17 Cars Stolen From Southampton Cruise Parking Facility

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For many cruise passengers, driving to the port and leaving their car in a nearby lot is the easiest option.

But for some unlucky guests sailing from Southampton earlier this month, their return from holiday was met with shock – their vehicles were gone.

Image credit: Google

According to The Daily Echo, a total of 17 cars were stolen from a Southampton Cruise Parking Services facility on First Avenue in Millbrook between 9–10 September 2025.

The company advertises its lot as “indoor and secure” with locked warehouse parking, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and shuttle service to the cruise terminal.

The website even promises, “We guarantee that your car will not leave our premises.” Unfortunately, 17 cars did just that – without their owners.

Police have not confirmed the makes or models of the stolen vehicles, nor whether specific types of cars were targeted.

An investigation is underway, and security protocols are being reviewed. Southampton Cruise Parking Services has yet to release an official statement.

Guests From Multiple Cruise Lines Affected

Southampton is one of Europe’s busiest cruise hubs, with ships from many major lines sailing the same week as the thefts.

During the affected days, vessels from Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea all departed the port.

It is not clear which guests – or which cruise sailings – were impacted. The cruise lines themselves are not responsible for the parking facility.

Aerial view of a busy parking lot at the Southampton cruise terminal, with rows of parked cars in various colors, indicating high activity possibly linked to cruise departures or arrivals.

Guests whose vehicles were stolen will need to pursue claims through the parking operator, their insurance providers, and local authorities.

Protecting Your Car at Cruise Parking Lots

This incident is similar to a 2022 case in Norfolk, Virginia, when dozens of parked vehicles belonging to cruise guests were vandalised despite 24-hour security.

In most cases, ports and parking providers are not liable for theft or damage. The responsibility usually lies with the guest, making good insurance coverage essential.

Travellers are advised to remove valuables from sight, lock all doors and windows, and take photos of their vehicle’s condition when leaving it in a public or third-party facility.

These precautions can make any claims process smoother if the worst should happen.

Alternative Options for Cruise Travellers

While the theft of 17 vehicles from a Southampton parking facility is concerning, it’s worth noting that such incidents are exceptionally rare.

Cruise terminal car parks are generally considered safe, with security features such as CCTV, barriers, and locked compounds.

For many travellers, the convenience of parking right by the port still makes these facilities the most practical choice.

That said, there are alternative options for guests who want added peace of mind.

Coach transfers are popular for passengers living further afield, while those closer to the south coast may prefer the train, which runs directly into Southampton Central station just a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals.

Another possibility is to book a “cruise and park” package at a nearby hotel.

These typically include one night’s accommodation plus parking for the duration of your voyage, with a transfer to and from the port.

Because these car parks are attached to hotels – often a little further from the terminals – they are less obvious targets for organised theft. In theory, opportunistic criminals are less likely to target scattered hotel lots than a large, well-known cruise-only parking warehouse.

For many travellers, a combination of convenience, cost, and personal comfort will dictate which option to choose.

But whether parking at the port or considering alternatives, taking sensible precautions such as removing valuables from view and double-checking locks is always advisable.

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