Southampton Embarkation Tips

[Railtickethome]

Hi,

 

First post on here and first cruise from Southampton with Celebrity (2 previous cruises from elsewhere) later in the year.  We live in Scotland and will probably drive and just looking for know how on parking etc. Is there an alternative to the terminal parking mentioned on here? Also any good hotels for night before and suggested locations not necessarily in Southampton but within easy 'striking distance'. TIA 

[jocap]

If we drive, we usually take the package with the Holiday Inn, Herbert Walker Drive,  next to City Terminal where Celebrity will most probably be moored; the package is for B&B plus 15 nights car parking.

The next day we can wheel our luggage along the footpath outside the hotel into the terminal, or reception will get you a taxi. You should be able to see the ship out of your window, and if you want to get up in the early morning, you can see her sail in.

[Railtickethome]

Hi,

Very helpful suggestion jocap but having been in touch with the hotel it would seem it comes out about the same price for the parking with transfers. I kind of anticipated this may happen as everything is normally 'priced in' in terms of comparatives. Can I just check though that I am not missing something. They did say it was cheaper than their normal daily parking rate but what I now need to decide is whether to use the parking right by the ship or this without their being a material difference in price. TIA

[jocap]

There are other hotels which do parking and transfers- we've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, Eastleigh which provided shuttle buses... sometimes the port is very busy and hotels can charge what they want- everywhere in the city was full when we went to the HIE... If you're sailing on a popular day, then parking outside and shuttles might be cheaper. Mind you, it added an hour onto our journey back to Cumbria, instead of hopping off the ship and driving away in a few minutes.

[babs135]

Have a look at www.holidayextras.co.uk to see if there's anything suitable for you.  Top right button for port parking and hotels.

[PORT ROYAL]

25 minutes ago, babs135 said:

Have a look at www.holidayextras.co.uk to see if there's anything suitable for you.  Top right button for port parking and hotels.

 

On 1/3/2020 at 8:02 PM, Railtickethome said:

Hi,

 

First post on here and first cruise from Southampton with Celebrity (2 previous cruises from elsewhere) later in the year.  We live in Scotland and will probably drive and just looking for know how on parking etc. Is there an alternative to the terminal parking mentioned on here? Also any good hotels for night before and suggested locations not necessarily in Southampton but within easy 'striking distance'. TIA 

 

Take the Executive Floor, free alcoholic drinks and buffet in the evening, with 24 access to the Lounge with soft drinks, tea/coffe (expresso and late)

secure arking, you keep your keys, large buffet breakfast and private taxi to/from cruise terminal 

clean and comfortable

https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-at-the-ageas-bowl-southampton-SOUAGHI/about/park-and-stay.html

 

Edited January 6, 2020 by PORT ROYAL
Typo

[babs135]

The biggest problem we find is that there doesn't seem to be many hotels who offer parking beyond 21 days (and even these are rare). I have fingers, toes and eyes crossed that we will be able to do a 28 days roundtrip later in the year and would prefer to stay close to the port but have yet to find anything. We have stayed slightly outside of the city but it would be nice to stay somewhere that would give us the option to have a look round Southampton .

[PORT ROYAL]

1 hour ago, babs135 said:

The biggest problem we find is that there doesn't seem to be many hotels who offer parking beyond 21 days (and even these are rare). I have fingers, toes and eyes crossed that we will be able to do a 28 days roundtrip later in the year and would prefer to stay close to the port but have yet to find anything. We have stayed slightly outside of the city but it would be nice to stay somewhere that would give us the option to have a look round Southampton .

 

We use the Hilton Ageas for parking over 21 days.  Their 21 day rate is also for any period above 21 days, and have parked for 36 days, paying the 21 day rate, without any additional payment.  On discussion by E-mail exchanges with Ageas Management the 21 day rate will also include a WC parking.

 

 

[Bloodgem]

When we cruise we often see Penguin Parking mini-vans. I don't know anything about the company but it might be worth checking them out.

[yorkshirephil]

On 1/7/2020 at 9:43 AM, babs135 said:

The biggest problem we find is that there doesn't seem to be many hotels who offer parking beyond 21 days (and even these are rare). I have fingers, toes and eyes crossed that we will be able to do a 28 days roundtrip later in the year and would prefer to stay close to the port but have yet to find anything. We have stayed slightly outside of the city but it would be nice to stay somewhere that would give us the option to have a look round Southampton .

For long cruises we use "New place" which is between Southampton and Portsmouth, they charge £2.50/night extra for parking beyond the 15 night package. There is an option for evening meal with the package, this is handy during winter months as there is nothing much within walking distance. The taxi transfer is in the package. We paid £270 for full package with extra 20 nights parking. If you call them they will likely give you discount?

 

[PORT ROYAL]

21 minutes ago, yorkshirephil said:

For long cruises we use "New place" which is between Southampton and Portsmouth, they charge £2.50/night extra for parking beyond the 15 night package. There is an option for evening meal with the package, this is handy during winter months as there is nothing much within walking distance. The taxi transfer is in the package. We paid £270 for full package with extra 20 nights parking. If you call them they will likely give you discount?

 

 

About £30.00 cheaper than the Ageas Hilton Hotel

[Issyalex]

We travel down from Glasgow the day before. We’ve stayed in several different hotels but the most reasonable one is The Elizabeth House hotel, approx £100 per room B&B with free car parking on the night you are staying and £4 per night while you cruise. A taxi costs approx £8 each way to port terminal. The hotel is a wee bit further back in Southampton but there are some restaurants and pubs nearby. There is also a bus that will take you the 5min bus ride to the quay shopping centre. The hotel has a bar that serves reasonably priced food but only, I think, Mon - Fri. 

Edited February 8, 2020 by Issyalex

[PORT ROYAL]

12 hours ago, Issyalex said:

We travel down from Glasgow the day before. We’ve stayed in several different hotels but the most reasonable one is The Elizabeth House hotel, approx £100 per room B&B with free car parking on the night you are staying and £4 per night while you cruise. A taxi costs approx £8 each way to port terminal. The hotel is a wee bit further back in Southampton but there are some restaurants and pubs nearby. There is also a bus that will take you the 5min bus ride to the quay shopping centre. The hotel has a bar that serves reasonably priced food but only, I think, Mon - Fri. 

Interesting.

The Ageas for 8 nights would be from £147.00 - B&B and taxi

Elizabeth for 8 nights would've be £100.00 + £28 parking + £16 taxi = £144.00

Side by side, think the Ageas is worth the extra £3.00, unless you're on a budget.

 

 

[talljules1]

We used to drive down on the day from Sheffield, but stopped that four years ago when I realised it meant I was tired and grumpy by 7pm.   Now we drive down the day before.  We stay at Best Western Chilworth Manor, which is close to the motorway and about a 20-25 min easy drive to the port.  

We drive from the hotel to the port, and use either ABParking or Southampton Stress Free Cruise Parking (whichever our TA has arranged for us) and both have been fine.   I think the hotel may offer cruise parking - you'd have to give them a call as it is not mentioned on their website.

 

The hotel has a dinner and breakfast package, and for a suite is about £230 for 2 people.  (Less in other rooms).   It is set in wonderful grounds, so it has become our routine to breakfast, take a stroll and then head leisurely to the port.   MUCH more civilised than driving all the way down on the day.

[Redrobo]

Consider ABP parking, its at the terminal within walking distance of the ship. Your bags collected from the car. They offer discounts if you sign up to their E mails.

 

Before we moved to Dorset we used the Ibis hotels, there is the Ibis Budget, Ibis Hotel and Novotel. Cheap and cheerful. Park at the hotels until the morning of the cruise and then just a short drive to the port.

[MicCanberra]

On 1/4/2020 at 7:02 AM, Railtickethome said:

Hi,

 

First post on here and first cruise from Southampton with Celebrity (2 previous cruises from elsewhere) later in the year.  We live in Scotland and will probably drive and just looking for know how on parking etc. Is there an alternative to the terminal parking mentioned on here? Also any good hotels for night before and suggested locations not necessarily in Southampton but within easy 'striking distance'. TIA 

Welcome to cruise critic.

We stayed at a B&B called Rose cottage in Southampton for our last visit, walking distance to most docks or a short cab ride.

[PORT ROYAL]

If on a budget, and seeking a cheaper alternative to ABP then consider Parking4Cruises.

Drop your cases at the Terminal, then drive to the parking opposite the Terminal.

 

[John Bull]

Hilton Ageus, Holiday Inn Eastleigh, New Place, and many other cruise-long park and stay hotels are some distance from the cruise terminals, so you need to factor in free transfers or taxi fares. Nothing much in the way of pubs, restaurants, etc near any of them but since you,ll have a car you,ll find plenty of options within a short drive. For Hilton Ageus or New Place mebbe try Reggina’s or the Botley Brewery (in the mill house), both in Botley.

 

if you want to drive into Southampton city centre for the evening, parking is almost always payable but inexpensive, and no problem finding parking. Head for the waterfront, mebbe set your satnav to Town Quay or Bugle Street for pubs and independent restaurants, or Bargate Street or Harbour Parade for the modern complex of chain restaurants adjacent the West Quay shopping mall and overlooking the city wall.

 

JB 😀

Edited February 13, 2020 by John Bull

[lebreos]

We use Penguin parking, its round on the marchwood estate - secure parking compound you do leave your keys with them but they do an option to pay extra and take keys with you. They mini bus you around from there to drop off at ship and pick you up at prearranged time or ring them night before / in morning to let them know. Been very happy with them, approx £110 for 14 night cruise if my memory is correct

[2BACRUISER]

Has anybody used Dolphin Mercure for onite and parking before cruise? Thanks. 

[PORT ROYAL]

46 minutes ago, 2BACRUISER said:

Has anybody used Dolphin Mercure for onite and parking before cruise? Thanks. 

 

Yes, years ago.

It's just a glorified large guest house.

Car was dinged while parked with them.  

No CCTV, no assistance, only the shrug of shoulders and diection to their terms and conditions.  Nothing to do with the establishment. Your fault for parking there.

Bye