Transatlantic on Silhouette Nov 3

[Cruisensusan123]

Its me again. We booked this Nov 3., cruise but are stymied on how to get to the port in Southampton from LHR. We don’t mind taking a private car or anything but are unfamiliar with the system. Not wanting to haul our luggage up and down stairs, we need to know how to do this without a big hassle. Anyone have a suggestion? kiud.1@aol.com.

[cruisestitch]

There are buses directly from the airport (National Express) which are easy and inexpensive and once in Southampton you can take a taxi for the short ride to the ship.

 

But I hope you aren’t planning on flying to Southampton the day you’ll embark. Go a day ahead.

[bengaltiger1]

Its me again. We booked this Nov 3., cruise but are stymied on how to get to the port in Southampton from LHR. We don’t mind taking a private car or anything but are unfamiliar with the system. Not wanting to haul our luggage up and down stairs, we need to know how to do this without a big hassle. Anyone have a suggestion? kiud.1@aol.com.

 

 

 

Have you joined the roll call for the cruise? There have been a few posts about transport.

 

 

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[Cruisensusan123]

:) Thank you for this information. It certainly is very helpful.

[Ox Fan Cruiser]

we used "smithsforairports" for our ride from Southampton to London-Gatwick airport following our East bound TA. I've heard very good things about them and after our ride I agree with the high praise.

[TeaBag]

Here is the link for the roll call:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2427604

 

We are using National Express as we have done 3 times before. It picks up at terminals 1 - 4 at LHR.

Edited May 18, 2018 by TeaBag

[nikel]

Here is the link for the roll call:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2427604

 

We are using National Express as we have done 3 times before. It picks up at terminals 1 - 4 at LHR.

 

 

Does the bus just drive by the terminals and pick up passengers like hotel shuttles do ?

[cruisestitch]

It has designated departure points and times of departure, but the analogy to hotel shuttles isn't too far off.

[wendychloecruiser]

Just remember that it’s 83 miles from LHR to Southampton. Not for that route but we have used http://www.airports-pickups-london.com many times and have always been reliable and reasonable.

[SoonerDog]

This is assuming you aren't taking a ton of luggage (if you are- the private car is the best idea).

 

I always take a train- You can depart from either Victoria or Waterloo and travel w/o any changes to Southampton Central and get a Cab from there to the cruise terminal. This would require you to get from Heathrow to Victoria, but that's pretty easy on the Tube

 

You can get Train info at national rail.co.uk.

 

Also, if you haven't already booked your flight, I would strongly advise you to arrive in London the day before you sail. Chances are, you'll have no problems, but nothing could be worse than missing your cruise because of a problem with your flight.

[TeaBag]

We have already booked National Express from Victoria Station to Southampton for £5 each. You are allowed one large suitcase each as well as carry on. Driver loads the luggage. There is one short stop at Southampton University. I think it takes about 2.5 hours. May be much faster on the train but I like the fare on the bus!

[Lastdance]

We have already booked National Express from Victoria Station to Southampton for £5 each. You are allowed one large suitcase each as well as carry on. Driver loads the luggage. There is one short stop at Southampton University. I think it takes about 2.5 hours. May be much faster on the train but I like the fare on the bus!

 

We did the same a few years ago, but for some reason we found it made us feel ill from being on the bus with all the twists and turns, after arriving from SFO. to LHR, so the next few times we opted for a private car. I am sure this is not the norm, but if you can secure a car and want to arrive at your hotel a little sooner than later, take the car. Yes, spend the night in Southampton just in case...or try the bus and save a lot of pounds!

[Cruisensusan123]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are now leaning toward a private car service. It is called Airport Pickups London. The will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel or the cruise port. Of course not being familiar with this all; I will have to trust they are reliable.

[NCHPcruiser]

We are also using Smith's for Airports for three transfers in June (LHR to London hotel, hotel to port, port to LHR). They have been very responsive and professional.

[Turtles06]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are now leaning toward a private car service. It is called Airport Pickups London. The will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel or the cruise port. Of course not being familiar with this all; I will have to trust they are reliable.

 

Please do not just "trust" that they are reliable.. Do some research into them, especially over on the Ports of Call/Europe/Britain board. Do a search for their name, and see if others have anything to say about them. There are a number of highly regarded private car services who get mentioned repeatedly on that board. Smiths for Airports is one of them (and we found them to be terrific).

[wendychloecruiser]

Thanks for the suggestion. We are now leaning toward a private car service. It is called Airport Pickups London. The will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel or the cruise port. Of course not being familiar with this all; I will have to trust they are reliable.

 

We have used these guys many times over the past 6 years and have never had a problem with them. They have been punctual, reliable and reasonably priced. We have no reason to use any one else.

[HS2BS]

The bus is cheapest but: 1 you need to get your luggage over to the bus terminal, 2 bus takes two plus hours depending on stops and number of passengers, 3 when you get to Southampton bus station you are going to need a taxi. Train is the same thing!

Car service is the most expensive, 1 direct pick up with luggage, 2 comfortable transportation and will stop if you want, 3 directly to the port or the front door of your hotel.

Having done these as a way of getting to Southampton, we are not in condition or desire to move luggage or wait for bus/train and still need a taxi to get to our final destination.

 

Since I've already expended a considerable amount to go on a cruise out of Southampton, those extra $$ spent on a car service(not a taxi) are part of my vacation.

 

This week we are arriving at Heathrow on Friday morning and have arranged for our car to transport us to the hotel in Southampton (Silhouette 14 day Baltic cruise). Driver holds a sign up with our name, retrieves our luggage (Airport Pickups London - £99), escorts us to the car and we're off. Upon return from the cruise the same thing but to Heathrow( 4 people £114).

 

Hal

Edited May 19, 2018 by HS2BS
Errors

[Cruisensusan123]

Thank you all for all of your suggestions on transportation. I have not been there for years and never thought about it when I booked this cruise. We will get a car to the hotel, then on Saturday morning, get a car to Southampton.

We are staying at the Doubletree Westminster near the Thames. We chose this because it is within walking distance to several things,

See you on the ship!