Pre/post cruise activity - London/Southampton

[Bnjg]

Looking to cruise out of Southampton next year...would like to spend a few days diet before or after in London.  Does anyone have any personal experience doing so, or can recommend some resources with packages or arranging such a stay?  Plans are to fly to Heathrow, sail out of Southampton.  Not sure whether doing something g before or after is better.  Any perspectives?  Thanks!

[Heidi13]

We have stayed in London many times over the years. From Southampton, we take the train into London Waterloo, staying at one of the hotels - usually the Travelodge, which is about 400 yds from the station. 

 

If arriving at LHR, we either use Addison Lee car service or get Airprtr to ship bags to the hotel and we catch the Tube. If going for a cruise, we again stay around Waterloo, catching the train to Southampton.

 

We travel around London on the Tube, purchasing a card on arrival. Never book travel packages, as we make all arrangements ourselves.

[MicCanberra]

check out the London toolkit https://www.londontoolkit.com/.

[auscgguysgirl]

We are on the Transatlantic sailing for the Mardi Gras in September of next year from Southampton to NY.  We are actually looking at coming in several days early and flying into France ... then hopping to Ireland, Scotland and then driving down to pick up the ship in Southampton.

[MicCanberra]

14 hours ago, auscgguysgirl said:

We are on the Transatlantic sailing for the Mardi Gras in September of next year from Southampton to NY.  We are actually looking at coming in several days early and flying into France ... then hopping to Ireland, Scotland and then driving down to pick up the ship in Southampton.

Wow, you may need more than a couple of days for all that.

[john watson]

On 2/24/2019 at 1:04 AM, Bnjg said:

Looking to cruise out of Southampton next year...would like to spend a few days diet before or after in London.  Does anyone have any personal experience doing so, or can recommend some resources with packages or arranging such a stay?  Plans are to fly to Heathrow, sail out of Southampton.  Not sure whether doing something g before or after is better.  Any perspectives?  Thanks!

 

If I were planning to do this I would book one nights accommodation in a hotel in Southampton to embark the ship in the morning.  This reduces stress a lot.  Holiday Inn Herbert Walker Avenue or Grand Harbour Hotel or a lodge type hotel as near to quayside as possible.   At the end of the cruise I would use the cruise lines "Airport Transfer" service, if they have one available with an afternoon flight.

 

Then I should look at arriving at London Heathrow or Gatwick two, three or more days ahead of the Southampton hotel night.  Transport for London, official government website gives loads of information on travel around the capital with downloadable maps.  Cheapest most effective way around the capital is the Underground railway or in some cases buses.  You will need to get a couple of "Oyster Cards" to pay for many fares.

 

It is easy these days to book hotels and organise things using the internet. Specialist tours like having tea at Buckingham Palace can be booked through www.viator.com but generally it is best to do things yourself unless there is a crowd capacity limit and the venue will be sold out on the day.

 

Regards John

Edited March 24, 2019 by john watson

[auscgguysgirl]

On 3/2/2019 at 2:47 AM, MicCanberra said:

Wow, you may need more than a couple of days for all that.

 

Guess that depends on what you do & how you do it.  LOL

I did 28 countries through Europe in 31 days w/ my daughter about 9 years ago & had a blast.

Obviously you can't see or do everything ... but that's not the point.

 

[MicCanberra]

On ‎4‎/‎23‎/‎2019 at 11:45 PM, auscgguysgirl said:

 

Guess that depends on what you do & how you do it.  LOL

I did 28 countries through Europe in 31 days w/ my daughter about 9 years ago & had a blast.

Obviously you can't see or do everything ... but that's not the point.

 

Definitely depends on how you do it and what you want to do and see. 

[edubbman23]

Cruising out of Southampton and was wondering what is the best means of travel from Heathrow airport to Southampton? Thank you

[MicCanberra]

By best do you mean cheapest, fastest, most convenient, most luxurious, or most private?

Whatever it is, check out the London Toolkit transfer pages. https://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/heathrow_southampton.htm