Celebrity Cruises operates a growing number of sailings from Southampton across the summer season, with ships such as Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Eclipse, and Celebrity Apex featuring regularly in the UK itinerary. The line attracts a premium-casual demographic that travels with good luggage — planning your chauffeur transfer correctly makes the difference between a smooth boarding day and a scramble.
Which terminal does Celebrity use?
Celebrity Cruises at Southampton most commonly uses City Cruise Terminal (CT5, Berth 101). Occasional sailings use Mayflower Cruise Terminal (CT1, Berth 106). Terminal assignments shift by ship and sailing date — Celebrity publishes the confirmed terminal in your cruise documentation, usually four to six weeks before departure.
When you book with Fare 1 share your ship name and departure date. We check the terminal and programme the correct routing — CT5 is accessed via the Western Docks Road off Test Road, while CT1 (Mayflower) is reached via Herbert Walker Avenue. Arriving at the wrong terminal on a turnaround Saturday can cost you 30 minutes or more.
Recommended departure timing
Celebrity boarding typically opens around 11:00 with all-aboard around 16:30–17:00. Most passengers aim to arrive at the terminal between 11:30 and 13:30 to avoid the midday peak and still enjoy a leisurely embarkation lunch on board.
Allow extra buffer if your pickup is within Southampton or the surrounding area on a Saturday — cruise turnaround days create localised congestion around the Western Docks. If you are travelling from further afield — Hampshire villages, Wiltshire, Dorset — a morning departure gives you headroom for motorway traffic.
For passengers flying into Heathrow or Gatwick the evening before, an overnight stay near the airport followed by an early chauffeur departure the next morning is the most reliable approach.
Luggage and vehicle choice
Celebrity passengers frequently travel with two large suitcases per person plus hand luggage and perhaps a laptop bag or small tote. For two passengers this amounts to four large cases easily.
- Standard Estate. Best choice for a couple with four large suitcases. The extended boot handles the load without compromising passenger space.
- Executive MPV (Mercedes V-Class). Recommended for three or four passengers, or for two passengers travelling with unusually large cases, golf bags, or mobility equipment. The V-Class boot and cabin provide generous space and a premium boarding experience.
- Standard Saloon. Suitable for two passengers travelling light — two cabin cases and carry-on bags. Not recommended if you are checking multiple large cases.
Your driver will load and unload luggage at the terminal. Celebrity's port porters collect cases from the vehicle at the drop-off point and deliver them to your cabin, so you only handle bags once.
Drop-off at the terminal
At City Cruise Terminal the vehicle pulls into the drop-off forecourt. Your driver will lift luggage out of the boot and transfer it to the porter trolley. You then proceed to the check-in hall with your documents and hand luggage. The driver departs once you are safely through.
At Mayflower Terminal the same procedure applies, though the forecourt layout differs — the drop zone is well signposted and there is generally adequate space for orderly flow.
Return (disembarkation) transfers
Celebrity disembarkation typically runs from 07:00 to around 10:00, with allocated colour-coded luggage tags indicating your departure slot. Book your return transfer for your allocated window — we recommend padding 20 to 30 minutes.
Return bookings with Fare 1 receive a 5% discount. For fares over £250, a further 15% discount applies automatically. Get a live quote at book.fare1.co.uk.
Pricing guidance
Fares are fixed at point of booking — no surge pricing, no hidden additions. As a guide:
- Southampton city pickup to CT5 or CT1: approximately £25–45 depending on exact origin.
- Winchester or Basingstoke pickup: approximately £50–70.
- London or Heathrow pickup: approximately £160–200.
These are approximate figures only. Your live, guaranteed fare is at book.fare1.co.uk.
Book your Celebrity Cruises transfer
Head to book.fare1.co.uk and enter your pickup address, the terminal, and your departure date. Your fixed fare is confirmed immediately — no chasing quotes.