Southampton

Southampton Port Guide

Southampton, England Cruise Port Guide

As the premier cruise hub of the United Kingdom, Southampton serves as the gateway to historic southern England and maritime adventures worldwide.

Major cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises frequently depart from this famous port city.

Passengers are drawn to its rich seafaring heritage, modern terminal facilities, and convenient connections to iconic destinations like London.


Key Southampton Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

Located near the waterfront, the Solent Sky Museum showcases the region's rich aviation history, including legendary Spitfire aircraft.

Sightseers can take an excursion to the grand Highclere Castle, world-famous as the main filming location for Downton Abbey, located about an hour away.

Motoring enthusiasts will love visiting the Beaulieu National Motor Museum situated in the scenic New Forest, approximately 30 minutes from the docks.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Nearby Cities & Attractions

World-famous London is just 80 miles northeast and easily accessible via a direct 80-minute train journey from Southampton Central station.

The historic city of Winchester, featuring its magnificent cathedral and Great Hall, lies just 12 miles north and takes under 20 minutes by train.

Travelers can also head northwest to visit ancient Stonehenge, located roughly 35 miles away and reachable within a 45-minute drive.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Port Location

The cruise terminals are situated along the city's waterfront, located between 1 and 2 miles from the city center and shopping districts.

Depending on which terminal your ship berths at, short taxi rides or cruise shuttles are recommended to reach downtown comfortably.

Ships dock directly alongside dedicated quays, so tendering is never required, and all terminals feature comfortably equipped passenger lounges.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Local Currency

The official local currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP, £).

US dollars and Euros are not generally accepted in local shops or restaurants, but credit and debit cards are universally accepted everywhere.

ATMs and currency exchange facilities are readily available throughout the city center and main train station.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Safety Considerations

Southampton is a very safe, welcoming, and pedestrian-friendly city for independent travelers.

Standard travel safety precautions apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure in crowded shopping areas and transit hubs.

Guided tours are available, though exploring the town center independently on foot is easy and safe.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Weather & Climate

Southampton experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters.

During the peak cruise season from May to September, daytime temperatures typically range from 62°F to 72°F (17°C to 22°C).

Rain showers can occur at any time of year, so passengers should pack layered clothing and a light waterproof jacket.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Getting Around

Taxis and ride-share services like Uber are readily available outside all cruise terminals for convenient transfers.

Southampton Central railway station offers frequent direct trains to London Waterloo, Winchester, and Salisbury.

Local buses connect the waterfront to downtown, and visitors can also book a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore key sights.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Shopping

The city's principal shopping venue is Westquay Shopping Centre, boasting over 90 high-street stores, restaurants, and department outlets.

The nearby pedestrianized Above Bar Street offers additional boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops selling traditional English goods.

Prices in UK retail stores are fixed with VAT included, so haggling is not customary.

Last updated on October 22, 2026

Shore Excursions & Tours

New Forest E-Bike Adventure

Image
★ 5.0 (74)

Based at Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, we provide e-bikes with smooth, reliable pedal assist designed for exploring the New Forest's coastal and forest routes. From the start, you can access traffic-free coastal tracks and quiet back lanes rather than busy roads.

Journey Through Winchester's Past

Image
★ 4.9 (377)

Walk Winchester's streets in a group limited to ten to follow the footsteps of historical figures like Alfred the Great and Henry VIII. The tour also brings to life literary characters such as Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, and King Arthur.

Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or Dinner

Image
★ 4.9 (248)

Sail the Solent on a large, modern yacht with a glass of champagne before anchoring off the Isle of Wight for a swim and a freshly prepared two-course meal served on deck. You can then get involved with the sailing or sit back as you head back to Lymington.

Private Walking Tour of Southampton

Image
★ 4.9 (112)

Learn Southampton’s modern history with PhD historian Dr. Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez or her team of guides with backgrounds in history and education. This mindful tourism experience helps you understand the historical and personal impact on the community you are visiting.

Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral Private Tour from Southampton

Image
★ 4.9 (60)

With 14 years of experience, we provide personal and flexible tours near Southampton in comfortable vehicles with knowledgeable drivers who can accommodate your specific destination ideas. We offer a wide range of local knowledge to provide the best service.

Stonehenge, Windsor, Salisbury... Private Trips from Southampton

Image
★ 4.9 (32)

Hampton Private Transfers offers professional, flexible, licensed service in air-conditioned vehicles with at least seven seats and room for luggage, including strollers or foldable mobility aids. They prioritize a stress-free experience using spacious and comfortable transport.

Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour

Image
★ 4.9 (31)

Starting outside the Starbucks on Town Quay Pier, this tour shares secrets of the Titanic and stories of the Mayflower and QE2 while exploring Southampton's port. Photography and local discounts are included in the experience.

Bath and Stonehenge Day Tour from Southampton

Image
★ 4.9 (17)

On this full-day trip from Southampton, take time from your cruise to visit the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge and the UNESCO-listed city of Bath. You will spend the morning discovering Bath's Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, and its connection to Jane Austen.

Private Luxury Van Transfer from Southampton Port to London City

Image
★ 4.9 (11)

This private arrival transfer for up to five people provides a stylish and relaxing journey from Southampton Port to central London in a luxury vehicle. The service allows you to avoid the language barriers and currency exchange issues associated with public transportation.

PrivateLuxury Customizable Sightseeing from Southampton to London

Image
★ 4.9 (10)

This 24-hour private vehicle service offers a refined and time-efficient way to see iconic English landmarks in one day, avoiding the delays of public buses. It features a professional meet-and-greet and generous luggage capacity.

Private Transfer: Central London to Southampton Cruise Port Via Windsor Castle

Image
★ 4.9 (9)

Travel from your London accommodation to Southampton port via Windsor Castle in a chauffeur-driven vehicle that stores your luggage while the driver waits up to three hours. Please note that admission tickets to the castle are not included and must be bought in advance.

Luxury Customizable Sightseeing from Southampton to Heathrow

Image
★ 4.9 (7)

Avoid the delays of public buses with this refined, 24-hour private vehicle service that offers time-efficient sightseeing of iconic English landmarks in a single day. The service includes a professional meet-and-greet and generous luggage capacity.

Walk the Secrets of the Titanic

Image
★ 4.8 (468)

Starting outside the Starbucks on Town Quay Pier, this tour for up to 15 people explores the secrets of the Titanic and the history of the Mayflower and QE2. Local discounts and photography are included in the price.

Private Pre Cruise Excursion Transfer London to Southampton Port Via Stonehenge

Image
★ 4.8 (32)

This private chauffeur-driven transfer from Central London to Southampton Port includes a stop at Stonehenge, where your driver waits for up to two hours. Your luggage remains safely stored in the vehicle while you explore the world-famous site at your own pace.

Stonehenge half day tour from Southampton

Image
★ 4.8 (27)

A personal guide enriches your Stonehenge visit by sharing its history, ancient beliefs, and modern theories. You will also discover unusual stories and the most recent discoveries related to the site.

Southampton Cruise port to London Via Stonehenge & Windsor castle

Image
★ 4.8 (19)

A chauffeur-driven private vehicle will take you from Southampton port or a nearby hotel to London via Stonehenge and either Wilton House or Windsor Castle. This historic trip through the English countryside includes visits to a stately home.

Private Transfer : Southampton Cruise Port to London Via Windsor Castle

Image
★ 4.8 (14)

Travel from Southampton cruise port to London via Windsor Castle in a chauffeur-driven vehicle, with the driver waiting up to three hours while your luggage stays in the car. Admission tickets are not included and must be purchased in advance on the castle's website.

Wessex Spirits The Gin Palace

Image
★ 4.8 (10)

Enjoy a laid-back evening of gin at a quirky, renovated 17th-century coaching inn where you can see spirits being handcrafted. A host is available all evening to look after your group and answer questions at this venue run by real people.

Southampton Cruise Terminals to London Private Arrival Transfer

Image
★ 4.7 (48)

This worry-free private transportation service includes a full meet-and-greet at the cruise terminal and allows you to select a pick-up time that suits you.

Southampton Cruise Terminal to London Via Stonehenge

Image
★ 4.7 (13)

This private transfer service allows you to visit Stonehenge at your leisure on your way from the Southampton cruise terminal to central London. You can discover the mysteries of the site without the need to locate a coach party.

Local SIM Card

GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Europe plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Southampton as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Europe plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.

Visiting Southampton Cruise Deals

PRICE RISING
25 Night London to London cruise
November 10, 2026
Cunard Queen Mary 2
S M L XL
London → New York → St. Thomas → Tortola → Basseterre → Philipsburg → New York → London
$3,854
$154 per day
Balcony
LOWEST PRICE EVER
16 Night London to London cruise
November 11, 2026
Cunard Queen Victoria
S M L XL
London → Funchal → Tenerife → Lanzarote → Agadir → Casablanca → Tangier → Lisbon → London
$2,199
$137 per day
Inside
PRICE DROP
7 Night London to New York cruise
November 10, 2026
Cunard Queen Mary 2
S M L XL
London → New York
$400
$57 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
15 Night London to Port Canaveral cruise
November 5, 2026
15 Night Spain & Portugal Passage
CruiseScore™ (4.90/5)
Sky Princess
S M L XL
London → Portland, England → Vigo → Funchal → Tenerife → Port Canaveral
$759
$51 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
7 Night London to Palma de Mallorca cruise
November 7, 2026
7 Night Northern Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.23/5)
MSC Virtuosa
S M L XL
London → A Coruna → Cadiz → Malaga → Alicante → Palma de Mallorca
$606
$87 per day
Outside

Upcoming Cruises to Southampton Cruise Deals

LOWEST PRICE EVER
15 Night London to Port Canaveral cruise
November 5, 2026
15 Night Spain & Portugal Passage
CruiseScore™ (4.90/5)
Sky Princess
S M L XL
London → Portland, England → Vigo → Funchal → Tenerife → Port Canaveral
$759
$51 per day
Inside
LOWEST PRICE EVER
9 Night London to Barcelona cruise
November 7, 2026
9 Night Northern Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.15/5)
MSC Virtuosa
S M L XL
London → A Coruna → Seville → Malaga → Alicante → Palma de Mallorca → Marseille → Barcelona
$788
$88 per day
Balcony
LOWEST PRICE EVER
7 Night London to London cruise
November 6, 2026
7 Night Western Europe Cruise
CruiseScore™ (3.82/5)
MSC Preziosa
S M L XL
London → Hamburg → Zeebrugge → Rotterdam → Paris → London
$966
$138 per day
Balcony
25 Night London to Sao Paulo cruise
November 7, 2026
MSC Virtuosa
S M L XL
London → A Coruna → Cadiz → Malaga → Alicante → Palma de Mallorca → Marseille → Barcelona → Funchal → Lanzarote → Las Palmas → Salvador → Rio de Janeiro → Sao Paulo
$2,024
$81 per day
Inside
24 Night London to Rio de Janeiro cruise
November 7, 2026
London → A Coruna → Cadiz → Malaga → Alicante → Palma de Mallorca → Marseille → Barcelona → Funchal → Lanzarote → Las Palmas → Salvador → Rio de Janeiro
$2,139
$89 per day
Inside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Southampton port area
Southampton port location
Costa ship
MSC ship In port
Cunard ship
Holland America ship
Princess ship In port
Princess ship
© OpenStreetMap · © ESA WorldCover 2021

Showing 6 ships in the area

No ships scheduled in port today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southampton

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

On average Southampton is somewhat affordable as a port of call. Check out the illustration below for the average cost per day by month. Sailings visiting Southampton during the the peak season of summer are much more expensive than the the low season of winter.

Jan
$164
Feb
$140
Mar
$180
Apr
$229
May
$296
Jun
$254
Jul
$267
Aug
$317
Sep
$244
Oct
$170
Nov
$137
Dec
$177

Get Weekly Cruise Deals

Weekly emails with the best deals, fully customized for you. No spam ever.

Let’s book your cruise

Tell us who’s sailing to see available cabins and fares.

Guests in this cabin
Ages at the time of sailing

Special fares are dependent on eligibility