Last reviewed: 14 September 2026
CruiseHelper aims to publish accurate, useful and clearly sourced information for people planning a cruise departure, with an initial focus on Southampton.
Our editorial principles
- answer the practical question a passenger is trying to solve
- use official and authoritative sources wherever possible
- distinguish confirmed, provisional, unknown and stale operational information
- show when prices, schedules or provider terms were last checked where that matters
- separate editorial ranking from affiliate commission
- correct substantive errors promptly
Operational information
Confirmed means a passenger-specific or controlling authoritative source supports the information. Provisional means an authoritative operational source publishes the information but it remains subject to change. Unknown means a reliable current assignment or answer is not available. Stale means information is too old to present as current.
For terminal assignments, passenger-specific cruise-line instructions are stronger than a generic port schedule where the two conflict. Official Southampton VTS and port information may provide useful operational context, but passengers should still follow their cruise line’s current joining instructions.
Sources and verification
We prioritise cruise-line passenger information, official port and VTS data, transport operators, government and local-authority sources, hotel and parking provider terms and other primary sources. Third-party listings can help with discovery but do not override a controlling official source.
Comparisons and recommendations
Where we compare parking, hotels, transport or other services, we aim to use criteria relevant to the cruise journey rather than generic popularity alone. Commercial commission is not a ranking factor. Missing or unclear information lowers confidence; it does not automatically mean a provider is poor.
Artificial intelligence and editorial responsibility
Tools, including artificial-intelligence tools, may assist with research organisation, drafting, editing, checking links and routine publishing work. They are not treated as sources. Material factual claims should be supported by appropriate evidence, and a human remains responsible for approval before publication.
We do not knowingly publish invented quotations, sources, journeys, bookings or first-hand experiences.
Commercial relationships
Affiliate links, advertising, referrals, gifted access and other commercial relationships must be disclosed clearly. They do not buy favourable coverage or prevent us from publishing a correction.
Updates and corrections
Time-sensitive pages may be reviewed when schedules, terminal assignments, transport arrangements, provider terms or other material facts change. Substantive errors are handled under our Corrections Policy. Questions can be sent through our Contact page.