Southampton… A few questions

I will also be going to Southampton to take a cruise. but spending 6 nights in London pre-cruise and one night in Southampton.

I have asked about hotels in Southampton and Moxy got a good review and maybe more than one..

I am going to see if I can find my discussion about Southampton and paste it or them on your page.

Thanks for comment on Moxy.

I did look at my many previous posts but did not find much about Southampton. One person recommended the Premier Inn. I do remember someone else liked The Moxy.

I have googled Southampton and there are plenty of things to do for you to have something to do for a half day before cruising. Try googling Southampton or Things To Do In Southampton or Southampton Visitors Guide..

The National Express Coaches to Southampton stop at Heathrow at all 3 locations- Central Bus Station (in between Terminals 2 and 3), Terminal 4 arrivals and Terminal 5 arrivals.

Hopefully you have booked the coach from the same terminal as you arrive at.

If not then you will need to use the free inter terminal transfer facility on the Elizabeth Line/Heathrow Express or Tube- see this map for more details

did a search and the below website should help you plan something enjoyable for
half a day or more

https://visitsouthampton.co.uk

Look at the ticket that you purchased from National Express. Which terminal does it say it leaves from? My experience is that the easiest coach terminal for me to use at Heathrow is the Central Coach terminal between 2 and 3. I have gone from 5 before, but where the buses are supposed to stop didn't seem that clear to me and it caused me some stress. It is not too hard to transfer from one terminal to another if you purchased for a different terminal than you arrive at. Take a moment to see what you have purchased.

2017 feels so long ago, but that was when I did a similar trip.
At that time, National Express offered a guaranteed ticket for an extra pound, so if you missed your bus, you didn't have to buy a new ticket. I am glad I did, as I did miss the bus. She wanted to charge me a full new ticket, but I had proof of the extra pound paid.
The drop off in Southampton is a little confusing, as it is very small with just a small multi use kiosk. It actually can be seen on google maps. I see Moxy's is next door to the Premier Inn where I stayed. Moxy was being built when I was there. It is an easy walk from the station.
I was there 2 nights, as December flights from Ontario Canada are best done with buffers for weather mishaps. As it was close to Christmas I did a self guided historical walk, wandered through the Christmas Market (not very big - except the beer tent) and the next day went to the SeaCity Museum. I like Maritime Museums, and this one has both Titanic and Cunard exhibits.
Southampton is small, and rather a backwater these days, so keep expectations realistic.
(also, not sure about which cruiseline you are taking, but I did pick up fresh flowers and wine to brighten my inside cabin. Cunard appears to be rather lenient with that....or was then.

the best thing about Southampton is Portsmouth or a Red Jet over to the Isle of Wight.

the best thing about Southampton is Portsmouth

I concur!

You could jump on a train to Winchester after you have checked in to the hotel.

But actually, as you are going on a cruise why not the night before add another boat trip and hop over to Cowes on the Isle of Wight for dinner, either on the Red Jet passenger service, or on the car ferry- both run by Red Funnel.

Or, for a totally different shipping experience, if they happen to be running, and at a time to suit you take a trip on the SS Shieldhall.

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful information about Southampton. I will research some of the sites that you mentioned. Thank you again! Barbara.