Parking/Taxis

[DisneyQueen999]

We would really like to give P&O cruises a try as they have several itineraries we like.

On our past cruises with other cruiselines from Southampton, we've been able to park alongside the ship with ABP, which is so easy and convenient and we like to keep our car keys with us.

My question is, what parking options (for P&O's cruise terminal) have you used where you park the car yourself and keep your car keys? And, are taxis readily available when you disembark a P&O ship in Southampton?

We have considered doing a hotel stay with parking (e.g. Hilton Ageas Bowl) but wonder how reliable the taxi transfers are when you book hotels with cruise parking.

 

Any ideas/help would be great-thanks.

[david63]

59 minutes ago, DisneyQueen999 said:

P&O's cruise terminal

P&O do not have a specific cruise terminal at Southampton they use any one of those that are there depending on which ship/how many ships are in port that day. Also it is not uncommon for a ship to depart from one terminal and arrive back at a different one (and these have been known to change on the day). This makes parking alongside the ship somewhat impractical and as far as I am aware the only time that is available is for the short three night cruises where the short stay car park is used.

 

The main car paring partner with Carnival at Southampton is CPS who do valet parking and will return your car to the appropriate terminal upon your return - there are also other car parking operators that offer a similar service - normally considerably cheaper.

 

1 hour ago, DisneyQueen999 said:

are taxis readily available when you disembark a P&O ship in Southampton?

Yes - they queue up outside the terminal and are reliable, however the number of ships in port on any given day will affect the availability.

[majortom10]

If you book with P&O and get free parking as a package or pay to use the recommended company then your car is taken off you and parked in a secure compound within the port area. Your car is then returned ready for your disembarkation at the terminal. There is no car parking within the port where you can park yourself and keep your keys. There is one company at Ocean Terminal where you park yourself and keep keys but is not alongside the ship but is only a short walk.

[sandancer]

The Holiday Inn have a package which includes room and breakfast, parking and a taxi each way to and from the ship. It’s very convenient and not ridiculously expensive. We would do it again. 

[DisneyQueen999]

 

44 minutes ago, sandancer said:

The Holiday Inn have a package which includes room and breakfast, parking and a taxi each way to and from the ship. It’s very convenient and not ridiculously expensive. We would do it again. 

Sandancer,

We normally stay overnight at Holiday Inn so this was one of our options. How does the return taxi pick-up operate?

[TigerB]

The company to which majortom10 refers, at the Ocean Terminal, is likely to be Triangle. They get booked up early though.

[wowzz]

We just use Parking4cruises- don't care about hanging on to the car keys. Reputable company,  why worry ?

[Fionboard]

8 hours ago, sandancer said:

The Holiday Inn have a package which includes room and breakfast, parking and a taxi each way to and from the ship. It’s very convenient and not ridiculously expensive. We would do it again. 

My second home! Have done this over 50 times. Very good package, no stress and an extra night's holiday. Price varies depending on time of year and not available during boat show. Can recommend it. 

[sandancer]

7 hours ago, DisneyQueen999 said:

 

Sandancer,

We normally stay overnight at Holiday Inn so this was one of our options. How does the return taxi pick-up operate?

We called the hotel reception after collecting our luggage and they sent a taxi. 

[Fionboard]

With package you tell them at check in what time you want your taxi to the ship. On debarkation you call the taxi number they give you and taxi will arrive to take you back to hotel. Very efficient usually, depending on how many ships are in.

[Cruise_Rookie_2010]

If you're feeling adventurous, we've used the West Quay shopping centre car park (entrance is next to Carnival UK HQ), it's monitored so reasonably secure and less than 1 mile from the dock. A taxi from there to  Ocean Terminal is about £10, parking itself costs (currently) £5 per 24 hour period.

 

Arriving early on the day of embarkation means you get to have a leisurely (late) breakfast in John Lewis before heading back to the car to grab cases and going to the ship. On the return it's a taxi back to the carpark, pay, and away home.

[bubsie]

There is one company at Ocean Terminal where you park yourself and keep keys but is not alongside the ship but is only a short walk.

 

Please can you tell me which car park this is majortom10

Thank you! 

[majortom10]

12 hours ago, bubsie said:

There is one company at Ocean Terminal where you park yourself and keep keys but is not alongside the ship but is only a short walk.

 

Please can you tell me which car park this is majortom10

Thank you! 

See post #6

[bubsie]

Ah, okay, sorry I missed that 

[lebreos]

Also Penguin parking - hand over keys - car stays in the compound - not far from ikea and they shuttle bus you to and from ship.