Southampton Cruise Terminals & Parking Guide (2026): Which Terminal, Where to Park, How to Get There
Southampton is the UK's cruise capital, but it is not one terminal. It is five, spread along the Eastern and Western Docks, and turning up at the wrong one is the most common mistake first-time cruisers make. Add parking into the mix and the morning of embarkation can get stressful fast.
This guide covers every Southampton cruise terminal, which cruise lines usually use each one, and the real parking options, from official port parking to the city multi-storeys that cruisers use to save money.
Quick tip:Â Your terminal is printed on your cruise documents and boarding pass. Always check it a few days before sailing, because lines can switch terminals.
The Five Southampton Cruise Terminals at a Glance
Terminal | Docks | Berth | Typically used by |
QEII Cruise Terminal | Eastern Docks | 38/39 | P&O Cruises, Cunard and others |
Ocean Cruise Terminal | Eastern Docks | 46/47 | P&O Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity and others |
City Cruise Terminal | Western Docks | 101 | Royal Caribbean, Princess and others |
Horizon Cruise Terminal | Western Docks | 102 | MSC, Carnival group lines and others |
Mayflower Cruise Terminal | Western Docks | 106 | Royal Caribbean, Cunard (Queen Mary 2) and others |
Allocations change season to season, so treat this as a guide and confirm with your cruise line.
QEII Cruise Terminal (Berth 38/39)
The QEII terminal sits in the Eastern Docks, close to the Ocean Village side of the city. It is one of the busier P&O and Cunard terminals and is relatively easy to reach from the motorway via the eastern dock gate. Being on the eastern side, it is the furthest terminal from the Mayflower, roughly an hour's walk end to end, so never assume you can stroll between terminals.
Ocean Cruise Terminal (Berth 46/47)
Ocean Terminal is a modern, glass-fronted terminal in the Eastern Docks, a regular base for P&O and Cunard ships. It is one of the most searched Southampton terminals, mainly because people look up "berth 46" from their documents. Drop-off and porter areas are close to the entrance, which makes it one of the smoother terminals for luggage.
City Cruise Terminal (Berth 101)
City Cruise Terminal is in the Western Docks and handles large ships, often Royal Caribbean and Princess. It is the closest Western Docks terminal to the city centre and the West Quay area, which is handy if you are staying in a hotel nearby or parking in a city car park.
Horizon Cruise Terminal (Berth 102)
Horizon is Southampton's newest terminal, opened in 2021 next to City Cruise Terminal. It was built with mega-ships in mind and runs on shore power, so ships can plug in rather than run engines while docked. MSC is a regular user.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal (Berth 106)
The Mayflower sits at the far western end of the Western Docks. It is one of the oldest terminals, first opened in 1960, and has since been modernised. Royal Caribbean and Cunard's Queen Mary 2 are among its regulars. It is the furthest terminal from the city centre, so allow extra time if you are arriving by taxi or walking from a car park.
Southampton Cruise Parking: Your Options
There are two main ways to park for a Southampton cruise: official or approved port parking, and independent city car parks.
Official and cruise line parking
Most cruise lines offer their own parking packages, usually either:
Valet / meet and greet:Â you drive to the terminal, hand over your keys, and the car is waiting when you return. The most convenient option and usually the most expensive.
Park and ride / on-port parking:Â you park in a secure compound in the docks and a shuttle takes you to the terminal.
Book through your cruise line or the port's approved providers, and book early for summer and Christmas sailings, when spaces sell out.
West Quay Multi-Storey Car Park
West Quay is a large long-stay multi-storey car park by the West Quay shopping centre, and one of the most popular budget options for cruisers. It has well over 2,000 spaces and charges a daily flat rate, which on a week-long cruise can work out much cheaper than port parking. Prices have risen in recent years, so check the current daily rate before you travel.
From West Quay, the Western Docks terminals (City, Horizon and Mayflower) are a short taxi ride away. With light luggage, City Cruise Terminal is walkable.
West Park Multi-Storey Car Park
West Park is another city centre multi-storey close to the Western Docks. It is a common alternative when West Quay is busy and works the same way: park, then take a short taxi to the terminal.
Triangle Car Park
The Triangle car park is a surface car park in the city that cruisers use for its price. It is typically charged per day and rates can vary with demand, so check before you go. Again, plan on a taxi to your terminal.
Which parking should you choose?
Want zero stress? Valet at the terminal.
Want a balance of price and convenience? On-port park and ride.
Want the cheapest option and don't mind a taxi? A city multi-storey like West Quay or West Park.
One thing to keep in mind with city car parks: always confirm that long stays of a week or more are allowed, and check the latest prices and opening rules directly with the operator.
Getting to Southampton Without a Car
By train:Â Southampton Central station is a short taxi ride from all five terminals. Taxis queue outside the station.
By air:Â Southampton Airport is the closest. Heathrow and Gatwick are both popular, with coach and private transfer options.
By coach:Â Many cruise lines run their own coach transfers from around the UK.
My Top Tips for Southampton Embarkation Day
Check your terminal again 48 hours before you sail.
Arrive at your allocated check-in time, not hours early. Southampton terminals manage arrivals in time slots.
Hand your big cases to the porters at the terminal and keep a carry-on with medication, documents and swimwear.
If you are parking in the city, pre-book a taxi for the return day, because disembarkation mornings get busy.
Consider a night in a Southampton hotel before the cruise if you are travelling a long way. It takes all the pressure off.
FAQ
How many cruise terminals are there in Southampton?
There are five: QEII, Ocean, City, Horizon and Mayflower, split between the Eastern and Western Docks.
Which Southampton cruise terminal is my ship using?
Your terminal is printed on your boarding documents. Cruise lines can change terminals, so check again a few days before sailing.
Can I walk between Southampton cruise terminals?
Not easily. Walking from the QEII terminal in the east to the Mayflower in the west takes around an hour. Use a taxi.
Where is the cheapest place to park for a Southampton cruise?
City centre multi-storeys like West Quay and West Park are often cheaper than official port parking for a week-long cruise. You will need a short taxi to your terminal. Always check current prices.
Is West Quay car park good for cruise parking?
Yes. It is a long-stay car park with a daily rate and is close to the Western Docks terminals. Check the latest daily price before you go.
Which terminal is berth 46?
Berth 46 is the Ocean Cruise Terminal in the Eastern Docks.
What is the newest cruise terminal in Southampton?
Horizon Cruise Terminal, at berth 102, opened in 2021.
