LON-SOU transfer options?

[MarkBearSF]

Just emailed my TA to book a crossing on 10-17 May 2016.

 

Years ago on the QE2, Cunard provided complimentary bus transfers to Southampton from Victoria Station, I recall (with a red or blue ticket program - grill pax got champagne and hors d'oeuvres). I know that's no longer the case.

 

What are the Cunard offerings for transfers from central London?

What are popular alternatives? Is the train station convenient to the pier? (I assume the boat train is long gone)

[Scrapnana]

The train station is at least a mile from the docks used by Cunard. You are correct that the boat train is no more.

 

You can book a transfer with Cunard from Victoria Station, Gatwick or Heathrow for about $50. As far as I know, these are only available the day of embarkation.

 

I use Smiths for Airports to pick me up at the airport because I fly in two days early. If there are two in your party, it is not a great deal more than the coach.

[Pennbank]

Just emailed my TA to book a crossing on 10-17 May 2016.

 

Years ago on the QE2, Cunard provided complimentary bus transfers to Southampton from Victoria Station, I recall (with a red or blue ticket program - grill pax got champagne and hors d'oeuvres). I know that's no longer the case.

 

What are the Cunard offerings for transfers from central London?

What are popular alternatives? Is the train station convenient to the pier? (I assume the boat train is long gone)

 

The Victoria Coach station is a short walk from Victoria Railway Station.

 

Cunard FAQ state

https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/before-you-sail/Victoria_station

 

 

 

What time does my transfer leave Victoria Coach station?

 

If you have booked a Victoria Coach Station Transfer to Southampton, you are advised to report to Victoria Coach Station between 10.00 am and 11.00 am.

On arrival at Victoria Coach Station, please look for the departure hall where you will find the coach bay number detailed on the wall mounted Television Screens. You will be met there by a Cunard representative and allocated a departure time and vehicle. If numbers do not warrant a coach, a representative will meet you in the departure hall and escort you to their vehicle, which may be a mini-van or car.

Transfer departure times are dependent on the number of guests utilising this service. If the numbers are high and more than one coach is required, departures will then be at regular intervals between 11.00 am - 12.30 pm. If only one vehicle is used the departure time will always be 12.30 pm.

 

The Train from Victoria Railway Station to Southampton is operated by Southern and the journey takes around 2hrs 30mins without changing trains,

or around 1hr 30mins when changing trains at Clapham Junction. You change on to the South West Train Service which comes from London Waterloo Terminus.

 

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search

 

Cunard usually depart from Dock Gate 4 Ocean Terminal at Southampton, which is a short Cab ride away.

 

http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/live_information/shipping_movements_and_cruise_ship_schedule/cruise_ship_schedule/

Edited March 10, 2015 by Pennbank

[AlexDouglass]

Another vote for Smiths for Airports - clean, comfortable vehicles that take you right from your hotel or other London location to the pier, deal with your luggage, etc., for not that much more than the train. It's a pleasant drive with some nice scenery. On our last TA, we were staying in a large and bustling hotel, but the Smiths driver immediately spotted the Cunard tags on our bag and took us in hand - they're real pros.

[loubetti]

Do they still do the Orient Express from Victoria? I did it twice, and the price was breathtaking, but you only live once. One time we got the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive- amazing!

[Pennbank]

Do they still do the Orient Express from Victoria? I did it twice, and the price was breathtaking, but you only live once. One time we got the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive- amazing!

 

http://www.seat61.com/Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.htm

[MarkBearSF]

Thanks all! Unless our hotel is super-convenient to Victoria Station, we'll check out booking a car and will contact Smiths first!

Simplicity is best, especially if we're schlepping our suitcases with formal wear.

Edited March 10, 2015 by MarkBearSF