Early arrival at Southampton

[macca1914]

We're off on a Northern Europe cruise on Iona on 1st April (No jokes please lol). The last time we sailed on Iona, Covid restrictions were still in place. We're driving down from Manchester to Southampton and will arrive early. Our on board time is 13.30 but as we have CPS parking, if we arrive early, do they still take bags, leaving us to wander around? We just don't want to be hanging around with bags? We could hang around Southampton and drive in nearer the time, but the last time it took us over an hour to drive one mile to the CPS parking? What's the best option do you guys think?

[Mervyn and Trish]

If you are early CPS will take your car and you can drop your bags. Depending on how busy they are with people arriving at their allocated time they may let you check in early. But they may make you wait. Just be aware though that if everyone arrives early that can cause delays in itself! Best thing for everyone is to arrive as close to your allocated time as you can but don't stew about it. 1.30 is a reasonably early time anyway so they won't be going without you!

[david63]

Not sure what the situation is now but last year the porters did not start collecting luggage from cars before 12:00 and you had to take them to the "hole in the wall" yourself.

Arrive at a time that suits your travel arrangements - worse case scenario is that you will have to sit and wait - best case scenario is that you will be in the buffet having lunch earlier than you expected!

[towny44]

Arrival times are now starting at 11:30, so should be no problem for you to arrive early, however you may find you have to wait a bit before being called to check in.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Speed will have improved considerably since Covid rules relaxed too. We were much faster in August last year than my brother had been in April. And there were still some rules when we went that have since gone.

[macca1914]

Thanks for the advice