Cruise From Southampton and Portsmouth

The Solent is one of the most famous waterways in the World and home to two high quality cruising ports, the Port of Southampton and Portsmouth International Port. From here you can set sail to all corners of the globe.

The Port of Southampton is the cruise capital of Europe, you can travel to the North America, Caribbean, Europe, Scandinavia and around the UK. Southampton has a long association with the sea, famous for ships such as Queen Mary 2 setting sail on its maiden voyage.

Portsmouth International Port is one of the most connected ports within the UK, with cruise lines heading to northern and western Europe including the Mediterranean. In 2021 Portsmouth welcomed Virgin Voyages first cruise ship, Scarlett Lady. 

If you are setting sail from Southampton or Portsmouth we want to give you some handy tips of where to stay and things to do. Whether you are staying the night before or if you are stopping in Hampshire as a port of call or upon your return from sea.

Cruise lines that operate from the Port of Southampton

With five terminals in Southampton, the port can cater for a large number of cruise lines, which include, Princess, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, P&O, Cunard, Fred Olson, NCL and Aida cruise.
 

Cruise lines that operate from Portsmouth International Port

You will find an array of cruise lines the operate from Portsmouth, which includes, Jubilee Sailing Trust, Marella Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Mystic Cruises, Nicko Cruises, Aida Cruises, Tailwind Voyages, Virgin Voyages, SeaDream Yacht Club, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olson, Hapag-Lloyd, Noble Caledonia, Phoenix Reisen, Ponant, Saga Cruises, Sea Cloud Cruises, Silversea and Viking Ocean Cruises.

Things to do near the Port of Southampton

There’s plenty of things to see an do in Southampton, head to SeaCity Museum to learn about the city’s maritime history, including the RMS Titanic which set sail from Southampton. 

Don’t miss Tudor House and Garden built in 1495 and one of the oldest buildings in the city. 

If you are looking for some retail therapy look no further than West Quay shopping centre.  West Quay’s expansion of West Quay Watermark was finished in spring 2017 which includes more shops, restaurants bars and a plaza which backs onto the historic city walls.

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre holds major productions such as Billy Elliott , The Lion King and other popular musicals from the West End.

Love football? Why not watch a Premier League match at Southampton Football Club or do a Stadium Tour.
 

Things to do near Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth is spoilt with an abundance of world-class attractions located close to one another. Some of the must visit attractions include Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can step aboard and view some of Britain’s most historic ships including HMS Victory.

When in Portsmouth you cannot miss the iconic Spinnaker Tower, enjoy the panoramic views of the Solent and Isle of Wight from 100m above the ground. You can also shop til you drop at Gunwharf Quays, a premium outlet shopping centre on the waterfront.

Portsmouth is home to the Royal Navy and there’s plenty of Naval history to be discovered at The D-Day Story museum in Southsea. The museum enlightens visitors about the build-up and execution of one of the most historic battles.

Where to eat and drink near the Port of Southampton

There are four main areas to eat and drink in Southampton: Oxford Street, the Cultural Quarter, Ocean Village, West Quay.

Head to Oxford Street for great bars and restaurants, have a cocktail at the Grand Café located in South Western House, a Grade II listed building.  Dine or have a drink in the White Star Tavern, named after the company which owned the Titanic, serving fantastic food all locally sourced.

The Cultural Quarter is located a 5-10 minute walk from Southampton Central station and has a mix of restaurants from all nationalities.  The Stable restaurant serves up gourmet pizza real ale and ciders. If you love craft beers then Dancing Man Brewery is the place for you, this former wool house serves great food and drink and has an award winning micro brewery.

Ocean Village is the picturesque marina location and is home to The Jetty restaurant and HarBar on the 6th at the Southampton Harbour Hotel.

West Quay has an abundance of well known names to choose from, such as the Mexican street food restaurant Wahaca or why not go Mediterranean at the Real Greek.

Where to eat and drink near Portsmouth International Port

Head to Gunwharf Quays where you will find an array of restaurants for cuisines from around the world. The Cosy Club has stunning views of the Spinnaker Tower and the Harbour entrance.

Located outside Gunwharf Quays is the independent restaurant Abarbistro serving great food and drink all year round. If you head to old Portsmouth there are two great pubs The Still and West and Spice Island Inn, with views looking back at the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and all the activity of the harbour.

A little further down the coast is Southsea, which is becoming a gastronomic hub within the city, a great place to start is Southsea Beach Café, serving seasonal meals and great cocktails in a relaxed environment.

Left luggage near Port of Southampton

Wanting to explore the city without lugging your luggage with you?  There are number of different locations where you can leave your bags safely.  Please check with each provider for full details.

Oceans is based on the High Street  and provides a tourist information service, luggage storage  as well as a place to buy souvenirs.

Visit SeaCity Museum and you can store your luggage whilst venturing around the museum.

Southampton Airport is a 20 minute drive from the city centre and baggage can be left in the terminal for £10.00 per bag / per day providing peace of mind that belongings will be held securely until collection.

Left luggage near to Portsmouth International Port

Café Oasis offers a left luggage service located on The Hard, about a one minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station and bus interchange.

Accommodation near the Port of Southampton

Start your trip early and arrive the day before departure and explore Southampton or other popular destinations in Hampshire such as Portsmouth, New Forest and Winchester all with good access by road and rail.

There are tons of hotels to choose from all located a short taxi ride away from the cruise terminals.  With many well known hotel brands such as Novotel, Premier Inn, IBIS, Jurys Inn or if you are looking for something a little more special look at the Hilton, The Pig in the Wall, Moxy Hotel, Room2 or the Southampton Harbour Hotel. Find your perfect hotel in Southampton.

Accommodation near Portsmouth International Port

The are plenty of budget hotels to choose including Premier Inn and Travelodge, but there are also several great independent hotels such as the Queens Hotel, which is over 100 years old. The Florence House Boutique Hotel is set in amongst the heart of Southsea. Outside of the city centre, you will find Marriott hotel and Village hotel. Find your perfect hotel in Portsmouth.

Explore a little further - Getting around Hampshire

Why not make more of your cruise break by exploring the rest of the county.  Southampton and Portsmouth are great bases to get around Hampshire due to the excellent road network linking our villages, towns, cities and countryside.

Steady your sea legs on terra firma either on foot or by bike exploring our two National Parks the New Forest or South Downs.  Hampshire has hundreds of things to see and do, whether you love taking in nature at a world class garden or stately home or castle, want to taste award winning English Sparkling wine at one of our vineyards or looking for culture in one of the many museums scattered across the county.   

Popular attractions include Highclere Castle better known as Downton Abbey. If you are a gin fan the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a must visit. Or head to the home of iconic writer Jane Austen in the quaint village of Chawton.   

Below is an example of journey times by car betweet our cities and towns.