Southampton is the UK's busiest cruise port and handles more embarkations than any other British port. Four terminals operate across two dock zones — the Western Docks and the Eastern Docks — and arriving at the wrong one on a peak Saturday can cost you significant time. This guide explains each terminal clearly.
The four terminals at a glance
Southampton's cruise terminals are identified by a CT number and a name. They are spread across two distinct dock areas that are not directly connected by road without a detour through the town centre.
CT1 — Mayflower Cruise Terminal Located in the Western Docks, off Herbert Walker Avenue. Berth 106. One of Southampton's oldest and most used cruise terminals. P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Fred. Olsen regularly use Mayflower. The terminal building is large and well-equipped with check-in desks, a bag-drop area, and a holding lounge. Drop-off is via the signed forecourt on Herbert Walker Avenue.
CT2 — Ocean Cruise Terminal (QEII area) Located in the Eastern Docks, Berths 38 and 39. Also referred to as the QEII Terminal, although the QEII itself long since departed. Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and various international lines use CT2 for select sailings. Access is via the Eastern Docks gate on Albert Road South — a different approach from the Western Docks and a common source of confusion.
CT5 — City Cruise Terminal Located in the Western Docks, Berth 101. Close to the city centre waterfront. Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, and various others use CT5. The terminal has a modern drop-off forecourt accessed via the Western Docks Road. A short access road leads from Town Quay Road directly to the terminal. This is Southampton's most modern cruise facility.
CT6 — Horizon Cruise Terminal Located in the Eastern Docks, Berth 46. The newest of Southampton's four terminals, opened in 2009. Norwegian Cruise Line and occasional other lines use Horizon. Access is from the Eastern Docks via Albert Road South. Separate from CT2 within the same dock zone.
Western Docks vs Eastern Docks — why it matters
The Western and Eastern Docks are on opposite sides of Southampton Old Town. Driving from the Western Docks drop-off approach to the Eastern Docks requires going back through the town centre — typically 10 to 15 minutes on a quiet day, 25 to 30 minutes on a busy Saturday when the docks approach roads are queuing.
Arriving at Mayflower (CT1, Western) when your ship is at Horizon (CT6, Eastern) is a frustrating and avoidable error. Always confirm your terminal from your cruise line documentation before your transfer, and share that confirmation with your driver.
How Fare 1 handles terminal routing
When you book with Fare 1 you are asked for your terminal — you can specify CT1, CT2, CT5, or CT6, or simply name the terminal. If you are unsure, share your cruise line, ship name, and sailing date. We cross-reference and programme the correct berth.
On the day, your driver has the terminal address in navigation from the start. We do not rely on the passenger to direct us once on the docks road network.
Which line uses which terminal?
These assignments are approximate — cruise lines occasionally move ships between berths and terminals vary by season. Always verify with your cruise documentation.
- CT1 (Mayflower): P&O Cruises, Cunard (QM2 and QE some sailings), Fred. Olsen, TUI.
- CT2 (Ocean/QEII): Cunard (Queen Elizabeth frequently), Holland America, Royal Caribbean (some sailings), international lines.
- CT5 (City): Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, Royal Caribbean (some sailings), Saga (occasional).
- CT6 (Horizon): Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking (some sailings), smaller operators.
On turnaround Saturdays — congestion zones
On a Saturday when three or four ships are all boarding, the approach roads to both dock zones queue. The Western Docks approach from the M271/A33 can back up from the roundabout junction, and the Eastern Docks gate can queue on Albert Road South.
Building 20 to 30 minutes of buffer into your arrival time is standard practice on a summer Saturday. See cruise turnaround Saturdays — timing and congestion for a detailed guide.
Book your terminal transfer
Enter your pickup address and your confirmed terminal at book.fare1.co.uk for a fixed fare to any of Southampton's four cruise terminals.