Cruise from Southampton

Silversea ship under the Tower Bridge in London

What you need to know about cruising from Southampton

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Frequently asked questions

As one of the busiest cruise ports in the UK, you’ll find many of the world’s leading cruise lines set sail from the Port of Southampton. This includes Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Silversea – just to name a few. If your cruise holiday starts or ends in London, you can probably expect to pay a visit to Southampton! 


Heading for international waters? You’ll need a passport with at least six months’ validity from your return date to set sail! Many cruise lines also recommend or require a valid passport for domestic UK cruise holidays, so check what travel documents are needed for your specific itinerary before making your way to the port. Visas, visa waivers or an electronic travel authority (ETA) may also be required depending on your passport and the destinations included in your itinerary. 


It’s a good idea to book cruises from Southampton as early as possible to secure the best deals and greatest availability – particularly if you’re planning to sail during the busy summer season or other popular holiday periods. As a general rule, we’d recommend aiming to book your cruise at least 12 months in advance wherever possible. For shorter, domestic coastal sailings from Southampton, you can often book a little closer to departure (six to 12 months) and for extended voyages and European exploration cruises, cruise lines typically release tickets up to 18 months in advance. 


While it may be possible to book last-minute cruises from Southampton, you’ll likely get a better deal and enjoy greater availability by booking early. Check out the deals above to find Southampton departures that work with your holiday dates or get in touch with one of our Travel Experts for help booking last-minute cruises from Southampton.  


Cruises start from just a few days, offering passengers the chance to explore the British Isles or enjoy a quick European escape across to France, the Netherlands or Belgium. Ready to really embrace your sea legs? Cruises to the Mediterranean or Northern Europe voyages will typically last a week or two, while more extensive itineraries and longer repositioning cruises may take even longer. And for the serious cruisers? Some world cruises include Southampton port calls and last over 100 days! 


The world really is your oyster when cruising from Southampton. Think sunny Mediterranean escapes to Italy, Spain and Portugal or Northern Europe voyages exploring the beauty of Norway and Iceland. Other popular itineraries include the Caribbean, Canary Islands and closer-to-home sailings around the British Isles to destinations like Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dover. Feeling adventurous? It’s also possible to embark on a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York City, with several cruise lines offering this route either as a regular itinerary or as part of a seasonal repositioning cruise.  


Absolutely! Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive itineraries from Southampton, so check out the deals above to see what’s currently available. Looking for specific inclusions in your cruise fare like drinks packages, Wi-Fi, kids’ clubs or shore excursions? Ask your Travel Expert to help you find the perfect cruise from Southampton for your next holiday. 


Yes, parking is available for passengers departing from Southampton cruise terminals, but it’s important to book early (at least a month in advance) to avoid missing out. You can book a parking spot through providers including ABParking and Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS).  


Some cruise packages may include flights while others may not – it all depends on the deal in question! Take a look at the Southampton departures above to see whether flights are included in the cruise fare or ask one of our Travel Experts to help you find and book the perfect cruise holiday package today. 


There are five Southampton embarkation points or cruise terminals – Ocean, QEII, Horizon, City and Mayflower – and although they’re all relatively close together, make sure you double-check your cruise booking information to see which terminal you’re departing from in order to avoid any unnecessary delays and stress on embarkation day.  


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