About our cruises from Southampton

Our no-fly cruises from Southampton let you explore every inch of northern Europe, from the fjords to Finland. You won’t find itineraries to Italy, the Canaries or the Caribbean here, because these sailings are all about gleaming glaciers, Baltic capitals and mountain-cuddled towns. As well as Norwegian-focused holidays, our Baltic cruises from Southampton take you to cities, like Oslo, Tallinn and St Petersburg.

If you book one of our Southampton Cruises, you’ll get to sail on one of our newest, All Inclusive ships – like Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer.

As for Southampton itself, it’s a port city through and through. But it’s not all cruise ships. It’s also home to an interactive model of the Titanic, a shiny harbourfront shopping complex and the biggest working steam ship in Britain. Plus, you can swap blue for green in the neighbouring New Forest.

How to get to Southampton Port

If you’re wondering how far is Southampton from me? Are there any airports near Southampton? Or, what’s in port? Don’t worry, here’s our guide on everything you need to know about Southampton’s cruise terminal.

Car: Southampton Port has two major motorways at its fingertips. The M3 and the M27 are both within half an hour’s drive – just follow the directions to Southampton. Head for the City Cruise Terminal, Solent Road, Western Docks, Southampton, SO15 1HJ. When you arrive, make sure you have your Marella Cruises paperwork ready. The port staff will direct you to the luggage drop area and point you towards the cruise parking.

Coach: We’ve teamed up with Intercruises to provide you with transfers to Southampton Port with lots of pick-up points across the UK. Log onto www.intercruises.com/marella or call 0131 297 4391 to book your seat.

Train: Southampton Central Station is between a five and 15-minute cab ride from the port, depending on your dock gate. It has links to Brighton, Cardiff and Manchester, to name a few. From London, you can reach Southampton in an hour and a half or less.

Air: Southampton Airport is just 10 miles away from Southampton Port, so a taxi journey shouldn’t take much longer than 20 minutes. You can fly here from plenty of UK airports, including Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Arrives at 9AM

What better way to experience Norway than with a visit to its birthplace? The battle that marked the unification of 29 Norwegian kingdoms into one country took place in the Haugalandet region – just down the road from Haugesund – in the year 872. Nowadays, the town is home to pretty, pastel coloured buildings and stunning natural landscapes. Plus, it’s becoming a hotspot for glitzy film and music festivals.

• Pay a visit to Haraldshaugen – it’s the national monument of Norway and commemorates the unification of the country. Its tall granite obelisk is surrounded by 29 memorial stones – one for each former kingdom.

• See the town from above at Haugesund’s best viewpoint – on top of Steinsfjellet Mountain. If you look over the fir tree forests, you can see out to the North Sea and the picturesque islands that are dotted along the coast.

• In Haugesund, you’re within easy reach of Karmøy island, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Norway. They’ve got soft, white sand, and there are some grassy dunes to hike along, too.

Departs at 6PM

Arrives at 8AM

With v-neck valleys, jagged mountain peaks and glossy lakes, Eidfjord showcases all of Norway’s trademark scenery. But that’s only half the story. Set in the Hardangerfjord region, the town has a slightly milder climate than some of its northern neighbours. And, as a result, the landscape has got a look all of its own. In fact, the area surrounding Eidfjord is known as Norway’s orchard because of the apple, pear, plum and cherry trees that grow here. Visit in May or June and the whole place will be covered in a confetti of fresh blossom petals.

• Hop onboard Eidfjord’s ‘troll train’ for a village sightseeing tour. This vehicle runs on wheels and looks like a brightly-coloured children’s toy.
• Head for the more distant landmarks like the moonscaped Osa Mountains, with their stellar views of Hardangerjokulen glacier.

Departs at 4PM

Arrives at 8AM

You’ll find the area of Vik I Sogn pulled up along the southern shoreline of Sognefjorden – Norway’s biggest fjord. The first thing you’ll notice here is the textbook Norwegian countryside. Think snow-capped mountains, rolling green hills and plenty of easy-going, waterfront walking trails. A few pocket-sized villages are sprinkled along the coast for you to explore, too. They’re a good place to learn about the area’s Viking-filled history. Make sure you also sample some fresh raspberries during a walk around one of the local fruit farms.

Departs at 7PM

Arrives at 8AM

The village of Nordfjordeid sits at the end of a 15-kilometre-long fjord that’s surrounded by steep mountains to the north and south. But despite its cut-off location, 3,000 people call this place home. Take a walk along the village’s waterfront and soak up the scenery. Or head off to tour the nearby lakes. You can reach Hornindalsvatnet and Breimsvatnet lakes by road in less than an hour.

• Looking for the best view of the area? Head to the Loen Skylift – a cable car that climbs up the mountainside. There’s even a restaurant at the top with panoramic views of the fjords.
• Western Norway’s famous for the fjord horse, a small breed that’s been used in farming for over 4,000 years. See them up close at the nearby equestrian centre.
• If you’re looking for a quiet day out on the water, sign up for a boat ride or kayaking session along the fjords. You might even see killer, sperm and humpback whales in the summer.

Departs at 4PM

Arrives at 8AM

This sophisticated little city thrives in a patchwork of heather-covered hills and breathtaking fjords. Whether you come here to unravel its spellbinding history or just to soak up the magical scenery, Stavanger puts it all there on a plate for you.

• Stroll through the old quarter, packed with olde-worlde wooden houses, and see artists hard at work in their studios.
• Pay a visit to the 12th-century Stavanger Domkirke. One of Norway’s most beautiful Medieval creations, its features include a vaulted ceiling and a late 13th-century Gothic chancel.

Departs at 4PM

About our cruises from Southampton

Our no-fly cruises from Southampton let you explore every inch of northern Europe, from the fjords to Finland. You won’t find itineraries to Italy, the Canaries or the Caribbean here, because these sailings are all about gleaming glaciers, Baltic capitals and mountain-cuddled towns. As well as Norwegian-focused holidays, our Baltic cruises from Southampton take you to cities, like Oslo, Tallinn and St Petersburg.

If you book one of our Southampton Cruises, you’ll get to sail on one of our newest, All Inclusive ships – like Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer.

As for Southampton itself, it’s a port city through and through. But it’s not all cruise ships. It’s also home to an interactive model of the Titanic, a shiny harbourfront shopping complex and the biggest working steam ship in Britain. Plus, you can swap blue for green in the neighbouring New Forest.

How to get to Southampton Port

If you’re wondering how far is Southampton from me? Are there any airports near Southampton? Or, what’s in port? Don’t worry, here’s our guide on everything you need to know about Southampton’s cruise terminal.

Car: Southampton Port has two major motorways at its fingertips. The M3 and the M27 are both within half an hour’s drive – just follow the directions to Southampton. Head for the City Cruise Terminal, Solent Road, Western Docks, Southampton, SO15 1HJ. When you arrive, make sure you have your Marella Cruises paperwork ready. The port staff will direct you to the luggage drop area and point you towards the cruise parking.

Coach: We’ve teamed up with Intercruises to provide you with transfers to Southampton Port with lots of pick-up points across the UK. Log onto www.intercruises.com/marella or call 0131 297 4391 to book your seat.

Train: Southampton Central Station is between a five and 15-minute cab ride from the port, depending on your dock gate. It has links to Brighton, Cardiff and Manchester, to name a few. From London, you can reach Southampton in an hour and a half or less.

Air: Southampton Airport is just 10 miles away from Southampton Port, so a taxi journey shouldn’t take much longer than 20 minutes. You can fly here from plenty of UK airports, including Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.