Getting Here
Port of Southampton
Our specialty is providing unique experiences, bringing artists and fans together. We do everything we can to ensure that your onboard experience can't be beat, but we will not be able to book your air travel, hotel, or rental car.
Embarkation Information
Once you begin your check-in with Norwegian Cruise Line (check-in will be open May 6, 2028 - May 24, 2028), you will be prompted to select a time to arrive at the terminal. You must be INSIDE the terminal doors by 4:00pm. The doors will close at 4:00pm, and no one will be allowed to board the ship after that time.
Disembarkation Information
Disembarkation usually begins early in the morning (depending on when customs clears the ship). If you are carrying off your own luggage, you are able to walk off when you are ready. If you prefer to check your luggage, luggage tags are available at the NCL desk and will also be hanging on the nearby wall for you to select the tag you would like. Tags are color-coded by disembarkation time. You will then place your luggage outside of your cabin the night before disembarkation. NCL will provide specific instructions when you stop by to pick up your luggage tag! Luggage tag colors will be called in the morning once your luggage is ready to be retrieved in the terminal.
PORT OF SOUTHAMPTON INFORMATION
Flights
Our specialty is providing unique experiences, bringing fans and their passion together. We do everything we can to ensure that your onboard experience can't be beat, but we will not be able to book your air travel, hotel, or rental car.
Airport Options
SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT
Southampton Airport is close to the city, with taxi transfers to the cruise terminals typically taking around 20 minutes in normal traffic.
LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT
London Heathrow is roughly 65 miles away; taxis, ride-shares, and trains are all available for transport to the cruise terminal. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
LONDON GATWICK AIRPORT
London Gatwick Airport is approximately 75 miles away; taxis, ride-shares, and trains are all available for transport to the cruise terminal. Travel time is approximately 1.5 - 2.5 hours.
Before The Cruise
Choosing to arrive in Southampton the day before our departure date (or a few days prior) can help to avoid any potential flight delays, lost baggage, or other problems that could occur. Need to arrive on the day of departure? We recommend that you schedule your flight arrival in Southampton for no later than 12:00pm.
Guests will be able to begin boarding around 12:00pm and must be on the ship no later than 4:00pm, as we will set sail at 5:00pm.
After The Cruise
We recommend that you arrange your return flight to leave Southampton no earlier than 12:00pm.
Passport
You’re required to carry a valid passport, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise and most guests will require a visa.
Go here to read more about required travel documentation & determine if you require anything in addition to this.
Visas Are Required for All U.S. and Canadian Citizens Traveling to the United Kingdom.
As you prepare for your upcoming voyage that includes a visit to the United Kingdom, we would like to take a moment to share important information regarding travel documentation requirements.
The United Kingdom requires most travelers who do not hold a passport from the United Kingdom or Ireland to obtain an electronic visa, known as the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), to enter the UK by air or sea, regardless of their final destination. This requirement applies to all guests transiting/connecting through the United Kingdom (UK) by air, as well as those who embark, disembark, or visit the UK as a port of call during their cruise.
Please read this communication in its entirety and ensure you are fully compliant with UK entry requirements, as guests who do not meet these requirements may be denied boarding & no refunds will be provided.
IMPORTANT REMINDER REGARDING ONLINE CHECK-IN AND PASSPORT DETAILS
To help avoid delays at embarkation, it is essential that all guests complete online check‑in in full and enter accurate passport information exactly as it appears on their travel document. (Middle names are not required)
For itineraries that include the United Kingdom, visa verification is completed in advance using the passport data provided during online check‑in. Guests who do not complete this step, or whose passport details are incomplete or inaccurate, may be temporarily blocked in the system and require manual review at the terminal. This additional processing can lead to longer wait times at check‑in. Completing online check‑in accurately and in advance helps keep embarkation running smoothly for all guests.
Failure to present a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval email at check‑in will result in denial of boarding.
UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA) REQUIREMENTS
All travelers, European and non‑European, who do not hold a United Kingdom or Ireland passport are required to present a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval email at check‑in for entry by air or sea.
If a visa is required, guests are encouraged to apply by visiting:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The ETA application process may take up to three business days. Guests are encouraged to apply as soon as travel plans are confirmed. If your nationality already requires a visa to enter the United Kingdom, that requirement remains unchanged.
The ETA is issued electronically and remains valid for two years, or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. The authorization is digitally linked to your passport within the UK government system. While no physical document is issued, guests will receive an approval email, which must be presented at check‑in.
Please note that even if your visa documentation indicates that a physical copy is not required for entry, you must travel with either the original visa or a printed copy and have it available when boarding the ship. Guests who are unable to present the required documentation may be denied boarding.
Additional visas or documentation may be required for other countries visited during your voyage, depending on the passport you travel with. Remember, at the time of booking, you acknowledged that the laws that regulate the necessary travel documentation are subject to change and that it is your responsibility to be aware of what is required for travel.
For guests seeking additional support, we have partnered with VisaCentral to provide comprehensive information, application assistance, and visa support services.