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Bristol UK (Avonmouth, England)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

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Bristol UK cruise port

Region
Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time
2026-10-15 06:34

min: 56 °F (13 °C) / max: 70 °F (22 °C) 62°F
16.5°C
Wind: 214°/ 7.6 m/s Gust: 13.5 m/sWind: 214°/ 7.6 m/s Gust: 13.5 m/sMod. breeze
7.6 m/s
Min / Max Temperature70 °F / 22 °C
56 °F / 14 °C
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Port Bristol UK cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Bristol UK, Avonmouth, England. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
9 October, 2026
Friday
Ambassador Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineAmbition07:0015:00
16 October, 2026
Friday
Ambassador Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineAmbition10:0018:00

Port Avonmouth (locode GBBRS) serves Bristol City, as well as the Unitary Authority (UK local authority) region of South West England. Bristol City has population around 460,000 (metro over 1 million), ranking it England's 6th and the UK's 8th largest. This is also the most populous city in southern England - after London. The seaport has a namesake in the USA - Bristol RI (Rhode Island).

Port Avonmouth is also one of Bristol's suburbs. The seaport faces two rivers - Avon and Severn (river's estuary). The seaport is of great importance for region's shipping-based economy as it can handle large-sized cargo ships and provides plenty of berths and warehouse storage space. In 2019, the cruise port handled 21 ship calls (10% increase over 2018).

The city borders with South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and also the historic cities Gloucester and Bath (to the northeast and southeast, respectively). Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas were created near the confluence of the rivers Avon and Frome. In early-11th-century was founded the settlement (then named Brycgstow, meaning in Old English "the place at the bridge"). Bristol received city rights in 1155 and until 1373 belonged to Gloucestershire, after which became a county. In the period of the 13th- 18th centuries, Bristol was among the top 3 English cities after London (York and Norwich) in tax receipts. During the Industrial Revolution period (mid-18th-early-19th-centuries) Bristol was surpassed by Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester.

Avonmouth (port of Bristol) was a starting point for exploration voyages to the New World. In 1497, out of Bristol left the expedition led by John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto, 1450-1500, Venetian navigator and explorer). The expedition was commissioned by King Henry VII of England (1457-1509). The explorer became the first European (since the Vikings) to land on mainland North America. In 1499, the Bristol merchant William Weston (1445-1505) was the first Englishman to lead an exploration to North America. Since then, Port Bristol has moved from Bristol Harbour (in downtown) to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock.

In 2018, Port Bristol had a scheduled homeporting season for its ever-largest cruise ship - CMV Magellan. The ship has max passenger capacity 1452 and offered Bristol roundtrip itineraries to ports in the Mediterranean and Baltic (Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia and Russia / St Petersburg).

In June 2019 was completed the GBP 9 million container terminal upgrade designed to further increase the port's capacity and productivity due to growing container shipping traffic and related services offered at the port's two container terminals/docks - Avonmouth and Portbury. Portbury Dock handles larger boxships, while Avonmouth Dock serves smaller-sized TEU carriers. The largest companies serving Port Bristol are MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company SA), DFDS Suardiaz Line Ltd (subsidiary of Suardiaz Group) and Containerships plc (both with weekly crossings to/from Bilbao Spain), Grimaldi Lines (weekly connections with Sweden, Denmark, Mediterranean) and Cronus Logistics (3 weekly Irish Sea crossings to Northern Ireland).

Bristol UK cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Bristol UK dock at Port Avonmouth - port and city suburb located at the River Avon's mouth (Severn Estuary). As cruise port, Bristol can handle ships with max LOA length 310 m (1017 ft) and max-width 41 m (135 ft) due to port's lock restrictions.

Bristol is independent with some planning or transport. Cruise ships dock outside the city centre, so arrange a transfer before exploring. Once in town, the Harbourside and Old City make a practical walking visit; Clifton Suspension Bridge requires extra travel or a substantial uphill walk.

Getting from the Cruise Port

Bristol’s cruise facilities are in the commercial docks on the Severn Estuary, rather than the central Floating Harbour. The port currently directs cruise passengers to Royal Portbury Dock, approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre. Some itineraries describe the call as Bristol or Avonmouth, so confirm your ship’s actual berth and passenger collection point.

This is a docked call. Walking from the commercial port to Bristol’s sights is impractical. Use an arranged transfer, a pre-booked taxi or any shuttle confirmed for your sailing. Check where independent passengers can meet their driver and how vehicles gain access for the return.

Allow roughly 30–45 minutes each way for the city transfer, with additional time for traffic. Public transport is more useful within Bristol than for the initial journey from the berth; do not assume a nearby station is accessible on foot from your ship.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Harbourside and the Old City

Easy independently after a transfer. Spend 2–3 hours walking between the waterfront, Queen Square, St Nicholas Market and Bristol Cathedral. This is the most flexible choice for a shorter call, with cafés and indoor stops along the way. Most of the route is fairly level, although cobbles and uneven paving occur. Market activity depends on the day.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Easy independently after a transfer. The restored passenger ship, dry dock and associated exhibitions are a substantial attraction on the western Harbourside. Allow 2–3 hours for a focused visit, or longer if maritime history is your priority. Combine it with a short waterfront stroll rather than trying to fit every city highlight into the same outing. Check opening arrangements and accessibility before visiting; some shipboard spaces involve stairs or confined passages.

Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Village

Independent with transport recommended. Take a taxi to Clifton for Avon Gorge views, a pedestrian crossing of the bridge and a visit to the bridge museum on the Leigh Woods side. Allow 1.5–2.5 hours locally, including Clifton Village’s shops and cafés. Crossing the bridge on foot is free. Clifton sits well above the city centre, so walking up from the Harbourside adds hills and consumes sightseeing time.

Bath as a Separate Excursion

Organized excursion recommended when time is tight. Bath is a separate destination, requiring travel from the cruise docks. Independent visitors can arrange a taxi to Bristol Temple Meads, then take a train to Bath Spa; the train journey itself takes approximately 12–20 minutes, but port transfers, waiting and station access add considerably to the outing.

Allow at least 2 hours overall for transport and connections, plus 3–4 hours in Bath. Focus on the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and nearby streets; reserve Roman Baths admission ahead. Choose Bath as the main outing rather than attempting substantial sightseeing in both cities.

Self-Guided Walking Route

Central Bristol: Waterfront and Old City

Start and finish: Bristol Cathedral on College Green, reached by your arranged city transfer. If your shuttle drops elsewhere, join the route at the nearest stop and return to its designated collection point.

  1. Bristol Cathedral and College Green: Explore the green and visit the cathedral if access permits.
  2. Millennium Square: Continue towards the regenerated waterfront.
  3. Pero’s Bridge: Cross the pedestrian bridge towards the eastern Harbourside.
  4. Queen Square: Walk through the Georgian square.
  5. King Street: See the historic street and Bristol Old Vic exterior.
  6. St Nicholas Market: Browse the covered market or stop for food when open.
  7. Broad Street and the Centre: Return through the Old City, then head back to College Green.

Approximate distance: 3 km (1.9 mi). Pure walking time: 45–60 minutes. Recommended total: 2–3 hours. Difficulty: Easy, with mostly gentle terrain, some cobbles and road crossings. SS Great Britain is outside this compact loop and needs additional time.

Practical Tips

  • Confirm the berth, shuttle arrangements and return collection point before leaving the ship.
  • Check attraction opening days; M Shed is a useful indoor waterfront option but normally closes on Mondays.
  • Arrange your return taxi in advance. A city taxi rank does not guarantee immediate transport or access to the correct dock.
  • Keep at least an hour of contingency beyond the expected return journey, and more for Bath or busy traffic periods. Follow the ship’s all-aboard time.

Bristol UK hotels