Getting to Southampton

Its a question I must ask quite a few times a day.. “How are you getting down to Southampton?”

I personally normally drive, from Liverpool,  if its a clear run and with maybe just quick toilet break i can get there in about 4 hours but there is always that uncertainty of what ifs…. What if there is an accident on the motorway or my car breaks down and I miss embarkation. its a worry most ex UK cruisers experience.  Unless you travel down the day before and stay overnight at a hotel near the Port your always going to worry. I do think though that I have travelled down to Southampton every way you can possibly get there and so here is a quick run down on your options at getting to the UK’s Largest Cruise Port.

Driving and Parking

Once you have navigator-ed  your way down to Southampton parking is really easy.I would definitely recommend you go for the meet and greet. With this service you are able to drive right up to the terminal, the Porters are on hand to help with your luggage and its taken right through to the Ship and your cabin.  A quick check over of your car and you hand over your keys and your good to go, your car is parked up safely and secure just opposite the cruise terminal and when you arrive back after your cruise its just a short walk over to the carpark where you are handed back your keys and advised which bay your car is in.

Flying

The Airport at Southampton is served well for a regional flight down to join your cruise. Situated 20 Miles from the port its only a short taxi ride away or one stop on the train into Southampton Central. The only downside I have found with flying down is the Luggage constraints especially if your cruise is for a long duration.

Coach

For numerous years Eavesway coaches provided a coach service from the North of the country and Wales for P&O cruises, they lost the contract a couple of years ago but have since launched a service for all Cruise Lines sailing from  Southampton for cruises 3 nights or more. They are a very reliable service and have plenty of convenient pick up points. The coaches are very comfortable and feature wifi onboard. Your luggage once onboard the coach is taken straight through to the ship and delivered to your cabin.

Intercruise now run the P&O contract for the free coach on there Select Fares and the main advantage of travelling down with them is you are guaranteed to start embarkation within 10 minutes of arriving at the Port.

The National Express Coach station is situated 5 Minutes from any of the Ports at Southampton and a taxi from there would cost approximately £5.

Train

The mainline Train Station is just a 2 minute Taxi ride away from the City and Mayflower Terminals and 10 minutes from the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Ocean Terminals. The train provides a great way to get to Southampton especially as there you can take as much Luggage as you can carry. Rail Fares come out 12 weeks before travel and if this is your preferred method of travel I can help you plan your journey.