Enter the UK’s leading cruise port and you’re stepping into a city that has welcomed explorers for thousands of years.
Step back in time at the Tudor House and Garden for a glimpse of how the wealthy lived in the 15th century. Uncover tales from the Titanic tragedy at the SeaCity Museum, anchor yourself in the Gateway to the World exhibition, and hear of Southampton’s diverse history.
Walk the walls! The medieval city walls once defended this important port. Walk through the beautiful Old Town to see the Bargate, an iconic 12th-century gatehouse that still stands proudly after more than 800 years. Visit God’s House Tower, an interactive family-friendly venue, where history comes to life.
Nature lovers will find peace in the city centre parks displaying Victorian landscapes, flower tunnels and water features. Outside the parks, stroll into cafes for your important cup of tea with cake.
For a cultural fix, visit Southampton City Art Gallery boasting an impressive collection spanning six centuries of art. If you have time for a matinee performance, we highly recommend the Mayflower Theatre which was built in 1928 and has world-famous touring shows.
Feeling peckish? Southampton famously first trialled ‘fish fingers’, and now offers chip shops and British pub experiences for visitors wanting to try fish and chips for themselves. Southampton has bundles of historic pubs with friendly service, perfect for testing out your first British roast dinner, traditional pie or a pint of ale. Southampton welcomes all cultures, and this is represented in the diverse restaurant offerings available, offering food from every corner of the globe.
Staying longer? There are hundreds of events in the city so whether you want to listen to music, cheer along Saints at a football match, watch Hampshire County Cricket Club or play in our many interactive venues, check out the Visit Southampton website for all the options.
Step out in Southampton, where the past meets the present, and every visit turns into a memory you’ll treasure.
Rebekah Keeler
Cruise Strategy Manager
Top Five Facts About Southampton
- Southampton is a leading northern European cruise port and was voted Best U.K. Departure Port in the Cruise Critic Awards 2024.
- The ill-fated Titanic ship set sail on its maiden voyage from the city in 1912, with many crew members hailing from Southampton.
- Jane Austen celebrated her 18th birthday in Southampton. The renowned author lived in Southampton for a time and marked this special occasion at The Dolphin Hotel.
- Southampton has the oldest bowling green in the world! It was established circa 1299.
- Southampton is home to the Mayflower Theatre. As the largest theatre in the south of England, it hosts top West End productions, concerts, and live entertainment.
GMT
24 hours a day , 7 days a week
North 50° 54′ 17” West 1° 22′ 1”
Winds: SW
Southampton is a deep water, sheltered port with 24/7 access for all passenger vessels. All five cruise terminals are located on deep water berths, dredged to depths that can accommodate the largest cruise ships afloat.
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Ocean Cruise Terminal 10.5m
QEII Cruise Terminal 10.5m
City Cruise Terminal 10.5m
Mayflower Cruise Terminal 11.7m
Horizon Cruise Terminal 10.5m
We support the world’s largest and smallest cruise ships in Southampton. The largest ship we have welcomed is Harmony of the Seas at 361.8m, we regularly support Anthem of the Seas at 347m.
Available 24hrs per day / 365 days per year. Channel 12 for VTS.
Unrestricted
Compulsory
Two tug companies offer services within the port: Svitzer (5 x Tugs at 40-70t bollard pull) and Itchen Marine (3 x Tugs at 18-32t bollard pull) . All Tug bookings should be made via the local Agent and 24 hours notice is recommended but not a requirement. Tugs can be booked at very short notice.
Fully compliant with ISPS regulations.
A variety of port owned conventional gangways are available to use at all terminals. In lengths varying from 30 ft to 65 ft, stepped and ramped.
Ocean Cruise Terminal – 2 Airbridges
QEII Cruise Terminal – 1 Airbridge
City Cruise Terminal – 2 Airbridges
Mayflower Cruise Terminal – 1 Airbridge
Horizon Cruise Terminal –2 Airbridges
Available
Available
Available
All may only occur with prior approval from Port Authority
All waste can be accommodated by barge or landside
Five dedicated Cruise Terminals offer the below facilities.
Ocean Cruise Terminal
Check in desks: 40
Passenger lounger seating: 1,100
Dedicated baggage hall: Yes
Coach bays: 26
Dedicated drop off lanes: Yes
Short and long stay car Parking: Yes
Secure stores facilities: Yes
QEII Cruise Terminal
Check in desks: 36
Passenger lounger seating: 1,200
Dedicated baggage hall: Yes
Coach bays: 18
Dedicated drop off lanes: Yes
Short and long stay car Parking: Yes
Secure stores facilities: Yes
City Cruise Terminal
Check in desks: 50
Passenger lounger seating: 450
Dedicated baggage hall: Yes
Coach bays: 25
Dedicated drop off lanes: Yes
Short and long stay car Parking: Yes, including 4 dock levellers
Secure stores facilities: Yes
Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Check in desks: 36
Passenger lounger seating: 700
Dedicated baggage hall: Yes
Coach bays: 28
Dedicated drop off lanes: Yes
Short and long stay car Parking: Yes
Secure stores facilities: Yes
Horizon Cruise Terminal
Check in desks: 52
Passenger lounger seating: 985
Dedicated baggage hall: Yes
Coach bays: 27
Dedicated drop off lanes: Yes
Short and long stay car Parking: Yes
Secure stores facilities: Yes
Numerous outlets are located in the city
Wifi is available in City Cruise terminal and free Wifi is available in numerous cafés located close by.
Located in the city
Located in the city
All five Cruise Terminals have dedicated taxi ranks directly outside the terminal building.
Southampton Central Station is approx 2 miles from all cruise terminals and approx 6 minutes by taxi.
Four Airports are regularly used by our cruise passengers:
Southampton Airport
6 miles – 15 minute drive
Bournemouth Airport
30 miles – 45 minute drive
Heathrow Airport
68 miles – 1 hr 15 minutes drive
Gatwick Airport
91 miles – 1 hr 45 minutes drive
Located in the city within a 10 minute walk
Café Ceanos have outlets in all Cruise Terminals offering a selection of hot and cold food and beverages. Numerous cafes and bars are located within a 10 minute walk of the Port.
Rebekah Keeler, Cruise Strategy Manager
00 44 (0) 23 8048 8800
Associated British Ports Southampton, Atlantic Way, Southampton SO14 3QN
Rebekah Keeler
Cruise Strategy Manager
(0) 23 8048 8800
rkeeler@abports.co.uk
Vessel Traffic Services 00 44 (0)23 8060 8208
For ancillary services such as waste management, agency, stevedoring and towage please contact the port directly for the appropriate details.
ABParking
(0)23 8048 8870
www.abparking.co.uk
