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Thanks, @rbelshaw - I shouldn't have used the word "trek" as I know it's a long way and wasn't going to walk it. I used to go into the city a lot, but not lately.  I really just want to know how to confirm the port as I've not received a single thing from Princess. 
Thanks again for the warning.

Edited to delete.

20 hours ago, rbelshaw said:

Or "Frisco".

I live near Sacramento. Totally agree with all of the above!

Thanks to all for the help (and warnings). I confirmed the tickets are to Waterloo London and I quoted the cost for both of us together (and in US dollars). We had a lot of difficulty booking through nationalrail.com and ended up using an indirect site, paying a small service fee. If I was more savvy I could have maybe saved a few pounds but I'm just happy I have tickets and to the right place.

Thank you!

@John Bull You, sir, are a marvel! I thought it might be bad form to call you out by name, but I was positive you would have the answer. I thank you.

Side note: because I waited too long the fare is 69 pounds - far cry from 16. But I'm grateful as the cruise line wanted $119 US each because they didn't book the hotel. And I thought the train might be fun.

35 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

If you're talking about a taxi from disembarking ship to Southampton central train station,  while you could do it but dragging luggage would make it seem longer than it is.  I vote for taxi.  Not sure about the rest of your trip.  We had a car service from Southampton to Heathrow and on a recent trip car service from London hotel to Southampton. 

Oh, I must have written it wrong, @njkruzer. I meant after disembarking, taking a taxi to the central train station, then the train to....Where? Waterloo? then taxi from Waterloo station to hotel which is very near the British Museum. I saw another post suggesting just that, but not sure Waterloo is the correct station for the Radisson Bloomsbury. 

I do appreciate your quick response though. 

@John Bull or anyone not exceedingly tired of answering the same questions. I have never been to Europe and am really having trouble finding my exact situation in this multi-page thread. Someone have pity on me, please!

Disembarking in Southampton on 6/21 and need to get to Radisson on Bloomsbury St. kind of near the British Museum. Would I follow the directions in this thread to take a taxi to the train to Waterloo? I don't see that on the map I have, but I do see Tottenham. Sooo confused.
Thanks in advance.

What a terrific thread! Thank you, @John Bull!!! I picked up really valuable tips - especially letting folks go ahead of you so you're near the front for the next bus!!! Priceless! Also, in all my research I only found the Toot Bus and the Big Bus. Clearly need to hone my internet search skills.
 

I'll try that - thank you.

Thank you, @ColeThorntonand @Essiesmom. Unfortunately, the post is still up. I hope I don't get the tour operator in trouble within his community. 

I need to take down or edit a post that has already been answered and the ... ellipsis doesn't offer edit or delete options.  The tour operator asked me to remove the post as I didn't know I wasn't supposed to include the pricing. HELP!!!!

@TheProfessionalTraveller - thank you so much for the detailed response! My hubbie and I are not seasoned travelers; we've been on 4 cruises that other family members set-up so we are not experienced with making our own arrangements. Your response is very reassuring. 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Thanks, @gnome12. I see it now; I don't know why I missed it. 

Thank you, Hllb - gonna bookmark this for future. We're excited to try Oceania and I've always wanted to go to Scotland so I don't see us changing this cruise, but I hope to do a lot more travelling in the future and this is great info.

On 2/19/2023 at 3:32 PM, jsn55 said:

Just as I'd never buy travel insurance from a cruiseline, neither would I book a cruise with the cruiseline.  I want an agent who is only concerned about me and my travels.  One thing for sure ... never use an online booking service, only a real TA who is a cruise expert.  For example, a good TA would be sure your air arrangements are just what you want ... s/he'd be sure you contacted the cruiseline's Air Desk directly (often a conference call including your TA because the cruiseline likes it that way).  S/he would insist that the air be booked while you're on the phone, with confirmation numbers and seats.   Air booked blindly with a cruiseline can be a real issue, with numerous connections and whacko schedules, so you want control of the air itinerary.

 

I've had years of experience booking travel, but I like that little extra my TA gives ... perks onboard, reminders of deadlines, booking exactly the cabin we want.  When a recent cruise out of Quebec was held up more than 24 hours to avoid a hurricane (or tornado or thunderstorm, I forget), she had all the facts immediately and made sure I was aware of the situation.  We could then decide to stay another night at our hotel, or board as scheduled.  She was a friend first, so I can run by any nutso idea I get and she advises me.  

What a great illustration! Thank you for such a thoughtful response. I'm afraid we booked our air with the agent who answered the phone, who then charged us an extra fee for extending our stay when we disembark, even though we have only paid the deposit - the air travel isn't even booked yet. Unfortunately, my husband thinks he can do everything himself and doesn't need advice. (He also never asks for directions, soooooo......)

9 hours ago, Host Kat said:

 

Perhaps something in the following oldie but goodie Cruise Critic articles will be helpful:

Finding a Cruise Travel Agent

What to Expect on a Cruise: Booking a Cruise With a Travel Agent

What to Expect on a Cruise: Booking With a Cruise Line

Secret Agent Deals: How to Find Prices Cruise Lines Don't Offer

How to Save Money on Your Next Cruise

 

Thanks, Host Kat. The site is a bit overwhelming - thank you for pointing these out.

Thanks, KBs Mum - I guess, since we knew the line and itinerary we wanted, no harm in going directly to the cruise line. In future, I would think a TA could steer us to best deals - that's basically what I'm inferring from the comments here. 

On 1/15/2023 at 12:49 PM, thia9233 said:

We us Stravaigin Tours

Range Rover or Luxury MPV	Qty of Vehicles: 1 Day		$790.00
Pick Up Address: Invergordon Port Pick Up Time: 8am Destination: Invergordon Port at 5pm Tour Type: Shore Excursion Guide/Driver: SK No. of Adults: 6 Itinerary: Loch Ness, Inverness, Outlander and Scotch Whisky

https://stravaigin-scotland.com/contact-us/

 

Looks super interesting but can't find pricing on their website. Could be my browser....have you found you need to contact them to get costs?

What a great thread, thanks to all!
I'll be in Invergordon in June 2023 and am not really interested in Loch Ness. I found a wonderful tour (haven't done anything other than bookmarked it) from shorexcursions.co.uk. It's called the Sutherland Highland Experience Tour and looks perfect. Goes to Millionaires View, The Falls of Shin, Dunrobin Castle, Loch Fleet, Royal Burgh of Dornoch and a distillery.

Anyone know of this operator? Too good to be true?

Newbie here....
Can anyone point me to a thread where the pros and cons of TA vs. booking direct are discussed? We booked our own with Oceania, including flight. We chose the ship after watching tons of YouTubes - not very scientific! Wondering if there are benefits to using a TA in the future.

TIA.