QE2 in August 2002

[MabesNY]

Hello all,

I love this website! It's so informative. I'm looking at booking a trip on the QE2 on 8/26 from NY to Southampton. How far is Southampton from London? Do you suggest that we book 2 double staterooms or is there a suite big enough to accommodate all 4 of us? Can anyone recommend a nice reasonable hotel to stay in London? I'll be travelling with my parents and brother--this will be our 2nd cruise and our first time visiting London.

Thanks, MabesNY

Southampton is about 1 hr 45 min from London by train.... allowing for the typically late train departures.

I can recommend the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington.
I would heartily recommend 2 cabins. There are very few quads available.

by train from southampton-london is about 1hr and a half .have you thought about taking the Venice Samplon OrientExpress from the QE2 to London to end the cruise on a high????. hope this is of some help?? cheers Myles

[MabesNY]

Hi Babette & Myles,

Thank you both for your responses. It appears that Cunard's offer includes 3 nights at the Thistle Kensington Gardens so it looks like we won't need a hotel. I wasn't aware of the Venice Samplon Orient Express so we'll look into that. As you can imagine, budget is a big consideration in making our final plans. Thanks again!

Regards, MabesNY

Hi,
Since youare on the Virgin Air package your roundtrip transfers will be included from the ship to the Thistle Kensington (which is on the north side of Hyde Park near the Queensway Underground) and then the transfers from the hotel to Heathrow for your return. Becuase this is a package you cannot purchase the VSOE. It generally sells for $290. pp. You will get a 1/2 day sightseeing tour in London also.
The motorcoach will take about 1-1/2 to 2 hrs depending on traffic to the hotel.
Here are some great restaurants:
Porters-17 Henrietta St (typical English fare, moderatly priced)
Helapi-Leinster Tr (walking distance from your hotel) Modern Greek Mediterranean Princess Di used to go there. Expensive but good. Have the concierge make a reservation
Hong Kong London (This one is on Lisle or Wardour St (they intersect) and I can;t remember which st) Chinese Moderatly priced.
1/2 price tkts at Leiscester Square for West End Tickets is a good deal.
Do tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
There is sooooo much to do.
I'm on the QE2 7-20 and will be in London for the 25th time b-4 and I still haven't seen everything.
You'll have a great time
Cheers
cruisr

[MabesNY]

Hi Cruisr,

Your tips sound great. One curious thing: I'm just about ready to make the reservations but my TA says that the only "land" part of the package is the hotel (which includes breakfast but no sightseeing). What do you think?

Thanks, MabesNY

[ErnieMCC]

Mabes... tell your t/a that he/she is wrong. The land package includes transfers from the Ship in Southampton to the Hotel, return transfer from the Hotel to the Airport AND a Panoramic sightseeing tour of London. Breakfast at the hotel every day is a Continental Breakfast.

Ernie