficient connections between the terminals, the central train station, and the city center. The train station is a major hub providing frequent service to London and other UK cities. For those wishing to cross the water, Red Funnel ferries provide regular service to the nearby Isle of Wight.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Shopping
The premier shopping destination is Westquay, a massive shopping center located in the heart of the city featuring major international brands and department stores. For a more historic shopping experience, visitors can stroll down the High Street and explore the boutiques near the Bargate. Prices in shops are fixed and include tax, so bargaining is not practiced. Duty-free shopping is generally available on board the ship rather than in the city itself.
Last updated on February 7, 2026
Visiting London Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to London Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Other Cruise Ports in England
Frequently Asked Questions about London
Last updated on June 13, 2025
❓ What is the best way to get from the cruise terminal to the main attractions?
Free CityLink buses connect cruise terminals to the city center (10-15 minutes). Taxis are readily available, and the train station offers connections to London (75 minutes).
❓ What are the must-see attractions and landmarks?
SeaCity Museum tells Titanic's story, medieval city walls and Bargate, Tudor House Museum. Many use Southampton as a gateway to London or Stonehenge.
❓ What local foods or restaurants should I try near the port?
Try traditional fish and chips, Sunday roast if available, or afternoon tea. Oxford Street and Bedford Place have good restaurants and pubs.
❓ What is the local currency and what is the exchange rate?
The local currency is British Pound Sterling (1 USD = 0.79 GBP). ATMs (cash machines) are widely available, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
❓ What is the typical weather and what should I pack?
Mild but unpredictable weather year-round (40s-70s°F). Always pack layers and rain gear as weather can change quickly in England.
❓ Are there good beaches nearby, and how do I get to them?
Calshot Beach is 30 minutes by car, while Bournemouth's sandy beaches are about an hour away by train or car.
❓ What are the best shore excursion options?
London day trips, Stonehenge (30 minutes), Winchester Cathedral (20 minutes), or New Forest National Park. The Isle of Wight is a short ferry ride.
❓ What shopping opportunities are available?
WestQuay Shopping Centre has major brands, while The Marlands offers more shops. Bedford Place has independent boutiques and antique shops.
❓ What other interesting places are within a reasonable distance to visit?
Winchester (20 minutes) offers a magnificent cathedral and King Arthur's Round Table. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (30 minutes) features HMS Victory.
❓ What's a surprising or interesting fact about Southampton?
Southampton was the departure point for the Titanic and the Mayflower, and Spitfire aircraft were designed and built here during World War II.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting London
Overall cruises visiting London are moderately affordable compared to other itineraries. Check the graph below for the monthly average cost per day. Cruises visiting London during the the peak season of summer are considerably more expensive than the the low season of winter.
