Princess Cruises reached out to guests booked on June 17, 2023. Princess Sky warning them about traffic, congestion, and delays that may affect the ride.
Travelers are advised to allow plenty of time to get to the port area, especially since all five ships will be in port at the same time, causing some traffic problems.
Possible Problems for Princess Sky To ride
Guests board a Royal-class ship Princess Sky Saturday, June 17, 2023 should be very careful with the arrival time Southampton train station because of the many ships in the harbor and the local festival which will bring more traffic to the area.
Princess Cruises sent emails and notifications to guests with reservations Princess Sky on the 14-night “Land of the Midnight Sun & Summer Solstice” cruise or the 21-night “North Cape & Scandinavian Medley” cruise – both departing on June 17 – to warn them of expected traffic.
“Before embarking in Southampton, United Kingdom on Saturday, 17 June 2023, please note that there will be five ships in port on this date,” email explained. “We are also expecting a lot of people in Southampton to take the ferry to the Isle of Wight Festival. The result is a lot of traffic and congestion in the area.”
Visitors are advised to expect delays and traffic near the port, and to allow plenty of time to get to the ferry terminal, especially if parking near the port. Driving can help reduce traffic, or visitors should plan to leave earlier than expected to arrive on time.
Princess Sky will arrive at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal, which is easily accessible via Dock Gate 20 on the west side of the dock. Travelers who arrive via trains or buses should direct their drivers accordingly to minimize waiting times and traffic congestion.
“We look forward to welcoming you to the Sky Princess,” the email ended. “Thank you for your interest in this information.”
Southampton Being VERY Busy on Saturday
Last month, Southampton endured heavy traffic and massive gridlock with only four ships in port. Part of the problem, however, stemmed from lax security that slowed down passengers and customs.
The five ships in port on June 17 included Princess Skyof course, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ Many SilhouettesMSC Cruises MSC VirtuosaTUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3and P&O Cruises Iona.
Four of the ships have been sent to Southampton and will sail and pick up passengers on Saturday. Mein Schiff 3however, they are only visiting the city as a port of call, but they will still have passengers leaving the ship to enjoy tours and time in the exciting port city.
Including friendly and outgoing visitors, as well as the port of call for visitors, 38,000 passengers could be passing through Southampton railway station on Saturday.
This does not take into account dock workers, cruise ship workers who may board or leave different ships, tour operators, vendors bringing goods to each ship, or traffic in the port area.
Also, a Isle of Wight Festival and June 15-18. An annual music festival with multiple themes can attract 50,000 or more visitors. Visitors arrive at the festival via ferry from Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington, or Southsea.
Anyone traveling to Southampton on Saturday should expect and prepare for possible delays, and allow extra time to get to their destination. Checking which train is waiting at the right place will help ensure smooth traffic and less confusion when you arrive at the port.
