P&O Cruises
Britain's biggest cruise line, departing from Southampton — classic and family ships in the fleet.
Departure ports
Cruises from Southampton
No-fly cruise holidays from the UK's busiest cruise port, with sailings to Norway, the Mediterranean, the Canaries and further afield.
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Cruises from Southampton with Travelisto
Southampton is the UK's busiest cruise port and the easiest way to take a cruise holiday without flying. You drive or take the train to the terminal, check in your luggage and your holiday starts the moment you walk on board. There are no airport queues and no baggage allowances to worry about, which makes it a favourite with families, first-time cruisers and anyone who prefers to avoid flights.
Several major lines use the port. P&O Cruises and Cunard sail from Southampton all year round, and Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Saga and Virgin Voyages all run seasonal sailings. That spread means you can choose anything from a lively family ship to a more traditional ocean voyage, all from the same port.
Where you go depends on the season. From roughly May to September the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic and the British Isles are popular, along with longer sailings into the Mediterranean through the Bay of Biscay. In spring and autumn, Spain, Portugal and the Atlantic islands are good choices, and in winter the Canary Islands offer warmer weather. Transatlantic crossings and longer voyages to the Caribbean also leave from Southampton at certain times of year.
Short breaks of two to four nights to nearby ports in France, Belgium or the Netherlands are a good way to try cruising. Norway and the British Isles typically take 7 to 14 nights, the Canaries around 12 to 14 nights, and Mediterranean sailings from Southampton are often 14 nights or more because of the time spent at sea getting there.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
P&O Cruises
Cunard
Classic luxury ocean voyages and iconic transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2 and fleet.
Princess Cruises
Mid-premium cruising with destination-strong itineraries — Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Royal Caribbean
Large family-friendly ships packed with entertainment, water parks and waterslides.
Virgin Voyages
Adults-only luxury at sea with included dining, Wi-Fi and a casual, design-led ship style.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | British families and couples who want a wide choice of ships and itineraries. |
| Cunard | Travellers who want a classic ocean-liner experience, including transatlantic crossings. |
| Princess Cruises | Couples who want a premium feel with British Isles and European itineraries. |
| MSC Cruises | Families looking for value and a modern, European-style ship. |
| Royal Caribbean | Families who want big-ship activities without flying. |
| Virgin Voyages | Adults who want a modern, lively, child-free ship. |
Where you can go from Southampton
- Norwegian fjords
- One of the most popular summer itineraries, with scenic sailing and small fjord towns.
- British Isles
- Round-Britain and Ireland cruises with calls such as Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and the Scottish isles.
- Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean
- Longer sailings through the Bay of Biscay to Lisbon, Spain and beyond.
- Canary Islands
- A popular winter choice for warmer weather without flying.
- Short breaks
- Two to four nights to ports in France, Belgium or the Netherlands, ideal for trying a cruise.
- Transatlantic
- Crossings to New York, and longer voyages to the Caribbean at certain times of year.
Getting to the port
Southampton has several cruise terminals, and your booking will tell you which one your ship uses. Many guests drive and use pre-booked cruise parking, which can be arranged in advance, while others take the train to Southampton Central and a short taxi to the terminal.
Plan to arrive within your allocated check-in time to avoid queues. Luggage is handed over at the terminal and delivered to your cabin, so you can board with just a small bag.
If you live further away, an overnight hotel stay near the port takes the stress out of the journey. Our Travel Designers can help with parking, transfers and hotels so your holiday starts smoothly.
Who a cruise from Southampton suits
A cruise from Southampton suits anyone who wants to avoid flying, including families with lots of luggage, travellers who find airports stressful and those who simply prefer to start their holiday close to home.
It also suits first-time cruisers, as short breaks to nearby European ports are an easy way to try cruising, and travellers who enjoy sea days and have time for a longer voyage.
With so many lines using the port, you can choose from lively family ships, more traditional ocean voyages and adults-only lines, all without boarding a plane.
FAQ
Cruises from Southampton: your questions answered
Which cruise lines sail from Southampton?
P&O Cruises and Cunard sail year-round from Southampton. Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Saga and Virgin Voyages all run seasonal sailings from the port. If you prefer to leave from elsewhere in the UK, Ambassador and Fred Olsen use London Tilbury, and other no-fly sailings depart from Liverpool, Newcastle, Dover and Portsmouth depending on the season.
Where can I cruise to from Southampton?
Popular routes include the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the British Isles, Spain and Portugal, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. Short breaks visit nearby ports in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. At certain times of year there are also transatlantic crossings and longer voyages to the Caribbean, all without a flight.
When is the best time to cruise from Southampton?
Late spring and summer, from roughly May to September, is the best time for Norway, the Baltic and the British Isles, when days are long and the weather is at its mildest. In autumn and winter, sailings head south to the Canary Islands and Madeira for warmer weather. Crossing the Bay of Biscay can be choppy outside summer.
How long are cruises from Southampton?
They range from two-night short breaks to voyages of several weeks. Norway and the British Isles are usually 7 to 14 nights. The Canary Islands typically take around 12 to 14 nights, and the Mediterranean often needs 14 nights or more because of the days at sea reaching it. World cruises also start and finish here.
Is a cruise from Southampton good for families?
Yes. Not having to fly makes it much easier with children, as you can pack more and avoid airport queues. P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer family-friendly ships from Southampton, with kids' clubs, pools and entertainment. Summer school holiday sailings fill early, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.