Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Starting your cruise holiday in Southampton means there's no need for international travel, which can eliminate the cost of flights and the often tricky coordination of airport arrival times and the ship's departure from port. It's easy to travel straight to Southampton cruise port by car, taxi or public transport, such as coach or train.

Owing to no air travel (or any other international transfers), you won't be restricted by airline baggage rules. There are no baggage limits with Princess, so you can arrive on embarkation day with as many suitcases as you need. Do be aware that when you first board the ship, your suitcases will be loaded on separately and delivered to your stateroom later that day. We suggest packing a small carry-on bag containing essentials such as sunglasses, sun cream, swimwear and medication, so you have everything you need until your case arrives at your stateroom in time to get ready for dinner.

If you're new to cruising and are wondering what to take, see our guide to what to pack for a cruise holiday.

Flying with babies or young children can be difficult, while air travel may also not be an option for elderly or less-abled family members. Departing from Southampton immediately solves that stress and means the whole family, whatever age and interest, can enjoy the cruise holiday of a lifetime.

Planning your arrival in Southampton with some extra time to spare before embarkation is a great idea. This means you can explore the old port city itself, taking in the likes of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Southampton City Art Gallery, the Tudor House or even the nearby historic city of Winchester. Why not tick off some must-see attractions even before you start your cruise holiday?

Princess departures from Southampton sail around the British Isles, calling at ports such as Dublin, Edinburgh and Liverpool; around the Mediterranean; and to Scandinavia and Russia. Guests can also embark on a Transatlantic cruise, taking in parts of the British Isles and Europe before cruising across the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. If sailing to North America definitely takes your fancy, you can also embark on a round-trip from Southampton to Canada and New England. With so many destinations to choose from, deciding where to cruise to first will be the most difficult part of your holiday.