Delve into the rich history and many attractions of this bustling city, located on England’s south coast about 70 miles from London, in the scenic county of Hampshire.

Local Culture and Flavor
Southampton is a vibrant coastal city that’s been a major seaport for hundreds of years and its maritime history can be explored at numerous locations, including the SeaCity Museum, Solent Sky and God’s House Tower. The city also features lots of shopping, several theatres and many art galleries and parks. In addition, Southampton offers interesting self-guided walks, including the Titanic Trail and the city’s medieval walls.

Past and Present
The city first came to be an important port when the Normans arrived in 1066, as it was the main connection to their lands in Normandy and the South of France. By the 13th century, Southampton was a leading port in the trade of wine and wool. In 1338, it was attacked and plundered by the French. Afterwards, the city’s walls, much of which remain today, were reinforced. The port was also the original departure point for the pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Eventually, the city became a spa town, attracting fashionable society and leading to commercial development. In the 1900s, Southampton became known for being the departure point for the fated ship, Titanic. Later, it became a prime target during World War II due to its status as a major port and industrial area, and because the iconic Spitfire fighter plane was built there. Today, Southampton remains famous for its interesting history, its medieval city walls and for being a popular liner port.

Discover its maritime past and find lots more to keep you entertained in Southampton.

Shopping
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, be sure to hit the shops at Westquay, with over 100 stores to browse.

SeaCity Museum
At SeaCity Museum, interactive exhibitions let you learn all about the city and its historic connections with Titanic and the sea.

Mayflower Theatre
Built in 1928, the Mayflower is one of the biggest theatres in the south of England, and the biggest in the county of Hampshire. Seating over 1,500 people, it hosts musicals, plays, dance performances, operas and comedy shows from the West End.

Tudor House & Garden
This carefully restored house, built in the late 15th century, captures home life in Southampton through the years and features a beautiful garden and a wide variety of interesting artifacts—including decorated glass panes and a penny-farthing bicycle.

God’s House Tower
A 700-year-old monument located in Southampton’s Old Town, God’s House Tower is a venue for emerging and established artists, who use the city’s history as inspiration.

The Titanic Trail
Many locals were among the crew of the Titanic, and many memorials were erected after the sinking. You can see them by walking the Titanic Trail, which starts from the Civic Centre.

What to know before you go to Southampton, England.

Language
English is the official language of Southampton, England.

Weather
In the summer, the average temperature high is approximately 70°F (21°C). The average low is generally 55°F (11°C).

Tipping
Tipping is not expected in the United Kingdom the way it is in some other countries. A tip is not required at fast-food restaurants or pubs. At sit-down restaurants, check the bill to see if a service charge was added. If service is not already included, wait staff should get 10-15% of the bill. For taxis, you can round up the fare to the nearest pound.

How to Pay
The Great British Pound (GBP), also known as the pound sterling, is the official currency, although many stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Note: A value-added tax applies to most purchases.

How to Get Around
Taxis are easy to find, with taxi ranks located at Southampton Central railway station, Southampton Airport Parkway station, near Westquay Shopping Centre and the High Street. If you aren’t in a rush, Southampton is a great city for pedestrians, with the majority of it being flat. Plus, it’s bike-friendly, with plenty on offer for cyclists if you want to stay active and go where you please. There are also bus services, including Quayconnect, which operates every 30 minutes between the Central railway station (South Side) and Red Funnel’s ferry terminals at Town Quay via the WestQuay shopping center.

Safety in Southampton
Southampton is a popular travel destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables. Please follow these tips to help ensure that you have a fun and safe vacation.

Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and any bags securely zipped.

Learn about departure port details such as driving directions, parking and onboarding information.

Southampton Port Terminal – Horizon Cruise Terminal

Address
Horizon Cruise Terminal
102 Berth, Dock Gate 10
West Bay Road
Southampton
SO15 1AW

Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal. The terminal may vary by sail date.

Driving Directions

Take the M3/M27 to Southampton. Leave the M27 at Junction 3 and follow the M271 towards Southampton and The Docks. At the end of the motorway, bear left onto the A33 towards City Centre and The Docks. Continue along this road, bearing right along A33 towards Dock Gates 4-10. Parking and drop-off locations are signed.

Parking
Secure on-site parking is available at the Port of Southampton through ABParking. To book, Guests may visit their website at www.abparking.co.uk or by calling +4423 8048 8870. It is recommended that parking be pre-booked as the Port of Southampton cannot guarantee parking spaces during the peak summer months. A daily fee is charged for each day a vehicle is parked in the facility.

Southampton Port Terminal – City Cruise Terminal

Address
City Cruise Terminal
101 Berth, Dock Gate 8
Solent Road
Southampton
SO15 1HJ

Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal. Please note that the terminal may vary by sail date.

City Terminal Sail Date
July 31, 2025
August 5, 2025
August 10, 2025
August 18, 2025
August 22, 2025
August 25, 2025
August 29, 2025
September 1, 2025
September 8, 2025
October 20, 2025

Parking
Secure on-site parking is available at the Port of Southampton through ABParking. To book, Guests may visit their website at www.abparking.co.uk or by calling +4423 8048 8870. It is recommended that parking be pre-booked as the Port of Southampton cannot guarantee parking spaces during the peak summer months. A daily fee is charged for each day a vehicle is parked in the facility.

Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage.

Note: All Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.

By Train
There are frequent trains from major destinations across the UK to Southampton Central Station, run by various operators—including fast trains every 30 minutes from London Waterloo, operated by South Western Railway with a journey time of around 75 minutes. Visit South Western Railway for more details. Direct trains also run hourly from stations such as Brighton, Gatwick, Portsmouth, Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Bournemouth.

By Taxi
Taxis will be available at the cruise terminal, but pre-booking is recommended.

Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests during Youth Activities registration on board the ship.

Wheelchair Accessibility
The cruise terminal building and parking areas are wheelchair accessible. If you require temporary use of a wheelchair at the pier upon embarkation or debarkation, please request one using our Special Services form prior to your arrival at the cruise terminal.