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 Austin once lived.
Cruises from Southampton sail to some of Europe’s most coveted destinations, including seaside towns in the Mediterranean, the stunning Norwegian Fjords, Iceland and Greenland, and Scandinavia and Russia. Southampton cruises also visit unforgettable ports in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Ireland.
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, the largest glacier in all of Europe.
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, the luxurious towns of the French Riviera, and the ancient ruins of Athens. You’ll find there’s no shortage of charms to enjoy, including delicious cuisine and historic landmarks.
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.
Experience the best of Scandinavia and Russia on a luxury cruise. 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. Tour Tsarist palaces, take a picture in front of the iconic spirals of the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, or spend an evening at the ballet, one of Russia’s most renowned and delightful experiences.
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.
The Southampton cruise port is one of the largest ports in the world. Cruises from Southampton depart from the City Cruise Terminal, which is easily reached from Southampton International Airport via taxi or bus. If you’re arriving at the port via London, you can either take a two-hour drive from the city to the cruise terminal, a train from the Waterloo Station, which will take about an hour and 15 minutes, or a bus ride from Victoria Coach Station, which takes around 2.5 hours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
