Virgin Voyages is the newest major cruise brand sailing from southern England, offering adult-only ships with a boutique hotel aesthetic — Scarlet Lady and her sister ships take a deliberately different approach to traditional cruising, attracting a younger, design-conscious demographic.
Understanding which terminal serves your Virgin Voyages departure is the first step to planning a smooth chauffeur transfer.
Portsmouth or Southampton?
Virgin Voyages UK sailings have primarily used Portsmouth International Port rather than Southampton's cruise terminals. Portsmouth is approximately 20 miles east of Southampton — a 30 to 45 minute drive on a clear day, longer during peak Saturday turnaround periods when the A27/M27 corridor can queue.
Some Virgin Voyages itineraries and positioning voyages have used Southampton terminals — confirm your departure port from your booking documentation before arranging a transfer. If you have any doubt, share your ship name and departure date with us and we will confirm the correct port.
Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth International Port is located at the eastern end of the harbour, off Wharf Road. It is a modern, purpose-built cruise facility with kerbside drop-off, porter service, and a straightforward terminal layout.
Access from Southampton is via the M27 eastbound and then the A2030 / M275 into Portsmouth. On a Saturday morning the M27 between junctions 4 and 12 can be congested — allow at least 60 minutes from central Southampton, and 75 to 90 minutes if your pickup is from north of Southampton (Winchester, Basingstoke).
The Virgin Voyages passenger
Virgin Voyages attracts adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who often travel light and stylish — carry-on plus one checked bag is common, in contrast to the four-suitcase couples typical of traditional cruise lines. A Standard Saloon is appropriate for most Virgin Voyages couples. For three or four travelling together an MPV offers better cabin space.
Formal eveningwear is largely absent — dress code is smart casual to glam-casual. Luggage volume is generally lower than equivalent-distance sailings on established lines.
Departure timing
Virgin Voyages boarding is typically well organised and paperless — all check-in is app-based before you arrive. Boarding opens around 11:00, all-aboard typically 17:30–18:00. Arriving at the port between 12:00 and 14:00 gives you time to settle in without the initial boarding rush.
Drop-off at Portsmouth
Your driver pulls into the terminal drop-off zone on Wharf Road. Luggage is unloaded and porter-tagged. You proceed to the security and boarding gate with your hand luggage and Virgin Voyages app.
Return transfers (disembarkation)
Virgin Voyages disembarkation is generally efficient — typically 07:00 to 09:30. Pre-book your return transfer with Fare 1 at the same time as your outbound booking. Return journeys receive a 5% discount; fares over £250 receive a further 15% off.
Pricing guidance
Fixed fares, no surge. Approximate one-way figures:
- Southampton centre to Portsmouth port: approximately £45–60.
- Winchester or Fareham pickup to Portsmouth: approximately £50–70.
- London or Heathrow to Portsmouth: approximately £155–185.
- Southampton to Southampton cruise terminals (if applicable): approximately £25–45.
Your live, guaranteed fare at book.fare1.co.uk.
Book your Virgin Voyages transfer
Enter your pickup address and Portsmouth International Port (or your confirmed Southampton terminal) at book.fare1.co.uk to get your fixed fare.