Introduction
Southampton is the 'Cruise Capital' of the UK and is home to some of the world's premier cruise lines. Its natural deep-water harbor, one-off double tide and computerised Ship Traffic Control allow the port to berth the largest ships, from enormous container vessels to mega cruise ships.
Southampton port is split between the Eastern and Western Docks. The Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals are located at the Western Docks, whilst the QEII and Ocean Cruise Terminals are located at the Eastern Docks.
The Eastern Docks witnessed perhaps Southampton's biggest moment in history. In 1912 RMS Titanic left from White Star Dock (close to today's Ocean dock) on its first voyage. When the ship went down, of the 1500 lives lost, 500 were crew who lived in Southampton and the impact on the city was enormous.
Southampton is the 'Cruise Capital' of the UK and is home to some of the world's premier cruise lines. Its natural deep-water harbor, one-off double tide and computerised Ship Traffic Control allow the port to berth the largest ships, from enormous container vessels to mega cruise ships.
Southampton port is split between the Eastern and Western Docks. The Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals are located at the Western Docks, whilst the QEII and Ocean Cruise Terminals are located at the Eastern Docks.
The Eastern Docks witnessed perhaps Southampton's biggest moment in history. In 1912 RMS Titanic left from White Star Dock (close to today's Ocean dock) on its first voyage. When the ship went down, of the 1500 lives lost, 500 were crew who lived in Southampton and the impact on the city was enormous.
Southampton Cruise Port
Eastern Docks
Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, Berth 38/9
The QE2 terminal was opened in 1966 by the Queen. The terminal is home to Cunard's cruiseliners, 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 original Ocean Cruise Terminal was a designer Art-Deco construction. Unfortunately it was removed in 1983 The replacement terminal, finished in 2009, is a complete change from the earlier building, being a massive modern design with simple curved lines. Facilites are a cab rank, a short stay car park, and a restaurant and bar.
Western Docks
City Cruise Terminal Berth 101
The City Cruise Terminal has undergone a 7 year rennovation to increase its size. It can now handle the largest 'Freedom Class' ships of RCI. Facilities include a short stay car park, a taxi rank, a bar and cafe. The nearby Mayflower Park is a good place to watch cruise ship sailings.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal Berth 106
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal, opened in 1960, is home to the P&O fleet of cruise ships. Facilities are a taxi rank, a bar and cafe, and viewing gallery.
For a Southampton cruise ship calendar, see cruises from Southampton.
Excursions
Old Town
During the middle ages, Southampton was encircled by a fortified wall with imposing gateways. The 'Bargate' at the northern entrance to the old town, is still Southampton's best known building. The building makes a great place to start the tour of walls. Visit the guardtowers, the ruins of the castle, the West Gate, the remains of the old friary and God's House Tower where you'll find houses} the local Archaeological Museum (free). Other noticable places are the restored Medieval Merchants House, the Maritime Museumlocated in the old Wool House (free entry), with its moving Titanic exhibits, and the beautiful Tudor House, a (free entry) museum with pretty garden.
Shows
The Mayflower theater stages top shows all year.
Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum showcases the innovative work of R Mitchell, the WW2 Supermarine Spitfire's designer.
Shopping
The city's main retail center, Above Bar, is home to major high street chains. An alternative is Ocean Village which has undercover outlets, an attractive marina and many bars and good restaurants. Another option is the modern West Quay retail mall which features leading stores.
Art Exhibitions
Southampton Art Gallery has a good reputation for its exhibitions of Renaissance art.
The Titanic Trail
Walk around the trail finding out about locations associated with RMS Titanic. The walk begins at the Musicians Memorial and stops at the Maritime Museum, situated in the Wool House, which presents the history of the ill-fated voyage.
The Jane Austen Walking Trail
Jane Austen first came to Southampton as a child and she vacationed here. Later in her life she lived in Southampton. The Trail takes in places associated with the author.
Old Town
During the middle ages, Southampton was encircled by a fortified wall with imposing gateways. The 'Bargate' at the northern entrance to the old town, is still Southampton's best known building. The building makes a great place to start the tour of walls. Visit the guardtowers, the ruins of the castle, the West Gate, the remains of the old friary and God's House Tower where you'll find houses} the local Archaeological Museum (free). Other noticable places are the restored Medieval Merchants House, the Maritime Museumlocated in the old Wool House (free entry), with its moving Titanic exhibits, and the beautiful Tudor House, a (free entry) museum with pretty garden.
Shows
The Mayflower theater stages top shows all year.
Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum showcases the innovative work of R Mitchell, the WW2 Supermarine Spitfire's designer.
Shopping
The city's main retail center, Above Bar, is home to major high street chains. An alternative is Ocean Village which has undercover outlets, an attractive marina and many bars and good restaurants. Another option is the modern West Quay retail mall which features leading stores.
Art Exhibitions
Southampton Art Gallery has a good reputation for its exhibitions of Renaissance art.
The Titanic Trail
Walk around the trail finding out about locations associated with RMS Titanic. The walk begins at the Musicians Memorial and stops at the Maritime Museum, situated in the Wool House, which presents the history of the ill-fated voyage.
The Jane Austen Walking Trail
Jane Austen first came to Southampton as a child and she vacationed here. Later in her life she lived in Southampton. The Trail takes in places associated with the author.
Useful to Know
Timezone GMT
Currency GBP
Language English
Timezone GMT
Currency GBP
Language English