Liberty of the Seas to Use Two Southampton Terminals in 2026

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas will use two different terminals for a single voyage from Southampton in September 2026. The 3,948-guest ship will depart from the Horizon Cruise Terminal on Friday, September 25, 2026, and return to the adjacent City Cruise Terminal on Saturday, October 3, following an 8-night sailing.

According to an email from ABParking, which was seen by Cruise Hive, the terminal change was requested by Royal Caribbean itself. The cruise line asked for the adjustment to allow the ship to use shore power from the local electrical grid while in port for embarkation.

Parking and Terminal Logistics

The two terminals, Horizon and City, are approximately one-quarter of a mile apart. ABParking has notified guests with reserved parking about the logistical details. For embarkation, drivers should enter the port via Dock Gate 8 at the east end of Herbert Walker Avenue. Staff will direct traffic to the correct parking area, and porters will be available for luggage.

Guests who have booked accessible Blue Badge parking will have access to a complimentary shuttle service. This shuttle is reported to be fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters for transport between the parking lot and the Horizon terminal. After the cruise, guests disembarking at the City Cruise Terminal will have a short walk to their vehicles. ABParking advises all guests to print and clearly display their parking permits to help maintain smooth traffic flow.

Local Event Traffic Advisory

Traffic around the port is expected to be further complicated by a major local event. The annual Southampton International Boat Show is scheduled to run from September 18 through September 27, 2026. The event, held at Mayflower Park and the adjacent marina next to the City Cruise Terminal, typically attracts roughly 100,000 visitors.

Activities at the show include live music, a trade exhibition, lectures, and various water activities. Cruise guests driving to the port are urged to stay alert for potential road closures or delays and to plan extra time to reach the terminal for the 5 p.m. Departure.

Unchanged Itinerary and Boarding Rules

Despite the terminal change, the ship's itinerary and departure time remain unaffected. The sailing will visit Le Havre (for Paris), Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, and Cherbourg before returning to Southampton. Cruise Hive notes that cruise lines are clear on boarding policies: guests who arrive late to the terminal will not be permitted to board. Final boarding times are often set by local port authorities, and lines must adhere to these restrictions.

The report shows that such terminal adjustments due to shore power needs or local events are not uncommon in the cruise industry.