As the UK’s busiest cruise port, Southampton is the starting point for millions of cruise holidays every year. In fact, the port handles around 85% of the UK’s cruise market and acts as a gateway to destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America and beyond.
It’s easy to see why so many holidaymakers choose to cruise from Southampton. The port has five dedicated cruise terminals, excellent road and rail connections, and serves as the departure point for many of the world’s leading cruise lines. It’s also the homeport for household names such as P&O Cruises and Cunard, and many other cruise lines base ships here year-round.
Recognised as the Best Departure Port in the Cruise Critic Awards 2025, Southampton is the go-to choice for British travellers looking for an easy start to their holiday. Here are six reasons you should consider a cruise from Southampton for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons:
No flights or airport queues - you can start your holiday as soon as you arrive at the terminal, without worrying about security lines, baggage restrictions or flight delays.
Generous luggage allowance - most cruise lines allow guests to bring far more luggage than they would on a flight, making packing much less stressful.
Easy to reach from across the UK - Southampton has excellent road and rail links, with many cruise terminals just a short distance from the city centre and train station.
A huge choice of cruise lines - from family favourites and premium cruise lines to luxury and ultra-luxury operators, there's something for every style of traveller.
Cruises to destinations around the world - sail to Norway, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, the British Isles, and much further afield, all without setting foot on a plane.
Year-round departures - many cruise lines offer Southampton sailings year-round, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your holiday.
At a glance, here are seven of our cruise line partners that sail from Southampton:
A list of the cruise lines that cruise from Southampton
Celebrity Cruises
If you’re new to cruising and want a holiday that feels relaxed, modern, and a little more grown-up, Celebrity Cruises is a great option. It’s particularly popular with couples, thanks to its stylish ships, good food and laid-back atmosphere.
For the 2027 and 2028 seasons, Celebrity Apexand Celebrity Beyondare sailing from Southampton between May and September. From the UK, you can sail to destinations like Norway, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, all without flying.
Life onboard centres on great restaurants, comfortable lounges, and plenty of places to sit back and enjoy the journey. Rather than focusing on waterslides and high-energy attractions, Celebrity Cruises’ ships are designed for guests who enjoy good food, a relaxed drink and time to explore new destinations.
For some people, cruising is just as much about the journey as the destination. That’s where Cunard stands apart. Across 2027, 2028, and 2029, Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria offer cruises from Southampton at various times throughout the year.
Cunard tends to appeal to travellers who enjoy a more traditional cruising style. That could be couples looking for a longer getaway, solo travellers seeking time to unwind, or anyone who enjoys the ideal of traditional onboard touches.
If you’re completely new to cruising, Cunard’s mini cruises from Southampton can be a great introduction. Typically lasting 5 nights or less, they let you experience life onboard before committing to a longer voyage. Plus, you get to experience a European city.
Of all Cunard’s sailings, the most famous are transatlantic crossings. Sailing between Southampton and New York, these voyages on Queen Mary 2 have attracted travellers for generations. Keep an eye out for Queen Mary 2’s 500th transatlantic crossing on the 2nd of May 2029; it’s set to be magical.
Most Cunard cruises from Southampton depart from the Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Ocean Cruise Terminal or Queen Elizabeth II Terminal.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen is well known for its no-fly cruises from the UK, and that won't change for the 2027/2028 season. All three ships, Balmoral, Boletteand Borealis, offer cruises from Southampton, with Balmoral providing the most variety.
The company’s fantastic team of journey planners carefully curates itineraries that allow you to truly immerse yourself in the destinations you visit. You can cruise from Southampton to Spain, France, the Canary Islands, and further afield ports in the Caribbean and beyond. The Norwegian Fjords are especially popular with Fred. Olsen, due to the cruise line’s long-standing Norwegian heritage and smaller-ship advantage.
The onboard experience centres on the traditional aspects of cruising, including formal nights, classic cruise entertainment, afternoon tea, and relaxed daytime activities like card games, crafting, and enrichment sessions. Like Cunard, Fred. Olsen tends to attract couples and solo travellers who appreciate classic cruising and prefer smaller ships.
Almost all Fred. Olsen cruises from Southampton depart from the City Cruise Terminal, but occasionally from the Mayflower Cruise Terminal and Queen Elizabeth II Terminal.
Oceania Cruises
If you’re a foodie who likes the finer things in life, Oceania Cruises is for you. Known for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Oceania’s onboard experience centres on culinary artistry.
From the broad range of impressive restaurants to the Culinary Center and unique excursions, gastronomy oozes into every element. As a result, Oceania Cruises is particularly popular with couples and adults, following the introduction of its 18+ age policy. It’s also a favourite among travellers who enjoy excellent food and see dining as one of the highlights of the holiday.
For the 2027, 2028, and 2029 seasons, Insignia,Marina,Sonata, and Vista depart from Southampton on a selection of handpicked itineraries from April to September. You can sail around the British Isles, to Spain, France, Iceland and Norway and even as far as Canada and the USA.
Even if you’re new to cruising, you’ve probably already heard of P&O Cruises. With a long history of sailing from Southampton and a fleet that ranges from family-friendly favourites to adults-only ships, it offers something for almost every type of traveller.
Across 2027, 2028 and 2029, Arcadia, Arvia, Aurora, Britannia, Ionaand Venturasail from Southampton year-round. Destinations include the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Cape Verde and even the Caribbean.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing P&O Cruises is the amount of choice available. Families often choose ships like Arvia and Iona, while adults looking for a quieter atmosphere may prefer Arcadia or Aurora. That variety also makes P&O Cruises a popular choice for first-time cruisers, as it’s easy to find a ship and itinerary that suits your travel style.
Life onboard centres around what people imagine when they think of a cruise holiday, from West End-style entertainment and live music to relaxing sea days, speciality dining, and plenty of opportunities to explore new destinations.
Princess’ cruises from Southampton sailings are hugely popular, particularly among British holidaymakers. The cruise line suits a wide range of travellers, from first-time cruisers to those who have already enjoyed several voyages and know exactly what they like.
Over the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons, Caribbean Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princessand Sky Princessoffer cruises from Southampton to destinations including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, Spain, France, Portugal and the British Isles.
One thing that makes Princess Cruises a little different is its OceanMedallion technology. Designed to simplify your holiday, it can unlock your cabin door, make onboard purchases, and even help crew members deliver food and drinks directly to wherever you’re relaxing on the ship.
Princess Cruises tends to appeal to mature couples and older adults, but it’s equally well suited to first-time cruisers looking for a straightforward introduction to life at sea.
If you’d rather not think about the cost of drinks, speciality dining, excursions or gratuities once you’re onboard, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is worth a look. As one of the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise lines, it’s designed for travellers who want everything taken care of before they sail.
Unlike many cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises focuses on a highly inclusive experience, so guests can relax and enjoy their holiday without worrying about extras adding up. As a result, the cruise line is particularly popular with affluent couples, retirees, and luxury travellers.
The ships are smaller than many vessels sailing from Southampton, creating a more intimate onboard atmosphere while still offering spacious suites, attentive service, and a wide choice of dining venues.
