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Questions about shore excursion to Windsor


funcruiser2000
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I was on QM2’s July 2017 roundtrip New York transatlantic voyage and participated in Cunard’s excursion to Windsor on the turnaround day.

 

We left the ship at 7:00 a.m., and the bus trip took about two hours. Arriving in Windsor, we parked in the coach lot adjacent to the train station. The guide, who had met us in Southampton, escorted us through the town on the approximately 20 minute walk to the entrance line for Windsor Castle, distributed the entrance tickets for the castle tour, guided us through security, took us to the stand where we were equipped with an electronic guide to the castle, and then accompanied us to the castle entrance. After that, we were free to follow the recorded narration of the castle on our own at our own pace.

 

According to how long you chose to visit the castle, there was free time to visit St. George’s Chapel, browse in Windsor and/or have lunch. We had to make our own way back to the bus by 2:00 p.m.

 

Arriving back at Southampton terminal, you proceed through the terminal directly to security, show you ship card, and board after going through security.

 

I found the trip enjoyable but really too short a time in Windsor.

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  • 2 weeks later...
We are doing back to back TA crossings, leaving 7/6/18 from Brooklyn.

 

Has anyone done the shore excursion to Windsor Castle?

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks for this post! We start our back to back on the 20th and are planning the same thing. I've heard complaints that it's too short, but we are still planning to take the tour and make the best of the time we have!

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Windsor Castle is one of those no to be missed places in the UK. I have visited several time, before and after the fire. I especially liked the tour to Queen Mary's Doll House in the Castle, which is a remarkable testament to the quality of British hand work. There is much to see in Windsor as well, including a pub near the Castle, with very good fish and chips.

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My suggestion for single day in Southampton, which we have done ourselves.

Get off the ship as early as you can - ideally before 7:00 am (your time that day is precious).

Go straight to Southampton rail station - about 10 minutes by cab (ask for the "London side") -

and get the next fast train to Waterloo (not Victoria) in London. They go about 3 per hour and take around 80 minutes. It's a lovely, fast ride through the Hampshire countryside and into "Town". Hint: we have been standing in London before 9:00 am. Seriously.

Walk north over to the London Eye pier on the River Thames and take an eastbound riverboat to Tower Bridge pier.

Have a look round there, then walk south over Tower Bridge and stroll west along the South Bank of the River Thames all the way back to Waterloo (a guide book will help with all the sights you will encounter). And you can't get lost - the river is always next to you. You'll have time for a pub lunch (avoid the 'touristy' ones - watch where the locals are going) for a real feel for London.

Take the 14:05 pm train back to Southampton, assuming the ship sails at 5 pm.

You will have at least 4 hours in Town and will see far more than you might at Windsor - good though Windsor is.

Hint - if you decide to do this, book your rail tickets in advance, for a considerable discount price, at nationalrail.co.uk.

As Jamie Oliver would say, "Brillant!".

 

PS we are on the same crossing as you - hope to see you on board!

Edited by Canuker
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