The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre- or post cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
At Sea - Transatlantic
DAY 2-7
You will be at sea on day 2-7 while travelling from Southampton to New York.
New York
DAY 8
There are simply too many places to mention when it comes to the Big Apple but highlights have to be: the Statue of liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, the Natural History Museum and the Met art museum- not to mention all the cool sights of downtown Brooklyn, swanky Manhattan and the classic skyline from Rhode Island. New York is a bucket-list destination that just cannot be missed.
Things to do in New York:
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an essential part of any trip to New York, providing fascinating insights into the history of this vibrant city. Given to the US from France in 1886, Lady Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, a short and scenic ferry ride from Battery Park, New York.
Central Park
Located in Manhattan, New York, Central Park is a classic part of the city’s history after first being approved in 1853. There’s no shortage of sightseeing and events to do all the family will love, from Central Park Zoo to the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center has a plethora of attractions and events to discover that will suit all ages. Explore NBC Studios where entertainment and news come together and soak up the fantastic performances of The Music Hall featuring The Radio City Rockettes.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
As the third most visited art museum in the world, the Met is a must for lovers of art, history and culture. Featuring works from early Europe, ancient Egypt and modern art, this museum also contains vast collections of clothing and weaponry.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a quintessential landmark of New York City and provides an immersive insight into the history of this stunning building. Visitors can marvel at the views from the observation deck, before enjoying exhibits, shopping and dining.
Times Square
Renovated in 2016, what began as a small square in the 1880s has flourished into an iconic tourist destination filled with fantastic eateries, dazzling musical theatre and designer shopping, not to mention the famous advertising board.
Brooklyn Bridge
As the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge is a fantastic feat of the hard-work carried out in the late 1880s. A walk along this bridge takes approximately 25 minutes and is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
After first opening its doors in 1879, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral sees over five million visitors each year. The classic Gothic architecture is truly magnificent and features an organ with 9,000 pipes, over 4,000 stained-glass panels and beautiful sculptures.
Fifth Avenue
Located in Manhattan, Fifth Avenue boasts Museum Mile where visitors find the African Art Museum, Guggenheim Museum, the Met and more, while other landmarks include the Empire State building, the Rockefeller Observation Deck and Flatiron Building.
National September 11 Memorial and Museum
Located at the World Trade Centre site, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the lives lost during the terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001. The memorial consists of two reflecting pools, while the museum offers tours, exhibitions and multimedia displays.
New York Public Library
With nearly 6 million items (including books, e-books, audiobooks, music and films), the New York Public Library has no shortage of fascinating materials to discover. The main branch itself in Manhattan is a stunning New York landmark and a perfect photo opportunity.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are an area of tranquil natural beauty famous for its vineyards and being the home of prestigious Cornell University. The eleven lakes which bear this region’s name present fantastic hiking locations in pleasant weather regularly throughout the year.
Lovely ship great service but the drinks are a ridiculous cost to which they add a further 15 percent so be prepared to drink water and tea! Trips very expensive also much better to do your own itinerary with a few friends at a fraction of the cost.
The ship , cruise, staff where brilliant . The organisation At Southampton and NY ports was faultless, Unfortunately taxis that did not arrive both inward and outward , And flights booked by Iglu waisted us a day of our break.
Recently returned from a Transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York. From the word go the experience was fantastic. We were met from our cab by a porter who whisked away our luggage, then the check in process was smooth and expertly carried out. Lovely comfortable and well-equipped stateroom. All staff we encountered were courteous and helpful. Fantastic food and entertainment and we arrived on schedule even though we had a small diversion for a passenger to be airlifted to hospital. Disembarkation was smoothly carried out for a quick exit through immigration. Would absolutely recommend the service received by both Cunard and indeed the helpful staff at Iglu (especially Maggie who explained everything to me). We are already planning our next cruise with Iglu!
We have just completed the westbound Transatlantic, which was fantastic. We were blessed with a smooth crossing. The staff, food, accommodation and entertainment were excellent and we had the benefit of experiencing the English National Ballet, which made the whole experience that much more memorable.
The ship, cruise, and staff were brilliant. The organisation at Southampton and NY ports was faultless. Unfortunately taxis did not arrive both inward and outward, and flights booked by Iglu waisted us a day of our break,
Fantastic cruise but I was not expecting so many children - despite it being the school holidays. Don't feel the itinerary or the ship could cope with the so many youngsters and it really spoiled the dining experience!
Recently sailed from my home City Liverpool to NYC via Iceland and Canada on Queen Mary2. It wasn’t the first time she has impressed upon us. The hospitality of cabin stewards and restaurant staff is second to none.
We booked a fantastic trip travelling to Niagara Falls, then rail trip to New York, then caught The Queen Mary 2. This was a fantastic trip, Niagara Falls were fantastic (especially from the Canadian side). Really could have afforded to have another day there, as one day wasn't enough. The train journey was laborious, and carrying bags on and off the train hard work. Definite tip would be to upgrade rail ticket as those seats recline further and for 12 hours you need it or fly. Arrived in New York early evening bags were a pain again from the station to the Taxi. You definitely need longer in New York, one day is not enough. so much to see and do. We were picked up at 8.15am to the shipping terminal and arrived 15 minutes later. Far too early arrive , as there is nothing to do at the terminal not enough seats until you go through security and we were waiting too long. Should have arrived at 2pm and then we would have had little waiting time. (OBVIOUSLY ALL PASSENGERS CAN'T DO THE SAME). Queen Mary 2, what an Ocean liner, loved every minute on board. Food fantastic, service superb and you were made to feel special. So much to do on board her. The sailing was smooth, as she cut through the Atlantic, like a knife through butter. Even through stronger seas there was little roll. Loved every minute of it and booking a mini cruise to Hamburg already.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.