Moxy Hotels Southampton Review - The Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay?

Moxy Southampton - The Ideal Pre Cruise Stay?

Southampton isn’t just a student city - it’s the busiest cruise ship port in the UK, and one of the busiest in Europe. With this in mind, you won’t be surprised to learn that you’ll be spoilt for choice when trying to find a hotel in Southampton. Whether you’re looking for a pre-cruise say or a weekend getaway, Southampton is the perfect base for your adventures. In my never-ending pursuit to find the best hotel in Southampton for your money, I stayed at Moxy in Southampton city centre for a night to put it to the test.

After first experiencing Moxy during a mini-break, the quirky hotel chain has been a go-to for me. Full of personality without being style-over-substance, Moxy always manages to cover the basics and sprinkle some fun and luxurious touches on top. Each Moxy hotel is decorated to reflect the local area - in Chester the communal spaces features thoughtful touches that gave a nod to the city’s horse racing heritage, so you can imagine the nautical theme running through the chain’s Southampton offering.

5 Bucket List European Holiday Destinations to Visit in 2025

Hey Owlets,

For almost a decade I've been exploring Europe to experience the wide variety of cultures across the continent. With diverse landscapes and rich histories, it doesn't matter which country (or countries!) you choose to visit, you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience something new. Whether you're seeking the sun, snow, or an adventure, there are so many incredible options for your European holiday in 2025. So if you're seeking inspiration for your 2025 travels, here are some of my personal recommendations for every kind of holiday in Europe this year. 

What to Pack for Northern Norway & The Arctic Circle

Visiting the Arctic Circle, whether in Norway or another country, is a magical once in a lifetime experience, but preparing for your trip is a level of overwhelm that I've not experienced since moving house. For someone that resides in a fairly temperate climate all year round, the concept of battling -30ºC doesn't even begin to compute. I found myself in this exact position at the end of November. Having fallen down a rabbit hole of frantic Googling, asked many people more knowledgable than myself for advice and with the benefit of hindsight after living with my mistakes, I'm fairly confident that I can offer you a foolproof guide to getting ready for your trip to the Arctic Circle.

The Best Cooling Pyjamas for Hot Nights on a Cruise

Cruises are meant to be relaxing, but getting a good night’s sleep in a warm, stuffy cabin can be a challenge. With limited air circulation and varying temperatures, staying cool at night is key to feeling refreshed for the next day’s adventures. The right sleepwear can make all the difference, and cooling pyjamas are the perfect solution for keeping you comfortable on the water.

Here’s why cooling pajamas are a must-pack for your next cruise and how they help you stay cool while you sleep.

The Only Shoes You’ll Need for Your Next Cruise

Packing for a cruise is a delicate art. Bring too little, and you’ll find yourself buying overpriced flip-flops in the gift shop. Bring too much, and suddenly you’re playing suitcase Tetris the night before disembarkation. But if there’s one thing you absolutely need to get right, it’s your shoes.

Cruises are a weird mix of relaxation and unexpected physical activity. One moment, you’re sipping a piña colada by the pool, and the next, you’re speed-walking to catch a sunset excursion you almost forgot you booked. So, rather than overstuffing your luggage with every shoe you own, here’s a foolproof list of the only four pairs you’ll actually need on your cruise.