Southampton Cruise Port, The UK's Capital Of Cruising

Introducing the Cruise Port of Southampton

The Port of Southampton found fame in the 20th century as the UK's most important port of departure for the great cruise lines. In terms of number of passengers, the busiest route used to be the cross-atlantic voyage to the United States. However in 1939 the first ever Pan Am flight across the Atlantic heralded the end of this remarkable era of sea travel. In the following years Southampton reinvented itself as a major embarkation port for cruises.

The port is split between the Eastern Docks and Western Docks. The Western Docks are the location for the Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals, the Eastern Docks the location for the QE2 and Ocean Cruise Terminals.

The Eastern Docks saw perhaps Southampton's biggest moment in history. In 1912 the Titanic departed from White Star Dock (near today's Ocean dock) on its maiden voyage. When the ship went down, of the 1500 lives lost, 500 were crew who lived in Southampton and the impact on the city was long-lived.

You Choose The Cruise
Cruises from Southampton include the Baltic Sea, Canary Islands, round Britain, Norwegian Fjords and the Mediterranean. Transatlantic and longer cruises are also available. If you're UK based cruises departing from Southampton could not be easier, due to its excellent rail and road links. For a comprehensive list of cruises leaving from Southampton see Cruises From Southampton.

A selection of routes available would be
2 Night Short Break (PO Ventura) (Southampton, Zeebrugge, Southampton)

Canaries Spring Cruise (Fred Olsen Black Watch) (Southampton, Funchal, St Cruz De La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Agadir, Arrecife, Southampton)

Western Mediterranean (PO Oceana) (Southampton, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Monaco, Barcelona, Cadiz, Southampton)

Norwegian Fjords (PO Ventura) (Southampton, Bergen, Flam, Olden, Stavanger, Southampton)

Baltic (PO Arcadia) (Southampton, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Oslo, Kristiansund, Southampton)

Guide to Southampton Cruise Terminals
Eastern Docks
Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, Berths 38 and 39
The QE2 terminal was opened in 1966 by the Queen. The terminal is the home of Cunard's cruiseliners, Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Facilities include a short stay car park, a bar, a taxi rank and a cafe. The viewing area is not open to visitors.

Ocean Cruise Terminal, Berth 46
The original Ocean Cruise Terminal was a designer Art-Deco construction. Unfortunately this was demolished in 1983 The replacement building, completed in 2009, is a total change from its namesake, being a huge modern design with simple curved lines. Facilites available are a cab rank, a short stay car park, and a restaurant and bar.

Western Docks
City Cruise Terminal, Berth 101
This Terminal has undergone an ambitious renovation to double its size. It can now handle the largest 'Freedom Class' ships of RCI. Facilities available are a short stay car park, a taxi rank, a bar and cafe. Closeby Mayflower Park is a great place to watch ship sailings.

Horzion Cruise Terinal Berth 102
Horizon cruise terminal was inaugurated in 2021, thanks to a partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and the port. The two level terminal offers a full range of modern facilities..

Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Berth 106
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal, opened in 1960, has long been associated with the P&O fleet of cruise ships. Facilities include a taxi rank, a bar and cafe, and viewing gallery.

For more terminal details see Southampton Port.

Sightseeing in Southampton
Southampton is normally viewed as a port of departure, and not many cruise passengers linger to investigate the city itself. Though if you've spare time at one or the other end of your cruise, there's plenty to do and see.

Old Town
In the medieval era, the town was surrounded by a fortified wall with imposing gate buildings. The 'Bargate' at the northern end of the old town, is still Southampton's most famous building. The building is a good location to start the walk of the city's walls. Stop at the guardtowers, the remains of the castle, the West Gate, the remains of the and God's House Tower where you'll find is home to} the local Archaeological Museum (free). Other noticable places include the fully restored Medieval Merchants House, the Maritime Museum in the old Wool House (free entrance), with its Titanic exhibits, and the beautiful Tudor House, a (free) museum with peaceful grounds.

Shopping Centers
The city's main retail center, Above Bar, is where you'll find the main high street chains. An alternative destination is Ocean Village which has undercover outlets, a peaceful marina and many bars and excellent restaurants. Another possibility is the modern West Quay retail center which features leading chain stores.

Art Exhibitions
Southampton Art Gallery has a good reputation for its collection of pre-Raphaelite art.

Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum showcases the innovative work of R Mitchell, the Spitfire's creator.

The Titanic Trail
Walk around the trail finding out about places with connections to the Titanic. The walk commences at the Musicians Memorial and stops at the Maritime Museum, situated in the Wool House, which showcases the history of the tragic voyage.

The New Forest
An enchanting area known for its unique heathland, and ancient arrangements of animal pastures.

Getting to Southampton's Cruise TerminalsBy Car
The M27 motorway, linking places along the south coast of England, passes to the north of the city. The M3 motorway links Southampton to London and also, by linking to the A34 road with the Midlands and North. The M271 motorway, a spur of the M27, connects it with the Docks and city centre.

By Rail
Direct trains link Southampton with London, and many other parts of the UK. There is an every 30 minute service between London Waterloo and Southampton Central station. Rail routes run east towards Portsmouth, north towards the Midlands, and west to cities such as Salisbury, Bath, and Bristol.
From outside the train station you can either catch a taxi, or there is a free CityLink bus service between the rail station and Town Quay every quarter-hour.

By Aeroplane
From London Heathrow Airport There is a National Express coach to and from Heathrow Terminal every hour.
From London Gatwick Take the train to Southampton Central station.
From Southampton Airport Catch a taxi to the port. The airport is well served, with planes from Belfast, Jersey, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Isle of Man, Aberdeen and Liverpool.

Cruise From The Heart Of The Aegean - Piraeus, Athens, Greece

The History of Piraeus

Piraeus has served as the port for Athens since the Golden Age. The port was conceived during the the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who foresaw the potential of its three deep water harbors. The early buildings and docks were extended by Pericles with the construction of fortified 'Long Walls' to protect the corridor to Athens. Today it is a substantial city in itself, handling much of Greater Athens' commerce. For the majority of visitors, however, it is Piraeus's inter-island ferries that are the reason for coming. The port despatches up to 60 ferries each day.

Incidentally the correct Greek way to spell Piraeus is now Pireas, and all signs have been changed accordingly.

Athens is just seven miles from Piraeus, and most tourists will spend the majority of their visit in Athens, rather than Piraeus. Situated on a plain surrounded by five mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. But at the city's center stands the iconic Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for travellers from all around the world. Near the Acropolis lies the welcoming tourist-friendly district of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and the Acropolis and Plaka form the main draw for travellers.

Port of Piraeus
Your ship will dock in the Piraeus Port located to the south of the city. The port sits on the Saronic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea. Piraeus port is a major ferry terminus, providing a service to the many Greek Islands. As Greece is made up of many islands, ferry traffic is vital and ferries arrive at and leave from Piraeus round the clock. The cruise ship berths are on the southern side of the port.

Cruiseliners moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, accessed by gate E11, is situated in mid-harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris quays. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, lies at the mouth of the harbour, inside the Termistokleous pier. The cruise ship capacity of the port is up to 11 ships, depending on their size.

The cruise ship routes from Piraeus include a wide selection from ports in the Greek Islands, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and the Black Sea. For a comprehensive listing of cruises, Cruises From Piraeus.

Sightseeing in Athens

The Acropolis
The main attraction in Athens is the Acropolis. It costs EUR12 for admittance into the Acropolis.
At the top of the Acropolis stands the magnificent Parthenon, a superb ancient Greek temple, a magestic sight from everywhere in Athens.
Another iconic building is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that act as pillars are replicas - you can see 5 of the originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with large pieces of the Parthenon frieze.

Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their one-of-a-kind skirt with white tights and oddball shoes. A memorable sight is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits Plaka. This pretty area is made up of pedestrian streets, shops and pavement restaurants.

Roman Forum in Plaka
The Roman Agora is situated at the west side of Plaka. Here sits the interesting Tower of the Winds, a 8 sided tower with a different wind god on each side. Shares ticket with Acropolis.

The Shops in Plaka
There are a ton of local products worth considering. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced nearby and give great value for money. The local antiques market is bustling and interesting.

Restaurants in Plaka
Dining in one of the pavement restaurants enjoying a plate of local food with a glass of ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the evening.

Things to See in Piraeus
Marina Zea, the leisure marina - pretty waterside, with cafes and bars.

Hellenic Nautical Museum - painting, models, flags, maps all with a Greek nautical theme.

Archeological Museum - impressive bronze statues of the Greek gods, from both the Classical and Roman periods.

Getting to the Cruise Terminals
From the Piraeus Metro Line station
It's around 1 mile from the station to Cruise Terminal A, and about a mile and a half to Cruise Terminal B. Walking's not practical, as its quite a hike on a boiling day. Instead walk over the main road via the new bridge for pedestrians. Take one of the following buses to the cruise terminal: 832, 833, 843, 859.

From Athens City Center to Piraeus Port
Metro Line
The best way to travel from Athens to the Piraeus Port is via the metro electric rail line. ISAP Line 1 (green, Kifissia - Piraeus) joins the city of Athens directly to Piraeus Port. Look at the metro map (http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/ath/athens.htm) for the correct route to take from your location in Athens.
By Bus
There are 2 buses that travel between Piraeus and Athens. Buses Nos 040 and 049 operate all day, running every 20 minutes from 6am until midnight and then every hour. Bus No 040 runs Cruise Departure Port - Piraeus, Greecebetween Syntagma square (Plaka district) in Athens and Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus (situated right between the cruise terminals). Bus No 049 links Omonia Square in Athens and Themistokleous Square in Piraeus. Get off at Karaiskaki square which is opposite gate E8, and from here take a 843 bus to the cruise terminals located at gate E11 or E12.
Taxi
Taxi fares are relatively low in Athens, but scam taxi drivers are fairly not uncommon, so use the service arranged by your hotel. It's extra for baggage (EUR0,30 for each item), and extra for entrance to the port ( EUR0,60). The trip between Athens' center and Piraeus takes around 30 min and the taxi fare is around EUR20.

Travelling from Athens Airport to Piraeus
Metro Train
Line 3 links the airport to Monastiraki station where you change to Line 1, taking you to Piraeus. The journey time between the airport and the port is about an hour and a quarter.
Bus
Bus no X96 runs day and night between the airport and Piraeus's Karaïskaki Square, with services 3 times an hour. The bus leaves from the area outside arrivals Gate 5. On arrival at Piraeus catch a further bus to the cruise terminals (numberno 832, 833, 843 or 859).
Taxi
There's a surcharge for trips from Athens' airport, luggage costs more per item and the ride takes at least 1 hour (iit's 30 km between Athens' airport and Piraeus port) so the cab price can come to €50 or more.

Favorite Port Of Call - Castries, St Lucia

Introduction

The shoreline of St. Lucia is nothing short of spectacular with its secret coves and uncrowded beaches. The 2 symetrical peaks, called the Pitons, form the island’s highest peaks and its most impressive icons.

The islands' capital, Castries, is appealingly situated in a sheltered bay beneath a backcurtain of mountains. The strategic importance of its superb natural harbour was recognized from the earliest days of European colonialism. For many decades Britain and France fought for possession of the island. At the end of the 19th century, Castries was an major hub for Caribbean shipping.

Numerous earthquakes, hurricanes and devestating fires have obliterated any remnants of Castries' colonial charm, leaving a modern town. There are only a few nineteenth and twentieth century Creole style traditional buildings that have been saved from destruction.

St Lucia also boasts the planet's only drive-in volcano, as well as stench-ridden sulphur springs, and famous Diamond Falls where the mineral-laden waters are renowned for their beneficial qualities and swimmers can enjoy in ponds of varying heat.

Without a doubt, the island’s gorgeous scenery, unspoiled beaches and luxuriant greenery make St. Lucia an unmissable destination.


Castries Port - Description

The cruise ship will be scheduled to dock at Pointe Seraphine in Castries. The center of town is about 15 minutes on foot. If the Point Seraphine berths are full, your cruise ship will dock at Port Carenage, which is even more convenient. Port Seraphine can host 1 to 3 cruise ships simultaneously. If you're taking a taxi into town, note that taxi fares are set, so make sure you use a registered taxi, marked by a TX on the number plate.

For more port details see the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Website. For a list of cruises that call at Castries see St Lucia Cruise Schedules.

Don't Miss

Shops
There are two modern tax-free shopping cemters at either side of the docks. Pointe Seraphine, the closer, offers souvenirs and island-made handicrafts. Local products are hand-made batiks, impressive pottery and intricate straw baskets and jars. Across the port La Carenage is a large shopping center filled with outlets and restaurants. Water taxis offer a service between Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. For an entirely different experience, try the local and lively market in central Castries. Here the first Market Hall, built completely of iron and finished in 1894, still stands. The market is home to over three hundred traders.

Dining
For food-lovers 2 restaurants can be recommended in the vicinity of the port. The Coal Pot, which features New World cooking - a combination of local seafood with traditional French cuisine. Or try Froggie Jacques Bistro for a different take on fusion cuisine. Both these two establishments are located in the Ganters Bay area, just a few minutes from the port.

Derek Walcott Square

The square is named after the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, well known for his superb poetry. For a taste of his work -

Those five or six young guys
lunched on the stoop
that oven-hot summer night
whistled me over. Nice
and friendly. So, I stop.
MacDougal or Christopher
Street in chains of light.
(taken from Blues)

The grandest building on the square is the Cathedral. Its sombre exterior hides a stylish inside of note for the richly colored stained-glass windows. Whilst in the square also clock the 400 year old samaan tree. Close by you'll reach Morne Fortune, translated as 'lucky hill'. Its top gives a super panoramic vista of Castries.

Tour to Soufriere

This is St Lucia’s most historic town named by the French after the sulphorous whiff that wafts down from the nearby volcano. Situated in the southern half of the island and in a beautiful setting, it is around an hour’s trip from Castries, along a winding road through steep, green-clad countryside.
The town even now features some original Creole wooden buildings, but it is more famous for its incredible natural surroundings. Wonder at the famous twin Pitons, the world’s only drive-in volcano, take a dip in its sulphur springs. And include in your visit the booming Diamond Falls waterfall. At the moment Holland America Line offer a cruise that visits both Castries and Sourfriere. See

Cruises to Soufriere.

Trip to Pigeon Island

This beauty place isn’t actually an island, as it is linked to the mainland by a manmade causeway. Pigeon Island can boast of a greater amount of history than any other part St Lucia. It has been used both as a pirate hideout and a military station. Impressive are the partly restored remains of an eighteenth century fort constructed by the British. Also visit the Pigeon Island Museum, which chronicles the island's development. Windstar cruiseline visit Pigeon Island, click on

Cruises to Pigeon Island.

Trip to Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is St Lucia's main resort, a lively center of shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels behind Reduit Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. (Rodney BayThe townThe resort} is about a 15 minutes by car from Castries.

Jungle Activities

St Lucia’s steep, hilly terrain lends itself to adventure. On offer are hiking, walking, quad-biking, biking and horse-riding. The daredevils amongst you will try out the zip-wire rides soaring through the jungle. An option is more chilled-out Aerial Tram, which gives wonderful views of the lovely surroundings.

Tour to Fond Doux Estate
This nineteenth century West Indies style working plantation gives tourists the chance to experience a real taste, feel and smell for St. Lucia through the tropical fruits and plants in the grounds. There are acres of cocoa bushes, bananas and coconuts along with coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardomon, and lots of citrus fruits. The orchards, original sugar works and fascinating spices plot are always open for tourists to see. Fond Doux's restaurant serves a superb Creole cuisine.

Other Information

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Language Spoken: French and English
Time Zone: GMT minus four hours

Cruise Port - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Introduction
Suan Juan is a city steeped in history. As far back as 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon founded Caparra, a small town near to a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the base was abandoned and moved to the current position of Old San Juan. During the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish expeditionary forces leaving to a several regions in the Caribbean.
Even now the old city of San Juan offers an original Old World feel with over 400 restored Spanish 17th century villas. The area also contains many restaurants, bars, shops and casinos for cruise passengers to experience.


You Choose The Cruise
Many seasoned cruise vacationers turn to San Juan as an alternative to a Florida departure port. Thanks to its central Caribbean situation, the island provides good access to interesting Southerrn Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight saves the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The choice of cruises available from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). Several cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. For a complete selection see Cruises From San Juan Puerto Rico.




San Juan Cruise Terminals
San Juan port is split into 3 areas. Old San Juan quays 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships starting from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from Old San Juan).





Sightseeing in Old San Juan
Charming Old San Juan stands atop a bluff facing the Atlantic to the north, and the bay to the south. This walled fortified area, today a major historic landmark, was founded in 1510. Old San Juan is a small area, quick to get around on foot. When your energy runs out catch the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the tight cobblestone streets and admire the pastel colored buildings, craft shops, and wander around the interesting museums.

Paseo de la Muralla and Paseo de la Princesa
Two enjoyable walks are the Paseo de la Princesa, a newly reworked path that meanders along the coast and the Paseo de la Muralla which contours along the ancient city walls. Following these paths will help you get your bearings of the city.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating back to 1539, protects San Juan from sea attack. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thickstone walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort dates back to the eighteenth century and contains an intricate network of tunnels built for clandestine goings-on.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fort, constructed in 1540. It later became the governor's official residence. Informative tours lead you through the opulent interior, with golden banquet hall, tall galleries, and rooms laid out in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan
This impressive cathedral was built in 1592, on the same site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a hurricane. Located on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the bones of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, and the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coast is one of the prettiest in the city. It's quick to reach, and gives fabulous views along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coastline, is also worth a visit.

Shopping
Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the multitude of shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. Alternatively visit the two craft markets to find a wide choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, a short distance along from pier 1.


Getting to San Juan Port
From the Airport
The airport is located approximately ten miles from the Pan American dock and eleven miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes around three quarters of an hour in a taxi for the journey. The cost is around $20. There are extra charges for baggage.


Other Info
Official Language English and Spanish
Currency US Dollar
Weather Puerto Rico basks in near summer weather all year, with daytime high temperatures varying from 75 to 85F.
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time GMT-4