Southampton has five cruise terminals: the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) and Ocean terminals in the Eastern Docks, and the City, Horizon and Mayflower terminals in the Western Docks. They’re spread over about three miles of dockside, so it pays to know which one you’re sailing from before you set off. Your cruise documents will name the terminal, and that’s the one to plan around.
In this guide
Here’s a quick guide to each terminal, how to get there, and what to expect on embarkation day.
Southampton cruise terminals at a glance
| Terminal | Docks | Berth | Postcode for sat nav |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) | Eastern Docks | 38/39 | SO14 3GG |
| Ocean | Eastern Docks | 46 | SO14 3QN |
| City | Western Docks | 101 | SO15 1HJ |
| Horizon | Western Docks | 102 | SO15 1AW |
| Mayflower | Western Docks | 106 | SO15 1HJ |
Postcodes take you to the right area, but the dock gate matters too. Port guidance for the City Cruise Terminal, for example, directs drivers in through Dock Gate 8, while the Eastern Docks terminals are reached through Dock Gate 4. Always follow the gate and directions in your own cruise or parking confirmation, as these can change on busy days.
The Eastern Docks terminals
Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Cruise Terminal
The QEII terminal sits at berths 38 and 39 in the Eastern Docks, entered through Dock Gate 4. Guides commonly report Cunard ships using it, along with luxury lines, but terminal allocations vary from voyage to voyage.
Ocean Cruise Terminal
Ocean Terminal is on Cunard Road at berth 46, also through Dock Gate 4. Its passenger lounge has more than 1,000 seats. It handles a wide mix of lines across the season.
The Western Docks terminals
City Cruise Terminal
City Cruise Terminal is at berth 101 in the Western Docks, in the middle of the five terminals. It’s often linked with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, though other lines use it too.
Horizon Cruise Terminal
Horizon is Southampton’s newest terminal. It welcomed its first passengers on 3 July 2021, when MSC Virtuosa sailed from it. The £55 million building has more than 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels and was the first UK cruise terminal to offer shore power, which lets ships plug into the local grid while they’re alongside instead of running their engines. MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line ships are regular visitors.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Mayflower, at berth 106, is the most westerly terminal and the furthest inside the docks. Port operator ABP has been installing a second shore power connection here. P&O Cruises and Cunard ships are among those reported using it.
Planning a P&O or Cunard sailing? Our P&O Cruises review and Cunard review explain what each line is like on board.
How busy is Southampton?
Very. Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port, and around 3 million cruise passengers passed through in 2024, up from 2.6 million in 2023. On peak summer weekends, several ships can be turning around on the same day, so roads near the dock gates get busy.
Getting to your terminal
By car
Southampton is about 80 miles south-west of London, mostly via the M3. Use the postcode for your terminal, then follow the port’s road signs for the correct dock gate. Leave extra time on busy turnaround days.
By train
Southampton Central is the nearest railway station for all five terminals, with direct trains from London Waterloo taking around an hour and a quarter. The terminals are between roughly one and three miles from the station, so most people take a taxi from the rank, especially with cases.
By coach
National Express coaches run to Southampton from London Victoria Coach Station and other cities, stopping in the city centre. From there it’s a short taxi ride to the docks.
By air
Southampton Airport is about five miles from the port. From further afield, Heathrow is around 66 miles away and Gatwick around 88 miles.
Parking at the terminals
Most terminals have official parking on site or nearby, run by operators such as CPS and AB Parking, and there are also independent car parks and meet-and-greet services around the city. Spaces can sell out in summer, so book ahead and check that your booking matches your terminal. Prices change with the season and length of stay, so compare a few options rather than relying on an old price list.
What to expect on embarkation day
- Arrive in your time slot. Most lines give you a check-in window. Arriving too early can mean waiting in the car or the queue.
- Drop your cases. Porters take your labelled luggage at the kerb. It’s delivered to your cabin later in the day.
- Check in. Have your passport, boarding documents and any health forms ready.
- Security. Hand luggage and passengers go through airport-style screening.
- Board. Keep medicines, documents and anything valuable in your hand luggage, because you may not see your cases for a few hours.
Tips for a smooth start
- Double-check your terminal a few days before you sail. Lines sometimes move ships between terminals.
- Label your luggage properly with the tags your cruise line sends you.
- Allow plenty of time if you’re driving on a summer Saturday or Sunday, when several ships may turn around at once.
- Stay the night before if you’re travelling a long way. It takes the stress out of the morning.
Southampton cruise terminals FAQs
How many Southampton cruise terminals are there?
Five: QEII, Ocean, City, Horizon and Mayflower.
How do I know which terminal my cruise leaves from?
Your booking confirmation or e-tickets will tell you. If they don’t, check your cruise line’s account page or contact the line or your travel agent.
Can I walk between the terminals?
It isn’t practical. The Eastern and Western Docks are around three miles apart, and you can’t walk freely through the working port.
Which terminal is nearest the railway station?
The Western Docks terminals are closer to Southampton Central than the Eastern Docks terminals, but a taxi is still the easiest option with luggage.
Sources and further reading
- ABP: The Port of Southampton welcomes first passengers to new cruise terminal
- Cruise Hive: Southampton hits cruise passenger record
- Cruise Hive: Southampton cruise port, terminals and getting around
- Cruise Hive: The essential guide to all Southampton cruise terminals
- Emma Cruises: Southampton has 5 cruise terminals, here’s how to find yours
- Southampton VTS: Passenger directions, City Cruise Terminal (PDF)
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