Southampton England Cruise Port Guide
Located along the southern coast of England and only 69 miles away from London, Southampton is a fantastic departure port for a cruise around Europe. This thriving city full of history, culture, shopping, and world-class cuisine is a great jumping-off point for excursions to places like the mysterious stone ruins of Stonehenge and the small cathedral city of Winchester, where legendary author Jane Austen once lived.
Cruises from Southampton sail to some of Europe’s most coveted destinations, including seaside towns in the Mediterranean, the stunning Norwegian Fjords, and Scandinavia. Cruises from the UK also visit unforgettable ports in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, and the Canary Islands.
Itineraries
Southampton Shore Excursions
View All Cruises from Southampton, England
Introducing: London City Stays
Embark on an in-depth experience in the city where your cruise starts or ends. Stay in accommodations we’ve carefully selected. Enjoy tours guided by experts to see the must-sees and do the must-dos. Take private transportation between your airport, hotel, and ship.
Guided Tour Highlights: Experience a cruise along the Thames River. Enjoy a day trip to Bath and the Cotswolds. Discover the ancient mystique of Stonehenge.
Top Destinations on Cruises from Southampton
Norwegian Fjords
Sail down fjords that date back to the Ice Age and stop in quaint waterfront towns during a Norway cruise. During your vacation, you’ll witness unforgettable landscapes full of towering waterfalls, rocky cliffs, emerald green waters, and colorful architecture. During your cruise, you’ll see natural wonders up close, like Nærøyfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, and Briksdal Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in all of Europe.
The Mediterranean
Soak up the history, culture, and food of the beautiful Mediterranean, a seaside paradise for those looking to experience the best of Europe. Travel to the region’s most popular destinations, including Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and the luxurious towns of the French Riviera. You’ll find there’s no shortage of charms to enjoy, including delicious cuisine and historic landmarks.
Iceland & Ireland
Discover the pastoral beauty of Ireland and the natural wonders of Iceland during a cruise that visits both of these scenic countries. Dance to live music and admire historic churches and cathedrals in Cork. Dip into the famous Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik and sample the city’s unique culinary scene. While in Akureyri, explore the ancient lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the stunning landscapes of the Namafjall Mountain.
Scandinavia
Experience the best of Scandinavia on a luxury cruise. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Norwegian fjords, or visit the vibrant city of Oslo. Spend a night in Copenhagen, a cosmopolitan city with fantastic Baroque castles. Visit Stockholm, the Swedish capital with an eye for avant-garde art and cool design.
Canary Islands
Unwind on the golden sand beaches of the Canary Islands, a heavenly archipelago located just off the coast of Morocco. These Spanish islands are full of natural wonders, including sprawling sand dunes, vibrant coral reefs, massive craters, and the world’s third-largest volcano. In Tenerife, savor fresh seafood and wander around its picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Gran Canaria, simply relax under the sun at one of the island’s glamourous beaches.
Our Ship Sailing Out of Southampton
Sail through Europe with an award-winning cruise line—Travel Weekly has named Celebrity the 2023 Best Cruise Line in Europe. Explore centuries of history, legendary art, natural wonders, and diverse cuisines. In addition to providing the most unique itineraries throughout the region, you’ll travel through Europe on a premium cruise experience aboard Celebrity Apex®.
Celebrity Apex, the second ship in our revolutionary Edge® Series, takes our one-of-a-kind outward-facing design further than ever, creating an intimate connection between you, the sea, and every exciting place you’re about to visit. Expansive open-air spaces let you soak up the sun, the sea air, and the spectacular scenery to the max. Fine dining on board rivals any restaurant you’ll find on land. And there are even more ways to relax and be entertained.
Why Cruise from the UK with Celebrity Cruises
On cruises from Southampton, explore the fascinating cities of Europe while sailing in complete luxury. During your cruise with Celebrity Cruises®, you’ll visit cosmopolitan capitals and quaint towns, exploring both natural wonders and incredible landmarks.
After spending a busy day in port, enjoy world-class service and delicious cuisine on board. Unwind in the soothing Solarium or recharge at our relaxing Spa. Head to one of our specialty restaurants or enjoy dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, with dishes crafted by our Michelin-starred chef. Whether you’re on board or off, you’ll experience the vacation of a lifetime with Celebrity Cruises.
Make memories you’ll cherish forever on a family cruise. Whether it’s the sunshine and culture of the Mediterranean, the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, or the fascinating history of the Baltics, you’ll find there are always new adventures for all ages to be had. On board the ship, kids will love Camp at Sea, our fully customizable kids club that offers over 500 activities.
Learn More About Southampton Shore Excursions
Top Things to Do Before Your Cruise From the UK
Experience the Wonder of Stonehenge
One of the most iconic excursions to go on before Southampton cruises is a visit to Stonehenge. Famous for its Neolithic engineering as well as its mysteriousness, Stonehenge features a stone circle that was built from massive stones weighing as much as 25 tons that had to have been transported incredibly long distances using only the simple tools they had available at the time. It’s an incredible experience to walk around the circle and imagine a former civilization constructing it thousands of years ago.
Shop on Oxford Street
Spanning 1.5 miles, London’s Oxford Street is a shopper’s paradise. As one of the world’s largest retail streets, you’ll find a little bit of everything for every type of budget, from high-street brands like Topshop and River Island to legendary department stores such as Marks & Spencer and Selfridges. Squeeze in a shopping session before your Southampton cruise, or simply stroll through the pedestrian-friendly street, where you’ll also be able to enjoy dozens of trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Top Sights & Attractions Near Southampton
Windsor Castle
Dating back to the 11th century, Windsor Castle has served as the royal home for over 39 monarchs over the span of 900 years, making it the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Visit the State Apartments, where Queen Elizabeth used to host her official visits. See Queen Mary’s doll house from the 1920s, which was built to include electricity and running water. Stop in St. George’s Chapel, the site where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in 2018.
Runnymede
Visit Runnymede, the place where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215. The picturesque meadows became the unofficial birthplace of democracy over 800 years ago, when King James signed the Magna Carta into existence. There are several memorials to explore in the site, including the Magna Carta Memorial, the JFK Memorial (a plaque that commemorates the former U.S. president’s legacy after his assassination), and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial, which includes the names of the more than 20,000 members of the Allied Air Forces who died during World War II.
River Thames
As the home of several popular landmarks, including the London Eye and Tower Bridge, the River Thames is the longest river in England and a quintessential London attraction. Take a river cruise down its gentle waters and admire the cityscape in the distance. Stroll along the Thames and stop for lunch or dinner at a riverside restaurant. Cross the bridge by either walking over the iconic Tower Bridge or the futuristic Millennium Bridge—a great spot to take a selfie with the Thames in the background.
