mrhowell2002 Posted February 1 #1 Share Posted February 1 i want the best option ...should i fly into heathrow or another airport because i want a hotel close to the cruise port??? pls help...thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 1 #2 Share Posted February 1 50 minutes ago, mrhowell2002 said: i want the best option ...should i fly into heathrow or another airport because i want a hotel close to the cruise port??? pls help...thx If using public transport on landing there are direct trains from Gatwick airport to Portsmouth which might be convenient for you. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WanderingBrit Posted February 1 #3 Share Posted February 1 None of the international airports used by flights from the USA are close to Portsmouth, so you'll have ground transport to figure out no matter what - but Gatwick is much easier. You probably can't fly direct to LGW from MIA, and will end up connecting in New York, or Madrid, or Lisbon, or Amsterdam ... Heathrow to Portsmouth (rome2rio.com) London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Portsmouth (rome2rio.com) International flights from the US typically land early morning in the UK, so you'll have lots of time to get to Portsmouth if your plan is to stay in a hotel there the night before your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlyssaJames Posted February 1 #4 Share Posted February 1 3 hours ago, WanderingBrit said: None of the international airports used by flights from the USA are close to Portsmouth, so you'll have ground transport to figure out no matter what - but Gatwick is much easier. You probably can't fly direct to LGW from MIA, and will end up connecting in New York, or Madrid, or Lisbon, or Amsterdam ... Heathrow to Portsmouth (rome2rio.com) London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Portsmouth (rome2rio.com) International flights from the US typically land early morning in the UK, so you'll have lots of time to get to Portsmouth if your plan is to stay in a hotel there the night before your cruise. I'm not the original poster, but (American here) could you comment on how difficult it would be for a solo traveler to wrangle luggage around on (trains?) if flying into Gatwick? I also need to figure out how to get to Portsmouth later this year. (I'm from some of the various mid-to-large US cities with absolutely wretched public transport options. My train experience is almost nil.) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tralfaz1138 Posted February 1 #5 Share Posted February 1 (edited) One thing to note about using the train is that you'll want to keep an eye on what the rail workers are doing around the time you are going to fly to the UK. They've had intermittent strikes going on for the past couple of years, but on the positive side they've been pretty good about letting people know when they are going to happen. The plan my wife and I have is to just fly in to London and stay there a few days (since she's never been there), then take the train to Portsmouth. "If" there happens to be a strike then, there is also a bus (though the route for this may go up to London and back down if travelling from Gatwick) plus, worst case or for the most comfortable ride, a taxi can be booked from Gatwick or London. As for luggage on a train, it's been a while but I used to use the train in Chicago to go to the airport and bringing luggage on there was never a big issue, but it all depends on how much you have I suppose. Edited February 1 by Tralfaz1138 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WanderingBrit Posted February 2 #6 Share Posted February 2 By way of example: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61634959?fbclid=IwAR2YHaQRlcWwP3HAfqu5sIFb0U7XbkVhJdGN8iUHLUmYZikaou4qOfNfDcg_aem_ARsQLkaShTQet1UQlSOP9Sqsy6tSFyZetR483zGKf66kQNQkuFhQXWYR2hyBtyRsPSE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swells1 Posted February 2 #7 Share Posted February 2 I just booked this itinerary myself, so I'm following along. I'm so excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WanderingBrit Posted February 2 #8 Share Posted February 2 20 hours ago, AlyssaJames said: I'm not the original poster, but (American here) could you comment on how difficult it would be for a solo traveler to wrangle luggage around on (trains?) if flying into Gatwick? I also need to figure out how to get to Portsmouth later this year. (I'm from some of the various mid-to-large US cities with absolutely wretched public transport options. My train experience is almost nil.) You'll find that platforms are at the same level as the train floor, so there's no climbing up from ground level as you've encountered with many American stations. It's tough to predict how busy the train will be, worst case scenario is that you're sitting on your case in a corridor area for 90 minutes because the carriages are all full. I haven't traveled on the Gatwick to Pompey service, so I don't know how modern the rolling stock is or how much luggage area there is - though given the route they have to assume people are bringing luggage. Personally I've almost always had a good response to asking "Excuse me, could you help me ... " with staff working on public transport or in stations. I think people can tell when you approach them assuming they're a decent human and willing to help! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 2 #9 Share Posted February 2 (edited) I think if flying in with big suitcases I'd be tempted to fly to Heathrow and get the national express direct to Portsmouth, at least you know the suitcases will be going in the hold of the bus and can pay for additional if you need it. Edited February 2 by Jamesv281117 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 2 #10 Share Posted February 2 Also national express can take you from Heathrow and drop off at the international port.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WanderingBrit Posted February 2 #11 Share Posted February 2 50 minutes ago, Jamesv281117 said: Also national express can take you from Heathrow and drop off at the international port.. That's good advice, and flying in to Heathrow opens up many more direct flight options than going to Gatwick. Looks like the National Express 203 service is the one to use, it will take a bit longer than the train but probably a more relaxed experience. National Express Route 203, Heathrow Airport to Southsea — National Express Timetables 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CineGraphic Posted February 2 #12 Share Posted February 2 We are flying into Heathrow, taking the Elizabeth Line into London, and staying there for a few days because it's Pam's first time in the UK. Then we are taking the train from Waterloo Station to Portsmouth the day before we sail and spending the night there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlyssaJames Posted February 2 #13 Share Posted February 2 (edited) Thank you both (all) so much for this discussion! Super helpful. I’m just now looking at flights for late September. I’m a huge Anglophile who was afraid of flying until relatively late in life, so this cruise will be my first time over the pond, and I think I’m going to tack on some days at the start for England. (I think I could spent about three months there, honestly.) I had been thinking I would figure out how to get to Portsmouth / Southampton, get a hotel there, and focus on sights in that area. (For example, I’m exactly the kind of tourist who wants to see the Mary Rose.) (Unfortunately for me, I can’t get the hang of packing light.) Edited February 2 by AlyssaJames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WanderingBrit Posted February 2 #14 Share Posted February 2 3 hours ago, AlyssaJames said: Thank you both (all) so much for this discussion! Super helpful. I’m just now looking at flights for late September. I’m a huge Anglophile who was afraid of flying until relatively late in life, so this cruise will be my first time over the pond, and I think I’m going to tack on some days at the start for England. (I think I could spent about three months there, honestly.) I had been thinking I would figure out how to get to Portsmouth / Southampton, get a hotel there, and focus on sights in that area. (For example, I’m exactly the kind of tourist who wants to see the Mary Rose.) (Unfortunately for me, I can’t get the hang of packing light.) I spent my first 27 years in Southampton, so I'm biased, but I think it's a pretty good base for a few days. Easy access to Stonehenge, Winchester, The New Forest (Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard), Tudor House and Garden ... London's easy to navigate too, public transport is excellent, and there's almost endless history to explore there. On a work trip 5 years ago I lead colleagues on a pub crawl starting in Greenwich which included a pint in a pub older than the United States 🙂 Late September is a great time to visit - weather is still nice but the kids are back in school. You'll have a blast no matter what you do. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 2 #15 Share Posted February 2 Also a shout I stayed in Portsmouth before a virgin voyage and did the hover boat to the isle of wight and really enjoyed that, happened to be great weather which always helps 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tralfaz1138 Posted February 2 #16 Share Posted February 2 38 minutes ago, WanderingBrit said: I spent my first 27 years in Southampton, so I'm biased, but I think it's a pretty good base for a few days. Easy access to Stonehenge, Winchester, The New Forest (Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard), Tudor House and Garden ... London's easy to navigate too, public transport is excellent, and there's almost endless history to explore there. On a work trip 5 years ago I lead colleagues on a pub crawl starting in Greenwich which included a pint in a pub older than the United States 🙂 Late September is a great time to visit - weather is still nice but the kids are back in school. You'll have a blast no matter what you do. My last stay in London was a business trip that happened to end up after Princess Diana passed away (the funeral procession went right past our hotel). So yes, it's been a few decades since I was there. I figured we'd spend the time in London, then head to Portsmouth the day of embarkation. However, it seems like there are a few things to do around Portsmouth so I might adjust the plans a little. Thank you for the information (though I'd need to work out the best way to see some of those places). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3 on a cruise Posted February 4 #17 Share Posted February 4 On 2/3/2024 at 8:11 AM, Tralfaz1138 said: My last stay in London was a business trip that happened to end up after Princess Diana passed away (the funeral procession went right past our hotel). So yes, it's been a few decades since I was there. I figured we'd spend the time in London, then head to Portsmouth the day of embarkation. However, it seems like there are a few things to do around Portsmouth so I might adjust the plans a little. Thank you for the information (though I'd need to work out the best way to see some of those places). My wife and I have decided not to complicate our holiday and have substituted our 2 days in London with 3 in Portsmouth (similar cost) and enjoy a less stressful start to our trip. Portsmouth has a lot to offer and we could always hire a car if we wish to go further afield. We fly into Heathrow on the 26th Sept at 15.40 and plan to book a taxi to our hotel in Portsmouth at a similar cost to using public transport to London and then on to Portsmouth. Good luck with your plans 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlyssaJames Posted February 5 #18 Share Posted February 5 On 2/2/2024 at 3:27 PM, WanderingBrit said: I spent my first 27 years in Southampton, so I'm biased, but I think it's a pretty good base for a few days. Easy access to Stonehenge, Winchester, The New Forest (Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard), Tudor House and Garden ... London's easy to navigate too, public transport is excellent, and there's almost endless history to explore there. On a work trip 5 years ago I lead colleagues on a pub crawl starting in Greenwich which included a pint in a pub older than the United States 🙂 Late September is a great time to visit - weather is still nice but the kids are back in school. You'll have a blast no matter what you do. Thank you again, I really appreciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewsbury on Tour Posted February 10 #19 Share Posted February 10 Good evening, Also on this cruise. Just checking on VV website cruise no longer showing?? Sold out 9 months in advance?? Any thoughts?? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 10 #20 Share Posted February 10 3 minutes ago, Shrewsbury on Tour said: Good evening, Also on this cruise. Just checking on VV website cruise no longer showing?? Sold out 9 months in advance?? Any thoughts?? Thanks Which one? Portsmouth to Barcelona? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewsbury on Tour Posted February 10 #21 Share Posted February 10 Hi, yes Portsmouth to Barcelona on the 29/09 Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 10 #22 Share Posted February 10 Just now, Shrewsbury on Tour said: Hi, yes Portsmouth to Barcelona on the 29/09 Cheers I believe it's off sale currently because they're reviewing Resilient Lady's repositioning due to the problems they've just had having to change course returning from Australia. Think a decision is being made by the end of February on it all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewsbury on Tour Posted February 10 #23 Share Posted February 10 (edited) Do you think there’s a possibility it will be cancelled??? As all other cruises for Resiliant Lady for this summer are still available. Cheers Edited February 10 by Shrewsbury on Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv281117 Posted February 10 #24 Share Posted February 10 Would be hard to have any idea at the moment, I think the debate is whether it repositions west or east. I think there'd be a decent chance of Portsmouth to Barcelona still happening in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrewsbury on Tour Posted February 10 #25 Share Posted February 10 I truly hope so. But with the troubles in the world who knows. Was first time with VV. https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/02/virgin-voyages-repositioning-update-ship-heading-around-africa/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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