Passengers joining Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas in Southampton on 25th September 2026 will embark and disembark at different cruise terminals, with parking arrangements adjusted to accommodate the change.
The 3,948-guest ship is due to begin its eight-night sailing from Horizon Cruise Terminal on Friday before returning to City Cruise Terminal on 3rd October.
ABParking has contacted passengers with parking reservations to explain how the arrangements will work. According to the parking operator, the terminal change was requested by Royal Caribbean so the ship can use shore power supplied from the local electricity grid while alongside.
“We are writing to advise you of the parking arrangements for your upcoming sailing on Liberty of the Seas, which is scheduled to depart from Horizon Cruise Terminal on 25th September 2026 and returning to City Cruise Terminal on 3rd October 2026,” the email read.
“Please note that these arrangements have been requested by your cruise line, rather than ABParking, to allow shore power from the local grid to supply the ship while it is in port.”
Parking arrangements for passengers
Guests arriving by car for embarkation have been advised to enter the Port of Southampton through Dock Gate 8, at the eastern end of Herbert Walker Avenue.
Parking staff are expected to direct arriving drivers to the appropriate area, while porters will be available to collect luggage once vehicles have been parked.
Passengers using accessible Blue Badge parking will also have access to a complimentary shuttle between the car park and terminal. The service is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
ABParking has asked guests to print their parking permits in advance and display them clearly when approaching the terminal to help keep traffic moving.
The change should cause relatively little inconvenience when passengers return because Horizon Cruise Terminal and City Cruise Terminal are next to one another and are approximately a quarter of a mile apart.
Liberty of the Seas is scheduled to arrive back at City Cruise Terminal on Saturday, 3rd October, leaving passengers with only a short distance to reach the relevant parking area after disembarkation.
Boat show could add to Southampton traffic
The terminal arrangements come as Southampton is also hosting the Southampton International Boat Show, which is running from 18th to 27th September 2026 at Mayflower Park and the neighbouring marina.
The event traditionally attracts around 100,000 visitors and takes place close to City Cruise Terminal, increasing the prospect of heavier traffic in the port area during Liberty of the Seas’ embarkation day.
The show includes live music, boats and marine exhibits, trade stands, talks and on-water activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and diving experiences.
Passengers travelling to the port by road may therefore encounter congestion or temporary traffic restrictions and should allow additional time to reach Horizon Cruise Terminal ahead of embarkation.
Liberty of the Seas is scheduled to depart Southampton at 5pm on 25th September. No changes have been announced to the ship’s itinerary, which includes calls at Le Havre, Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo and Cherbourg before returning to Southampton on 3rd October.
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