Southampton is a big port city located in Hampshire, southern England, 110km south-west of London. The city has been a major port for the UK for centuries and is today known as the cruise ship capital of Europe, the legendary Titanic departed from Southampton in 1912.

With the population of over 900000 people, Southampton is one of the biggest and most populous cities in the country. It is home to the University of Southampton, which ranked in the top 100 universities in the world.

The Best Time to Cruise

Southampton is one of the sunniest cities in the UK because of its sheltered location. If you plan to stay a day or two before boarding your cruise, try to book for the following times:

– Northern Hemisphere spring, so March to May – the temperatures average at comfortable 17℃ and the weather is generally clear. It might rain heavily in May, which can be seen both ways – less exploring outside, but also fewer tourists and lower prices.
– June to September are the months when the days become warmer (the average is 22℃) but the nights – cooler. On the whole, the weather is very friendly and there is very little rainfall. This does mean, however, that the city is full of tourists.

Things to Do in Southampton

Southampton is a modern city with a lot to see and explore. Although, the oldest and most exciting part of the city is located around the cruise terminals and quays, there are other areas in Southampton that are worth a visit.

Here are just some of our picks:

– Exploring the Old Town of Southampton is an absolute must: walk through the historical Bargate that was once the main entrance into the city, check out the medieval vaults and St. Michael’s Church and make sure you visit the Tudor House & Garden on Bugle Street. The property has been carefully restored to show how people lived in the 14th century.
– Pick up a guide and a map at the Civic Centre and wander along the Titanic Trail, it takes just over an hour. You’ll see memorials to those who lost their lives on the legendary cruise liner, period buildings and also the pub, where the doomed crew had their last pint.
– Walk along Oxford Street and you will find some of the best and authentic restaurants in town. If you are here on a Saturday, enjoy trying local delicacies at the Farmer’s Market.
– Water sports enthusiasts will be happy to learn that there is a lot for them on offer. Visit the Southampton Water Activities Centre and take your pick among sailing, rowing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing and more. Do remember that the water in the UK is very cold all year round.

Top Cruise Lines from Southampton

Southampton is the base for Cunard’s famous Queens, as well as for the very British ships of P&O International. The legendary cruise liners set out on various adventures: Transatlantic, Northern Europe, British Isles, the Mediterranean and, last but by no means least, World voyages.

Whatever destination you are looking to visit, you will find it departing from Southampton. Here are some of the most popular cruise lines to check out:

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