Heathrow to Southampton-Best way there?

Bop · #1 (**permalink**) February 12th, 2001, 04:46 PM

Hi Fellow Cruisers and Cruiseaddicts,
We are booked on the Royal Princess for the August 3 British Isles itinerary. Realizing that we will be arriving early at the beginning of Holidays in GB, we want to plan the simplest means of transportation from the vacinity of Heathrow, where we will be staynig 2 days pre-cruise, and the ship dock at Southampton. We are planning to book our own air and B&B near Heathrow. I understand that cab fare would, pardon the expression, go for a Queen's ransome. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Take care and good cruising,
Bop

#2 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2001, 02:26 PM

Buy a transfer from Princess. You will only need to get back to Heathrow and they will transfer you by bus to Southampton. We sailed Princess from Dover and used their transfer service. It was just fine.

Carole

Bop · #3 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2001, 06:27 PM

Thanks Carole,
I don't know why it did not occur to me to return to Heathrow for a Princess shuttle to Southampton. Must have been a "senior moment". I have them more frequently now, it seems. I contacted my TA and she is calling Princess about transfers. We have used them before when booking our own air and lodging and they do work fine.
Thanks,
Bop

Anne Campbell · #4 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2001, 11:02 PM

There is a train from London to Southampton, but I agree with Carol...it's best to buy a transfer from Princess. That way, you arrive with the passengers....you and your luggage are whisked right to the ship.

anne

Bop · #5 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2001, 11:10 AM

Thanks Anne,
I have already asked my TA to get the transfers. Ever the "conservative" (aka tightwad), I am always looking for the bargain. After considering the alternatives; train, dragging luggage then ? from station to ship, and taxi at $$$$$, it looks like the pre cruise 2 day package including transfers and hotel are the bargain at $299 per person.
Princess packages seem to be getting more reasonable as I anticipated London Hotels to be much higher via Princess. Two nights at the Crowne Plaza for $299pp, including breakfasts and transfers doesn't sound too bad. The fact that it's the kids' inheritance money makes it a bargain in my book.

!
Thanks again and smooth sailing,
Bop