Southampton Cruise Port Guide

Introducing Southampton

The Port of Southampton found fame in the twentieth century as England's most
important port of departure for the major cruise lines. In terms of number of passengers,
the most popular route used to be the transatlantic crossing to the USA. However in 1939
the first Pan Am flight across the Atlantic signalled the end of this memorable era of sea
travel. Today, Southampton has emerged as a major port for cruise ships.

Southampton is known as the 'Cruise Capital' of England and hosts many of the world's
premier cruise lines. Southampton's natural deep harbor, unique double tide and effective
Ship Traffic Control allow the port to welcome the world’s largest ships, from enormous
container vessels to today's huge cruise ships.

Southampton port is divided between the Eastern Docks and Western Docks. The
Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals are located at the Western Docks, whilst the QE2
and Ocean Cruise Terminals are located at the Eastern Docks.

The Eastern Docks witnessed probably Southampton's most famous event. In 1912 RMS
Titanic left from White Star Dock (near Ocean dock) on its first voyage. When the ship
went down, of the 1500 lives lost, 500 were Southampton based crew members and the
effect on the city was enormous.

Southampton’s Cruise Ship Terminals

Eastern Docks
Queen Elizabeth II Terminal - Berth 38/9
The QE2 terminal was opened in 1966 by the Queen. The cruise terminal is home to
Cunard's vessels, Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Facilities include
a bar, a short stay car park, a taxi rank, and a cafe. The viewing area is not open to
visitors.

Ocean Cruise Terminal Berth 46

The first Ocean Cruise Terminal was an iconic Art-Deco construction. Unfortunately it
was demolished in 1983 The modern building, finished in 2009, is vastly different from
its earlier namesake, being a massive modern design with curved lines. Facilites include a
taxi rank, a short stay car park, and a restaurant and bar.

City Cruise Terminal Berth 101

The City Cruise Terminal has undergone a major rennovation to increase its capacity. It
can now manage the largest 'Freedom Class' cruise ships of RCI. Facilities available are a
short stay car park, a taxi rank, a bar and cafe. Closeby Mayflower Park is a great point to
watch ship departures.

Mayflower Cruise Terminal Berth 106

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal, opened in 1960, has long been associated with the P&O
fleet of cruise ships. Facilities include a taxi rank, a bar and cafe, and viewing gallery.

Available Cruises

Cruises from Southampton include the Mediterranean, St Petersburg and the Baltic Sea,
the Canaries and the Norwegian Fjords. Transatlantic and even round-the-world cruises
are also available. If you're UK based cruises from Southampton are easily accessible,
thanks to its good road and rail links. For a comprehensive listing of cruises leaving from
Southampton see cruises from Southampton England at cruise schedules.

A selection of Itineraries might include

2 Night Short Break (Ventura - P&O) (Southampton, Zeebrugge, Southampton),
Canaries Spring Cruise (Black Watch - Fred Olsen) (Southampton, Funchal, St Cruz De
La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Agadir, Arrecife, Southampton), Central
Mediterranean (Azura - P&O) (Southampton, Malaga, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik,
Venice, Korcula, Gibraltar, Southampton), Westbound Transatlantic (Queen Mary 2 -
Cunard) (Southampton, New York), Greeenland and Iceland (Black Watch - Fred Olsen)
Southampton, Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq, Nanortalik, Isafjord, Reykjavik, Southampton).

Sightseeing aound Southampton

The City of Southampton is generally seen as a port to start your cruise, and not many
cruise passengers spend time investigating Southampton itself. Though if you've a spare
day at one or the other end of your cruise, there's plenty to do and see.

Old Town
During the middle ages, Southampton was surrounded by a fortified wall with huge
gateways. The 'Bargate' at the northern end of the old town, is still Southampton's most
well-known landmark. The building is a good place to start the walk of walls. Stop at the
wall's towers, the ruins of the castle, the West Gate, the ruins of the and God's House
Tower where you'll find is home to} the local Archaeological Museum (free entrance).
Other noticable places include the restored Medieval Merchants House, the Maritime
Museum in the Wool House (free entrance), with its Titanic exhibits, and the beautiful
Tudor House, a (free entrance) museum with peaceful grounds.

Shopping
The city's main shopping street, Above Bar, is home to the main high street chains. An
alternative destination is Ocean Village with its undercover outlets, an attractive marina
and many bars and excellent restaurants. Another possibility is the new West Quay retail
center which features leading stores.
Shows
The Mayflower theater puts on top shows throughout the year.

Art Exhibitions
Southampton City Art Gallery has a good reputation for its galleries of Victorian art.

Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum commemorates the pioneering work of the WW2
Supermarine Spitfire's designer, RJ Mitchell.

The Titanic Trail

Walk around the trail taking in memorials and places with connections to RMS Titanic.
The trail commences at the Musician's Memorial and includes the Maritime Museum,
situated in the Wool House at Town Quay, which tells the history of the fatal voyage.

The Jane Austen Walking Trail

Jane Austen first visited Southampton as a child and she vacationed here. Later in her life
she lived in Southampton. The Trail visits places with a connection to the author.

The New Forest

A enchanting location known for its unique heathland, and ancient rights of animal
grazing.

Transport to the Port

By Road
The M27 motorway, linking towns bordering the south coast of England, runs just to the
north of the city. The M3 motorway connects Southampton to London and also, by
connecting to the A34 road with the Midlands and North. The M271 motorway, a spur of
the M27, links it with the Docks and city centre.

By Train
Direct trains link Southampton with London, and many parts of the UK. There is a
frequent train between London Waterloo and Southampton Central station. Rail routes
run eastwards towards Portsmouth, north towards the Midlands and beyond, and west to
destinations such as Bath and Salisbury.
From the train station you can either use a cab, or there is a free CityLink bus service
between the rail station and Town Quay every quarter-hour.

By Air
From London Heathrow Airport There is a National Express bus to and from Heathrow
Terminal every hour.
From London Gatwick Take the train to Southampton Central rail station.
From Southampton Airport Hire a taxi to the port. The airport is excellently served, with
scheduled flights from Belfast, Newcastle, Edinburgh,Jersey, Guernsey, Leeds Bradford,
Manchester, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Alderney, Liverpool, Aberdeen.