Where cruises from Southampton go
Southampton is the UK’s main cruise port, with sailings all year. Common itineraries include:
- Norwegian fjords and northern Europe, mainly in summer.
- Canary Islands, Madeira and Lisbon: a popular winter-sun choice without flying.
- The Mediterranean via Spain and Portugal, usually two weeks or longer.
- Short breaks to Belgium, the Netherlands, France or the Channel Islands.
- Transatlantic crossings to New York, and longer voyages to the Caribbean.
- World cruises of three months or more, usually starting in January.
Other UK cruise ports
Southampton has the widest choice, but you may find a sailing closer to home: Dover and Tilbury in the South East, Portsmouth on the south coast, Liverpool in the North West, Newcastle (Port of Tyne) in the North East, and Scottish ports such as Rosyth and Greenock. Smaller ports tend to have fewer, more seasonal departures.
Why choose a no-fly cruise?
- No flight costs, airport queues or flight delays to worry about.
- More generous luggage: you’re limited by what you can carry to the ship, not an airline allowance.
- You can usually drive and park at the port, or arrive by train.
- The trade-off: more sea days to reach warmer waters, so you need a longer trip to get far.
Tips for sailing from Southampton
- Check which terminal your ship uses, as Southampton has several.
- Book port parking ahead, especially in summer, or check the train and shuttle options.
- Check-in usually runs in time slots, so follow your line’s embarkation instructions.
- Even on a round trip from the UK, check entry rules for every country you’ll visit.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
