Key Aspects:
- A total of 17 cars were stolen from a supposedly secure parking facility that services the Southampton cruise terminals on September 9 and 10.
- The facility parks vehicles in a locked warehouse and it is unclear how such a massive theft of so many cars could have occurred.
- Multiple cruise lines and guests on different ships are likely impacted by the large-scale theft.
Parking at the cruise terminal can be the most convenient option for many guests who drive to their homeports. It’s fast, nearby, and often less hassle both before and after a cruise just to have your own car available.
But what if you debarked from your cruise and your car was gone? Other than spending a significant amount of time wondering if you forgot where you had actually parked (pro tip: take a picture of the nearest parking sign as you head to the terminal!), it would be very frustrating.
This is exactly what has happened to 17 different cruisers or cruise families who set sail from Southampton, UK in recent days.
The Daily Echo has confirmed that 17 different vehicles were stolen from a cruise parking lot between Tuesday and Wednesday, September 9 and 10, 2025.
The makes, models, and owners of the vehicles have not been released, undoubtedly as part of an ongoing investigation of the large-scale theft.
The lot is on First Avenue in Millbrook and belongs to Southampton Cruise Parking Services. The service’s website specifically notes that their parking is “indoor and secure.”
“We take extra precautions to ensure you have peace of mind,” the website describes. “We guarantee that your car will not leave our premises.”
Except that 17 vehicles left the premises, albeit unauthorized to do so.
The lot features 24-hour surveillance and security with CCTV monitoring. Cars are parked in a locked warehouse and free shuttles transfer guests to the cruise terminal, just a 5-minute drive away.
It is unclear how the theft, particularly such a massive one involving so many vehicles, could have occurred. Undoubtedly, security procedures are being thoroughly reviewed.
The parking facility has not yet offered any type of official statement about the incident.
Which Cruise Guests Were Affected?
A wide range of ships use Southampton as a homeport. During the time of the theft, the following lines and ships were all on voyages and could have had guests parked at the impacted lot:
- Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Apex
- Cunard Line: Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2
- Disney Cruise Line: Disney Fantasy
- MSC Cruises: MSC Virtuosa
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn
- P&O Cruises: Arcadia, Aurora, Iona, Ventura
- Princess Cruises: Regal Princess
- Royal Caribbean: Independence of the Seas
- Silversea: Silver Dawn
Read Also: Southampton Port Expects to Break Cruise Records in 2025
To be clear, the cruise lines do not own or operate the parking facility. Furthermore, there is no information about whether or not vehicles associated with one particular line or sailing may have been targeted, or if only certain makes or models of vehicles were involved.
Guests whose vehicles were stolen will need to work with the parking facility, local authorities, and their own insurance companies for recompense.
This is similar to a situation in Norfolk, Virginia in 2022 when dozens of cruise guests’ cars were vandalized. Despite 24-hour security, the city was deemed not liable for the broken windows, dented doors, and other damage.
When parking at a cruise terminal, guests generally assume the responsibility in case of theft or damage to their vehicles. While this may not seem fair, it is often standard procedure.
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To safeguard one’s vehicle in a public lot, all valuables should be out of sight, such as in the trunk (or in Southampton, the boot) instead of on the seats. Windows should be securely up and doors locked.
Cruise travelers should also take a photo of their car once it is parked and secured as verification of its condition before they set off on their vacation. This could be invaluable for claim and insurance purposes if they return and something is amiss – or their car is just missing.
