Here’s my guide to Mayflower Cruise Terminal in Southampton.

Mayflower Cruise Terminal - Everything You Need To Know — Photo by Michael Schreiber on Unsplash‍ ‍

If you’re joining a cruise from Southampton any time soon, then you might be embarking from Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Located in the Western Docks at birth 106, Mayflower is one of several cruise terminals in the city. If you’re not sailing from here, then you will probably find yourself at one Southampton’s other options: City, Horizon, Ocean, or Queen Elizabeth II (QEII).

About Mayflower Cruise Terminal

The terminal is named after the historic vessel, the Mayflower, that sailed to the Americas from Southampton in 1620. Of course the Mayflower Terminal itself is much newer than this, and was constructed in 1960 to serve as a hub for modern cruise passengers.

Today Mayflower terminal is used by a number of major cruise lines, and sees several million passengers pass through its doors each year. It has also been renovated multiple times, with extensive refurbishments taking place in 2003 and 2015.

Personally, I’ve sailed from Mayflower Cruise Terminal several times, and have found the experience to be very positive. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed, with friendly and knowledgable staff who are efficient at what they do. The process of moving through the terminal is very quick, and it usually only takes about an hour to board the ship after arrival.

Here is everything you need to know about sailing from Mayflower Terminal, including its location, the facilities available and where to stay nearby.

Top Tip

When travelling to the terminal, make sure that you don’t arrive earlier than your allocated embarkation time.

This is because you won’t usually be able to embark the ship early, and will be required to wait until your designated time slot.

What Happens When You Arrive at Mayflower Cruise Terminal?

When you first arrive for your cruise, you will usually be greeted by the baggage handlers who are stationed at the drop off point.

These staff members are very friendly and will check that your luggage is correctly labelled before placing it in a baggage pod, where it will be whisked away to the ship. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to print your luggage tags - they always keep spares at the terminal, although preparing them in advance does speed up the process.

Once your luggage has been dropped off you will be directed towards the departures lounge and the security area. If you haven’t checked in online, then make sure you stop by the check in desk where a member of staff can assist you.

Security at Mayflower Terminal looks similar to what you would find at an airport. You will be required to deposit your bags into trays, empty your pockets, and walk through a metal detector. Once this is done you will be free to head up the gangway and join the ship!

Where is Mayflower Cruise Terminal?

Mayflower Cruise Terminal is located in Southampton’s Western Docks, which you can enter via Dock Gate 10.

The full address for the terminal is: Berth 106, Dock Gate 10, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton, SO15 1HJ.

Which Cruise Lines Use Mayflower Cruise Terminal?

Mayflower Cruise Terminal is regularly used by a number of cruise lines, although it is favoured by Cunard, P&O and Princess. I recently boarded the Queen Mary 2 here during a short voyage along the Jurassic Coast.

It’s also common for other cruise lines to dock here during busy periods, with possibilities including:

Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line

Terminal Facilities

Mayflower is a very comfortable cruise terminal with a variety of facilities available for guests.

Inside the departures area you will find lots of seating and public toilets, as well as complimentary magazines. There’s also a small cafe, Ceanos Café, which sells hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The arrivals lounge is smaller than departures, and is where you will be reunited with your luggage after disembarkation. You’ll find some seating here, as well as toilets. This area is open to the public, meaning that friends or relatives can meet you inside the terminal if you wish.

How to Get to Mayflower Cruise Terminal

It’s recommended that you arrive at Mayflower Cruise Terminal by car, as it is difficult to access on foot. If you are driving yourself then you can leave your car in the car park provided (make sure you book this in advance), or you can be dropped off by a third party at the terminal entrance.

Many arrive at the terminal by taxi or Uber, or are dropped off by friends and family.

If you have arrived in Southampton by train, then taxis are readily available from Southampton Central Station. There’s also a dedicated bus service called Quayconnect, which runs regularly from the train station to the docks, ending at the Red Jet Terminal.

National Express coaches also operate to and from the city, based at Southampton Coach Station, which is a short walk away from the Central train station.

You can also travel straight to the terminal by coach, on special services arranged by your cruise line. These will drop you directly at the cruise terminal and must be arranged through your cruise operator or travel agent.

Hotels Near Mayflower Cruise Terminal

There are several hotels close to the cruise terminal.

For a luxurious start to your cruise, then I would recommend booking into the Harbour Hotel, which is a popular option located just minutes away from the port. This four star hotel is one of the best hotels in the city, with a spa, gym, two restaurants and a bar all onsite.

Other nearby options include Room2, The PIG in the Wall, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel.

For my full guide, which includes both budget options and high end hotels, take a look at my blog post here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the postcode?

The postcode for Mayflower Cruise Terminal is: SO15 1HJ

Is there parking?

Yes, there is parking at Mayflower Cruise Terminal although this must be booked in advance. You can usually book parking either through your cruise line, or with local car park operators.

Can I walk from Southampton Central?

It’s very difficult to access Mayflower Cruise Terminal on foot. If you’re not driving, then make sure you book a taxi, Uber, catch a bus, or get a lift from a family member or friend to the terminal.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, there is free wifi throughout the terminal for guests to use.

Is there disabled access?

The terminal is fully accessible for those with disabilities, including step free access and disabled toilets. Make sure you book support through your cruise line in advance of your voyage.

Are taxis available?

Taxis are readily available from Mayflower Cruise Terminal

Can I be dropped off?

Yes - you’ll find a dedicated drop off zone right next to the luggage drop off point outside the terminal.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have a fantastic cruise!

Mayflower Cruise Terminal - Everything You Need To Know