Set sail to Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and more from the UK’s largest cruise port. When it comes to historic UK ports, it’s hard to beat Southampton – the Titanic sailed from there in 1912 and the Mayflower in 1620. Today, Southampton Cruise Terminal is a thriving port for cruise-goers. More than a dozen lines use the port, and it’s home to five dedicated cruise terminals. Not only that, it’s the largest passenger port in the UK and welcomes more than two million passengers a year.
Located approximately 80 miles from London, Southampton is well-connected, with its main railway station welcoming direct trains from major cities including Birmingham, Manchester and London, and beyond. Embarking on a cruise from Southampton is a great idea for those looking for a no-fly holiday option. Whether you fancy some guaranteed sun in the Med, or setting sail to Scandinavia or even the Caribbean, all manner of cruises depart from Southampton, spanning as little as four nights to month-long voyages.
P&O Cruises sails from Southampton to the likes of Northern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and even South America and the Caribbean. It’s also a key cruise operator for exploring the Norwegian Fjords, and this 12-night round-trip takes in sights including Andalsnes, Romsdalsfjord, Tromso, and Alta, with a good chance to see the Northern Lights at this time of year. You’ll be setting sail aboard Aurora, an adults-only liner that holds 1,874 passengers and boasts a three-story atrium complete with an impressive waterfall.
MSC Cruises offers a 12-night exploration across the Iberian Coast, Canary Islands and Madeira, starting from Lisbon and ending in Vigo. Experience vitamin D while exploring Funchal’s cobbled streets and Lanzarote’s sandy beaches aboard MSC Virtuosa. Royal Caribbean’s three-night cruise from Southampton to Bruges / Zeebrugge aboard Independence of the Seas offers a weekend getaway with stops for historic Bruges’s canals, chocolate shops, and Belgian frites.
Fred Olsen Cruises’ 13-night voyage to Spain and North Africa on board Balmoral includes stops at Cádiz, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Málaga, Ceuta, and Tangier. Cunard’s 29-night odyssey to the Eastern Caribbean aboard Queen Mary 2 includes stops at New York, Philipsburg, Castries, St George, Bridgetown, Roseau, Basseterre, and Road Town. Celebrity Cruises’ 11-night voyage through Scandinavia aboard Celebrity Apex offers stops in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Visby.
Princess Cruises invites you on a 14-day exploration of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, and Wales aboard Emerald Princess, starting from Southampton and ending in Edinburgh. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 12-night cruise to Miami via Portugal and the Azores, perfect for spotting nature, hiking, and water sports, aboard Norwegian Encore. Southampton remains a hub for exciting cruise adventures departing to various destinations for the rest of 2024 and beyond.