How Many Cruise Terminals Are in Southampton?

By Alice Nichols

Southampton is one of the busiest ports in the UK, with a rich maritime history that dates back centuries. As a hub for cruise ships to and from Europe, it’s no surprise that Southampton has several terminals to accommodate the high volume of passengers.

Currently, there are four cruise terminals in Southampton – each catering to a specific set of cruise lines and destinations. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

City Cruise Terminal

Located in the heart of Southampton, City Cruise Terminal is the closest terminal to the city centre. It caters to smaller ships and luxury cruise lines such as Cunard, Fred Olsen, and Saga. The terminal has excellent transport links with public transportation options like buses and taxis available right outside.

Mayflower Cruise Terminal

Mayflower Cruise Terminal is located slightly further away from the city centre but still within easy reach. It caters to mid-sized ships- such as MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises- that operate on shorter itineraries across Europe.

QEII Cruise Terminal

QEII Cruise Terminal is located on Berth 38/9 at Dock Gate 4 in Southampton’s Eastern Docks. It caters to larger ships like Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises which operate on long-haul itineraries around the world.

Ocean Cruise Terminal

Ocean Cruise Terminal is situated at dock gate 4 next to QEII terminal; it’s the newest terminal in Southampton opened in 2009 catering for larger vessels such as Cunard’s Queen Mary II & Queen Elizabeth. It also has great facilities including shops, restaurants and bars.

  • Facilities: All four terminals offer facilities for passengers including check-in desks, baggage handling areas, customs clearance areas, shops selling souvenirs and last-minute travel essentials, and restaurants serving everything from fast food to fine dining.
  • Accessibility: All terminals provide special assistance for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible ramps, lifts, and other amenities are available at each terminal.
  • Parking: There is ample parking space available at each terminal for those who choose to drive their own cars to the port. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure availability.
  • Cruise lines: Each terminal has its own set of cruise lines that use it as their base, so it’s important to check which terminal your ship will be departing from before leaving home.

In conclusion..

Southampton is a popular destination for cruise ships, and with good reason. With four modern terminals catering to a wide range of ships and destinations, passengers can enjoy a hassle-free start to their journey. Whether you’re embarking on a short European hop or a round-the-world adventure, Southampton has the facilities and services you need to make your trip unforgettable.