If you’re sailing on Virgin Voyages out of Portsmouth International Cruise Port, there are some key things to know for smooth sailing!
To be honest, embarking from Portsmouth is more walking and a little more confusing than I expected. This guide walks you through the exact Portsmouth International Port flow for Virgin Voyages so you know what will happen from curb to cabin. I am sharing what worked, what I would do differently next time, and the specific tips that make this smooth and stress free.
At a Glance: Key Takeaways
- Check your big luggage at the curb. Keep a small carry on with essentials.
- Have the Virgin Voyages app open with your boarding pass and cabin number ready.
- You board by boarding group and time. Sometimes they load early, but do not count on it.
- After check in and security there is a shuttle to the ship, not a short walk.
- You will board via Deck 6.
- Arriving early is fine. Drop bags, then use the free shuttle to Gunwharf Quays for dining and shopping.
Arriving At Portsmouth International Port
If you arrive by taxi, the driver will pull into the Virgin Voyages area and stop right at luggage drop. Porters will tag and take your big bags. You can carry on large bags if you really want to, but at this port I recommend checking them. Keep your smaller carry on with valuables and anything you want right away.
Have the app ready. You will be asked for your cabin number when tagging bags and again at multiple checkpoints.
If you are early, drop your bags and take the free shuttle to Gunwharf Quays — a shopping and dining complex close by. Here’s the map location to make it easy.
Inside The Terminal: Boarding Groups, Waiting Area, Check In
When you enter the terminal you will see boarding groups and times displayed. Virgin Voyages boards like an airline. You board when your group is called. Sometimes they run ahead of schedule. It happens, but it is not guaranteed.
Take the elevator or escalator upstairs when your time is called. There is a waiting area that feels like an airport with seating, light snacks, restrooms, and a small shop. Have your passport out. You will check in and receive your wearable band here.
- Elevators are available both up and down.
- Restrooms downstairs and upstairs.
- This is not a hangout style terminal. Plan to arrive at your time and keep moving.
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Security And A Handy Pre Boarding Option
Security feels like TSA. Bags on the belt, walk through the scanner, collect your things on the other side.
Newer change in the last several months. You can purchase Bar Tab before you board the ship. If that is on your list, it is convenient to handle it here.
Shuttle To The Ship And Boarding
Do not expect to walk from the terminal to the ship. You will go back downstairs and take a short shuttle ride to the berth. With traffic and ongoing work in the area, walking is not practical.
From the shuttle drop you will have a longer gangway walk up to the ship. If you need assistance, the crew can help with wheelchairs and mobility support.
- Wear your band so they can scan you at the door.
- At Portsmouth you enter on Deck 6.
- That is it. You are on. Start your voyage.
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.
Watch The Video Version
I filmed this exact flow so you can see every step before you sail. If you prefer to watch, see below!
Getting From London To Portsmouth: Step By Step
I flew into Heathrow and based myself in Shoreditch so I could walk everywhere and explore. I spent time at the Virgin Hotel Shoreditch bar and stayed at Citizen M Shoreditch. Both were great options at different price points.
Moving with luggage inside London is a choice. Uber is available. I took an Uber to Waterloo Station because I had a lot of gear.
Train details and tips
- Route. London Waterloo to Portsmouth and Southsea on South Western Railway.
- Book ahead with Trainline.
- Choose a direct train. Many options require a transfer. I picked a direct route that arrived close to my boarding time.
- Travel time. About 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Station choice. Get off at Portsmouth and Southsea, not Portsmouth Harbour. Both work, but Southsea is a little more convenient for the taxi ride.
- The gap. There is a larger gap from train to platform. With a lot of luggage, be ready to step carefully and ask for help if needed.
- Taxis. Taxis line up outside Portsmouth and Southsea. My ride to the port was about 12 minutes and about 15 pounds.
If you arrive very early
Drop your luggage at the terminal, then ride the free shuttle to Gunwharf Quays for shopping and dining until your boarding group is called.
What I Would Do Differently Next Time
- Check big bags at the curb to save energy for the upstairs check in and gangway walk.
- Arrive at my boarding time, not hours early.
- Take the elevator instead of stairs when moving between levels with a heavy camera bag.
- Book a direct train to avoid transfers.
- Get off at Portsmouth and Southsea for the faster taxi ride.
- Keep the app open and passport in hand to speed up each checkpoint.
- If early, drop bags first and go enjoy Gunwharf Quays.
Accessibility Notes
- Elevators are available in the terminal.
- Crew can assist with wheelchairs and boarding support at the gangway.
- Expect a longer gangway walk than in some US homeports. Plan a few extra minutes and do not rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry on large luggage at Portsmouth
Yes you can, but I recommend checking big bags at this port. The curbside drop is easy and the walk to the ship is long.
Will they board me before my time
Sometimes they start early, but it is not guaranteed. Plan for your assigned time.
Where do I board the ship
You will scan in at the door and board via Deck 6.
I am not a US citizen. Can you still help me book
Yes. We can help you book no matter what country you are from or sailing from.
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Until I was proven wrong by a *TOP 100* Virgin Voyages travel agent who beat every price I compared.
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Bottom Line
Portsmouth is a smooth embarkation once you know the flow.
Check your big bags at the curb, arrive at your assigned time with the app and passport ready, and expect a short shuttle ride to the ship followed by a longer gangway walk.
If you are early, drop bags and use the free shuttle to Gunwharf Quays for shopping and dining, then return for your boarding group. Coming from London is easy on a direct South Western Railway train from Waterloo to Portsmouth, followed by a short taxi to the terminal.
If you want to stay in London, Citizen M Shoreditch and Virgin Hotel Shoreditch are both great options. Do these things and you will start your Virgin Voyages sailing calm, organized, and ready to have a great vacation.
