Short stay in Southampton-what to see and do.

[venango]

I'm doing a back to back crossing in April 2005. Any suggestions on what to see or do? (about 7 hours before I have to return to QM2)

[carlmm]

Especially being on the QM2 a visit to the Maritime Museum should be quite interesting. There are remains from and information about the maritime history of Southampton and many ships including the original Queen Mary and the Titanic.
As Southampton has lost more than 500 people on the Titanic many memorials remember them. Thus the Titanic trail is also very interesting. Note: Her deperature point was just next to the current berth at the Queen Elizabeth terminal. The trail leads along the port and through parks and the historic main street.
Another nice walk is alongside the walls. Free guided tours are offered every day in the season starting in front of the bargate, the historic main gate to the city. Just check on the net if it will be offered in April or if you will be there on a weekend.
The medieval merchant house is almost 800 years old and demonstrates the way of life back than. Audio guides are available.
There are more museums and churches but not all be can seen in seven hours.
Enjoy your visit.

[eatsallinsects]

When we took the QE2 over and the QM2 back to NYC (April-May-2004), Cunard arranged a trip into Southampton for those of us who wished to take it. It was free, I think but we did tip the guide and driver of the bus (motorcoach).

[jbailey]

You can "Walk the Walls" from the Maritime Museum. There is also another museum down the wall walk about a block which has some Roman artifacts.

I was not able to walk all around the walls, but I was told it takes about 45 minutes.

I'm not sure where you can get a listing of all the Titanic and other memorials but my cab driver told me about them. I just didn't have the time to do all of this. I'd be willing you could find a willing cab driver to take you around to some of them.

[carlmm]

There are various web-pages about Southampton
e.g. [url]www.visit-southampton.co.uk[/url]
[url]www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/tourism/default.asp#0[/url]
Latter includes a map with sights at [url]www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/tourism/cruise/a-guide-for-cruise-visitors-to-the-city.asp[/url]
You can get a booklet about the Titanic trail at the tourist office. A short description is at [url]www.thisishampshire.net/hampshire/southampton/shipping/titanic/trail.html[/url]
Everything is within walking distance.

[Chuck & Phyllis]

Did you receive a discount for not using the included one way air fare for both crossings?

[venango]

I don't know ,but will find out and post the answer.

[DocM3]

We were on a round trip 2 years ago and received nothing for not using the flights either way - we have booked for May 2005 and the same thing - nothing - Zip!

[mark_and_debbie]

Take a short-ish (20 mile) cab ride to Portsmouth to see/tour H.M.S. Victory (Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar and still the Royal Navy's Home Command flagship) and associated naval museums. Especially with 2005 marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Arrange this with a local mini-cab firm such as West Quay Cars (+44 700 0700 0700). see also [url="http://www.hms-victory.com/"]http://www.hms-victory.com/[/url]

Of course, there is nothing at all of interest in Southampton, but, as a Pompey boy, I would say that wouldn't I?

[sweep]

I think Southampton has a pretty good shopping centre which is just opposite the port. However even I wouldn't be able to spend 7 hours there!

Shopaholic sweep;)

[twinkletoes915]

Venango, We will be departing on April 22 from NY, will you be on this crossing? I couldn't find a roll call for this cruise, have you seen one?
Thanks,
Elly

[English Rose]

If you've got 7 hours in Southampton, I personally would visit HMS Victory in Porstmouth, its wonderful. If not have you considered visiting Stonehenge, probably about 1 and a half hours drive away? If you want any info on personal tours, contact me at my e-mail address. Its the West Quay shopping centre in Southampton, quite nice, but not up to American stanards.

There is always the New Forest, which is a beautiful National Park. This is where I live, you would need a driver to take you around, its just beautiful. Only a 15 minute drive away. Also the coastal towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch etc are probably 45 minutes drive. Lots to consider.

[email="cheryl@bcfinch.freeserve.co.uk"]cheryl@bcfinch.freeserve.co.uk[/email]

[venango]

No discount on not using the flights. I'm returning on April 22, 2005. Thanks for your helpful information to all who have responded to this post.

[Chuck & Phyllis]

It would be nice if Cunard had a package of an Eastern crossing, a 3 night stay (while they run a short cruise), and a Western crossing. Fifteen nights in all starting on a Saturday. That would fit right into a 2 week vacation from work.

That's almost what our British friends will be able to do next year with a crossing, stay in NYC while Cunard runs the 4th of July cruise, and cross back home afterwards.

[ricker]

.....and when you're finished "walking the walls" stop in at the Duke of Wellington Pub for a snack and Guiness. It has an amazing history that dates back to the 13th century, I beleive.

Rick

[hmv]

I don't agree that West Quay Shopping Center is not up to American standards. I think it is far superior to any American shopping center, and I've been to many American malls. I could easily spend over 7 hours at West Quay and shopping on High Street. The layout is so unusual; perhaps that's why I liked it so much.

One of the best parts of West Quay is the beautiful John Lewis store. The restaurant is lovely with large windows overlooking the harbor and Southampton. Definitely a must for a snack or tea.

[cruisemissi'll]

We sometimes spend a couple of nights in Southampton. I agree the new West Quay shopping centre is very good, but we like to jump on a Red Funnel Ferry and go across to Cowes and browse, it is quite a charming little place. Ferries are frequent and takes about half an hour.

[pascack crusier]

Heyy Its Alex Im In School And I Just Made A Cruise Critic Account My Name Is Pascack Cruiser. Okay Bye Then