I always think arriving at the airport or port is really the start of the holiday but last time I cruised from Southampton it was a bit of a nightmare and very stressful. Traffic jams between Oxford and Newbury made us, and many other passengers, late to start with and on arriving at the cruise terminal the queues were horrendous to say the least. Sitting in a car for an hour and a half looking at Ventura is not the best start to anyone`s cruise. Fortunately we had booked Valet Parking so once the queue cleared we were at least there.
Valet Parking is of course the most expensive option. Simply drive to the terminal, get out of the car, luggage disappears and reappears in your cabin and you check in. Of course the down side of this is someone has to drive your car away to the actual car park for you, and back again, and this for some people is not an option, Especially when you hear horror stories of cars being used while their owners are on holiday. I don`t have a problem with it but some people definitely do.
You could opt for Park and Ride, usually cheaper but more inconvenient. You will need to drive to the car park some way from the cruise terminal, park your car yourself and then take the complimentary transport to the ship, same on the way back too. The only thing is you will need to take your luggage with you too.
if you are lucky enough to be sailing out of the Ocean Terminal there is a car park where you can park and walk to the ship in less than a minute. Perfect but only for this one terminal.
Last but not least, you could stay at a hotel and extend your holiday by a night. Takes away any stress involved and may not cost much more than just a parking option. Confused ? I can help you decide which is best for you.