British Isles / 12-Day

[Calgon1]

Booked on the Royal's July 8th sailing. Flying in three days early and staying one week after. Have joined the Roll Call. Fairly experienced cruiser.

 

However, knowing that there are many out there who have sailed this itinerary, I'm asking for any recommendations for touring London, Paris and the ports-of-call. Any advice you can offer, positives and/or negatives, will be greatly appreciated. Will also be sharing with my Roll Call.

 

Thanks in advance !!! :D

Edited August 17, 2014 by Calgon1

[ingatestonian]

Judging by your post on another thread, don't say anything about not talking right or driving on the wrong side of the road!

 

If you get a chance to see Bath do, my favourite English city.

 

At Le Havre, rather than go to Paris, the Normandy coastal town of Honfleur is lovely, or the Normandy beaches from WW2 are fascinating to visit.

[timetravler]

Hello there John.

As you may know we did the British Isle cruise this last June.

First we stayed at the Premier Inn County Hall. Very convenient but nothing to write home about. This hotel is a lot like a Holiday Inn.

We did the hoho bus in London and that was great. The bus takes you to all the major tourists spots around London. They sell the tickets right on the street at one of the hoho bus stops.

Used a private car service to get from Heathrow(Simply Airports was the name) to the hotel. This worked well for us a hubby has a nasty bad back.

From the hotel in London, we took the cruise buss(private company). It was great. They picked us up right at the hotel. Then off to Stonehenge. You buy tickets for Stonehenge when you reserve the cruise bus tickets. If you have been to Stonehenge, you can skip buying the tickets if you choose. But you have about 1&1/2 hour wait while everyone else goes. You can wait in the gift shop. After you reach Southampton, you identify your luggage and then they take care of getting your luggage to the ship. Makes it real easy.

Finally be sure to pack rain gear. The chance of rain is pretty high.

Oh you can go to Guinness 0n your own. We took a city train like bart to about 2 blocks from Guinness. We did the tour on our own which includes a Beer of course.

We did a private Whisky tour in Scotland buy a guy named Nigel. That was super. I found this tour on our roll call.

Also did another private tour of the Giant Causway and antrim coast. The name of the tour company is called "City and Giant Causway tour. The person who did this tour was unbelievable. His name is Alister. He even calls you at your home to set everything up. He takes groups of 6 but we only have 4 people. Oh this was in Belfast BTW. Great reviews from tripadvisor too.

That's all I have for now.

Edited August 17, 2014 by timetravler

[Calgon1]

Judging by your post on another thread, don't say anything about not talking right or driving on the wrong side of the road!

 

If you get a chance to see Bath do, my favourite English city.

 

At Le Havre, rather than go to Paris, the Normandy coastal town of Honfleur is lovely, or the Normandy beaches from WW2 are fascinating to visit.

 

Warning taken. Will "endeavour to speak properly". Driving will not be a problem as "She-Who-Must-be-Obeyed" has promised to blacken both eyes if I continue making disparaging remarks of her birthright. Thanks.

 

Will be "doing" the Normandy Beachhead" tour, as we will be taking a 3-day post-cruise in Paris.

 

Hello there John.

First we stayed at the Premier Inn County Hall. . . .

We did the hoho bus in London and that was great. . . .

Used a private car service to get from Heathrow(Simply Airports was the name) to the hotel. . . .

From the hotel in London, we took the cruise buss(private company). . . .

Finally be sure to pack rain gear. . . .

Oh you can go to Guinness on your own. . . .

We did a private Whisky tour in Scotland buy a guy named Nigel. . . .

 

The name of the tour company is called "City and Giant Causway tour. The person who did this tour was unbelievable. His name is Alister. . . .

 

Hi Bernie! Good to hear from you again.

Will be staying at a B&B in Hyde Park (BiL of some Brit cruise friends).

HoHo is a great possibility and a significant savings.

Private car? Yes. From Heathrow to B&B.

Rain gear? Always packed.

Guinness? YES!

Will be contacting Alister. Thanks

Edited August 17, 2014 by Calgon1

[Stevesan]

London:

 

A play at Globe Theater is a must:

 

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

 

http://www.viator.com/London/d737-ttd?mmod=HO-CB1c-5

 

Strongly recommend London Walks:

 

http://www.walks.com/

 

Paris:

 

Definitely include A river cruise.

 

http://paristours.france.com/

Edited August 17, 2014 by Stevesan

[sunshine nana]

We have booked the British cruise for next summer and want to disembark at Le Harve and visit Paris for a few days before taking the chunnel back to Heathrow to fly home. Princess says we will be allowed to disembark. We are wondering how to get from LeHarve to Paris. Should be book an excursion, are there taxis or should be pre-book a private transfer. Thanks for any info.

[Calgon1]

London:

 

A play at Globe Theater is a must:

 

Strongly recommend London Walks:

 

Paris: Definitely include A river cruise.

 

 

Thanks, Steve. Exactly what I am looking for. :)

[caribill]

We are wondering how to get from LeHarve to Paris. Should be book an excursion, are there taxis or should we pre-book a private transfer. Thanks for any info.

 

Although Princess may have excursions to Paris, they may not be equipped to handle your luggage.

 

Also be aware that weather conditions sometimes cause the ship to have to skip the stop at LeHarve. Have a Plan B in your mind just in case.

 

In London:

 

Tour Buckinhgham Palace - timed tickets in advance http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace

 

Tour Houses of Parliament - http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/

 

Visit the British Museum

 

See plays - same day discount tickets at TKTS booth http://www.tkts.co.uk/

 

Tour the Tower of London - avoid long lines -- buy tickets in advance http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/admissionsprices/toweroflondonadmission

Edited August 17, 2014 by caribill

[tartanexile81]

Edinburgh is a very easy DIY port. You will anchor in the River Forth, about 9 miles from Edinburgh. There is a local shuttle which runs from the pier into the city centre (gets very busy after 10:00 a.m.) which costs $15 round trip. The bus stop in Edinburgh this year has been in Charlotte Square, a picturesque part of the Georgian New Town and from the same stop the shuttle bus uses, it is very easy either to take a hoho bus round the city or walk up to the Castle and from there wander down the Royal Mile. I would highly recommend checking out the Britain boards on this site as they contain lots of useful information. I live Edinburgh and often post there.