Transport
There are multiple options offered for travelling to and from most UK ports, though Southampton is the country’s leading and most commonly used port.
Coach and parking service are also available at leading UK departure points including Dover, Harwich and Hull, plus northern departure points including Greenock and Leith.
Coaches and Trains
Cruise lines sailing from Southampton include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, with all of these operators offering a dedicated coach service to the port. This service sees the coach company take care of your luggage, directing it to your stateroom and leaving you to simply step off the coach and check-in to board the ship with just your hand luggage. Intercruises is the partnered coach company for many cruise lines, although Eavesway Coaches also run an excellent service and are certainly worth considering due to their exceptionally comfortable, state-of-the-art coaches.
Coach companies offer a wide range of pick-up points all around the country and booking a coach is a relaxing option, giving you peace of mind that you will reach your ship in good time. Coach companies have many years of knowledge when it comes to routes to UK ports and are experts in avoiding traffic with alternative routes when required, staying in constant touch with both the fleet and the cruise line with updates. It really is the most stress-free way to travel.
Southampton is also served by an excellent train link and the station itself is very close to the docks and all major cruise terminals. Taxis from the station to the port cost between £5 and £10.
Port Parking
There are several parking services available for passengers who wish to drive and park at Southampton. P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Cunard Line use Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS), and Bolsover Cruise Club is able to provide further information on services offered. Once parking has been booked, CPS will post a confirmation pack to the customer which will include directions to the car park. Upon arrival, CPS will offer a valet parking service, taking your luggage directly to the ship, parking your car and providing instructions for your return. A similar service is offered by AB Parking, who are the official parking option for several cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen and NCL and MSC.
Fly-Cruises
When booking a fly cruise, you will have the option of including flights in your cruise package or choosing to arrange your own. If booking a cruise only deal, you will be responsible for arranging your own flights, transfers and transport to/from the airport. Bolsover Cruise Club can provide assistance with making these arrangements but all bookings are the responsibility of the traveller.
If your fly-cruise booking includes a flight package, your flights and transfers to/from the ship will usually be included, though some cruise lines may charge a supplement for transfers. Your Cruise Expert can confirm what is included at the time of booking.
Cruise lines including P&O Cruises use charter flights for their Mediterranean and Caribbean fly cruises, meaning that your luggage is taken directly from the plane to the ship, removing the need to wait for the luggage carousels. These fly cruise packages often also come with free airport parking, making them great value for money. Where not included in your fly cruise package, we are able to offer advice and bookings for hotel and airport parking in the UK.
Some cruise lines may offer the option of booking domestic flights, though this is not guaranteed. Guests should check this at the time of booking, so that arrangements can be made independently if not offered by the cruise line.