Southampton has a proud maritime history. Some of the first people to use the town as a port of entry and a trading post were the Normans, after their invasion of Britain in 1066. From then on Southampton became established as an important port, and in 1843 the port's first commercial dock was opened. It was to become known as the ‘Outer Dock' to distinguish it from the smaller and older ‘Town Dock'. In the early part of the 20th century Southampton Docks handled nearly half of the country's oceanic passenger traffic. Nowadays the port is recognised as the cruise capital of the UK, with more than 65% of cruise holidays beginning or ending in Southampton.

All major cruise lines, including P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean, now operate out of the port. In the past four years, despite talk of a recession hitting overseas travel, the port and its ancillary services have seen a steady growth in cruise holidays.

A major factor in Southampton's popularity with cruise companies is its deep-water port that is capable of accommodating virtually any size of vessel.

Southampton is also ideally placed for ease of access from The Midlands and the South West of the UK. Southampton is only 75 miles from London, and the M3, M27 and M34 are all excellent road links between the capital and the port.

The handling company, Cruise and Passengers Services, operates in conjunction with the major cruise lines to provide secure parking, as well as passenger handling and check-in services, so you can arrive at the docks secure in the knowledge that your car, your luggage and your embarkation are all taken care of with the minimum of worry on your part.

If you plan to arrive the night before your cruise holiday begins there is a wide selection of hotels to choose from, and it is often possible to leave your car in the hotel car park.

Each cruise line has its own terminal, so this again is an attractive option – no overcrowded terminals with passengers queuing to board flights to fifty different airports.

For an even more gentle departure, the Orient Express runs from Victoria Station for the Queen Mary 2 Trans-Atlantic sailing and on other special occasions.

If you choose to arrive by more conventional rail travel, Southampton Central Railway Station has taxi ranks with waiting vehicles to quickly transport you and your luggage to and from the station.

Because of these advantages, cruises departing from Southampton are very popular for UK holidaymakers.

After experiencing a Southampton cruise departure, spending several uncomfortable hours in a crowded airport departure lounge doesn't seem very attractive; it's easy to see why a cruise holiday is now so popular. There are always late cruise deals available online, as well as special offers if you book in advance.