Girl Scout Transfer from London to Southampton

[laul0005]

We have a group of 12 Girl Scouts travelling on the MSC Opera leaving June 17th out of Southampton. We are scheduled to arrive in London (Heathrow) at 7 am.

 

Two questions

 

What is the best way to get all those people to the port and back?

 

Is it crazy to consider a mini-tour on the way to the port?

 

I found this but it doesn't run on June 17th: http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/southampton_from_london_shared_bus.html

 

Advice?

[cjc3008]

We have a group of 12 Girl Scouts travelling on the MSC Opera leaving June 17th out of Southampton. We are scheduled to arrive in London (Heathrow) at 7 am.

 

Two questions

 

What is the best way to get all those people to the port and back?

 

Is it crazy to consider a mini-tour on the way to the port?

 

I found this but it doesn't run on June 17th: http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/southampton_from_london_shared_bus.html

 

Advice?

For a straight transfer look at national express coaches from Heathrow to Southampton. If you want a tour of London look at the Bigbustours website.

Edited May 5, 2014 by cjc3008

[jocap]

Sorry, can't help, but if you go back to the index and look for Ports of Call- Europe-, then press British Isles, there's a host of people on there who seem to know all about travelling across England, times and distances etc. :)

[John Bull]

For Heathrow to Southampton, cost-wise a group of 12 is pretty-well on the borderline between the National Express scheduled coach service and a private transfer.

Depending whether any of the party are aged under 16yrs, National Express will cost up to £220.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx

NB 1. Your date is not far off, it's a large group, there's a limited number of departure times (9am seems ideal), extra coaches aren't laid on when one is fully-booked, you don't want to split your party between two or more coaches, and the coaches don't have elastic sides. So if you choose Nat Express don't delay.

NB 2. Book to Southampton coach station. The cruise terminal applies only to Fred Olsen cruise line and will lead you up a blind alley.

 

Opera normally sails out of City Cruise Terminal. Whilst most folk take a taxi from the coach station it's a pretty easy 15-20 minute walk even with rolling luggage, though probably no fun if its raining. Or you could split your party with a couple of taxis (at £5 to £6 each) taking the luggage.

 

A private transfer has the advantage that when you alight it's easier to check the vehicle for any forgotten hats, coats, computer games, I-Pads, phones, cameras, passports, books, wallets, kids..... :rolleyes:

For private transfer from Heathrow, contact http://www.smithsforairports.com or http://www.westquaycars.com

Time is short & they may not have a large vehicle available, but could doubtless suggest other operators.

As a guide, the going rate for a simple transfer in a 4-seat sedan is about £80 to £95, I don't know the cost of a large van. Do be sure the operator knows how much luggage you'll have.

Yes, there are a number of sight-seeing options on the way. Windsor is not far from Heathrow. Winchester will be the cheapest, cos your route passes it. Stonehenge & Salisbury is more popular but adds mebbe 30 miles to the distance. Google these places, see what you think.

 

Other folk may also be able to suggest other operators, but this UK cruisers forum tends to be read only by Brits & your question will probably get better exposure if you repeat it on the Britain board:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=233

 

Time is getting short, don't delay

 

JB :)

Edited May 7, 2014 by John Bull