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»	Cruise Talk » Ports of Call and Destinations » London to Southampton

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Topic: London to Southampton

elenore
First Class Passenger
Member # 838

posted 03-29-2001 04:30 PM

We're cruising out of Southampton but can't get transfers as we're staying with a friend in London prior to the cruise - NCL have advised that we either stay at the designated hotels which include transfers or make our own way there. Has anyone caught the train before, if so, did it take you right to the port? We're also thinking of hiring a car and going down the night before - any suggestions for accomodation in Southampton? Look forward to hearing some brilliant suggestions. (By the way, our friend has only just been posted to London and lives in the city without a car - so her driving us down is not an option.) Cheers!

Posts: 28 | From: ACT,Australia | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-29-2001 05:17 PM

Car: The Car ride might take 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic? You could easily leave London at say, 8.00am on the day of departure and get to Southampton in good time.(But are you happy riving on our roads?)

Train: You will need to get a Taxi from Southampton Station to the dock. It will only be a 10-15 min Taxi Ride. The train ride will be quicker than a Car. Our trains are expensive, but if you friend in London purchased advance rail tickets, you will get a much cheaper fare.

Hotels: There lots in Southampton. There is a fancy newish one close to the Docks, although it does not look cheap! The Ibis is reasonable, basic and cheap.

I like a 1930's Hotel called the Polygon. It is Art Deco in style and used to be "The" Hotel in the Queen Mary days. The Captain's and the guests used to stay there pre and post voyage. It's a little worn around the edges, but full of atmosphere, and is cheap! It is about 20 mins by taxi from the Docks.

If you get any "free" time in Southampton there is a tiny little Maritime museum near the docks (2 rooms). Southampton's parks also have a number of monuments to the Titanic, which of course departed from Southampton.

This web site has lots of info, including some (but not all) accomodation: www.southampton.gov.uk

Just ask if you need more info.

[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 03-30-2001).]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-29-2001 09:33 PM

Hi Elenore - Last September (strangely enough, the 10th!) we took a coach transfer (Cunard arranged) from London to Southampton to join the QE2 - IT TOOK HOURS - road works everywhere so all kinds of diversions - truth to tell, I think our driver got lost - we seemed to pass several corners several times!

Take the train it's so much simpler and much more comfortable. Friends from London came by train to see us off and said the journey was under 2 hours and required no changes. By the way, the little extra it costs to travel 1st class is worth it.
Believe most trains leave from Waterloo (Malcolm will know I'm sure) so where your friend lives will make a difference to your departure time. Unless you're very brave, I wouldn't suggest driving - too many one way streets - all going in the wrong direction!

Good friends highly recommend -

DE VERE GRAND HARBOUR HOTEL
West Quay Road, Southampton, SO15 1AG
Tel: 023 8063 3033 Fax: 023 8063 3066
E-mail: grandharbour@devere-hotels.com
Website: www.devereonline.co.uk -
probably pricey but what a way to start a wonderful cruise!

Happy Cruisin'

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-30-2001 06:28 AM

I agree totally with Green:

Yes, the Train will be easier - you could travel as late as the morning of the Cruise if you wish? 1st Class would be nice - but I would not pay the extra for it, but you may wish too?(I'm too mean. )

The DE VERE GRAND HARBOUR HOTEL is one of the fancy one that I could not recall. It is very up-scale. There again I would not pay £175 for a double room/one night, when the Ibis is about £50. You may wish too?

[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 03-30-2001).]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

elenore
First Class Passenger
Member # 838

posted 03-30-2001 06:37 AM

Well all that info is very useful - it sounds like the train might be the best way to go. I checked out the hotels - unfortunately our Aussie dollar has taken such a huge plunge that everywhere is so expensive! It used to be bad enough coming to the UK as our dollar is only worth 34p but now it's only 50 cents against the US dollar - it might be Motel 6 at the end of the cruise!!!!Anyway, thanks for the tips. Cheers. Elenore

Posts: 28 | From: ACT,Australia | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-30-2001 09:35 AM

Know just what you mean about your dollar, Elenore - paid CA$2.50 for UK£1.00 last year - that hurts

think it's about CA$2.30 right now.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Frank X. Prudent
First Class Passenger
Member # 1723

posted 03-30-2001 05:45 PM

Oh dear, what ever happened to the days of the "boat train" to and from Southampton? Or is that another grand institution that is no longer with us?

Posts: 577 | From: Covington, Kentucky, U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 2000 | IP: Logged

bubbles
First Class Passenger
Member # 1415

posted 03-31-2001 05:25 AM

Elenore, if the De Vere is not quite what you are looking for, the economy chains are all very good: Travel Inns; Travel Lodge and Ibis hotels all charge a flat rate per room around £40-45 with breakfast available as an extra but still only around £5 per head.

Posts: 133 | From: England | Registered: Jul 2000 | IP: Logged

elenore
First Class Passenger
Member # 838

posted 03-31-2001 05:46 AM

Bubbles, they sound a much better alternative. It's not that De Vere doesn't interest me - it certainly looks quite nice. However, there are a few of us coming on this trip and we'll be spending time in the US after the cruise, so I'd prefer to get to the ship as easily and cost-effectively as possible. If Southampton's worth staying in overnight, we might head down the night before - that way we'll get to the ship before the busloads arrive. I loathe embarkation, we're hoping NCL have a resonably streamlined process!

Posts: 28 | From: ACT,Australia | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-31-2001 10:05 AM

Remember to get your London friend to pre-book your train tickets. The saving will be quite substantial.

The more you save, the more you can spend on the Cruise!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-31-2001 04:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Frank X. Prudent:
Oh dear, what ever happened to the days of the "boat train" to and from Southampton? Or is that another grand institution that is no longer with us?

Right on Frank - what did happen to the 'boat train'? Anybody know?

When I emigrated to Canada (a long time ago!) we took it - no idea of cost, my Dad paid!

MALCOLM, it's over to you!

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-31-2001 05:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm:
I agree totally with Green:
Yes, the Train will be easier - you could travel as late as the morning of the Cruise if you wish? 1st Class would be nice - but I would not pay the extra for it, but you may wish too?(I'm too mean. )
The DE VERE GRAND HARBOUR HOTEL is one of the fancy one that I could not recall. It is very up-scale. There again I would not pay £175 for a double room/one night, when the Ibis is about £50. You may wish too?
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 03-30-2001).]

We didn't stay there either! - paying that kind of money, I'd like to take advantage of at least some of the facilities. For an 'in transit' overnight, the cheaper the better!

I'm not mean - I'm a canny Scot!

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-31-2001 05:09 PM

The boat train is alive and well! It still runs from London to the Queen Elizabeth cruise terminal, in Southampton. It only runs on selected dates, serving the QE2.

The Mayflower cruise terminal, used by P&O ships, and others, is a few miles from the QE2 terminal. It is not served by the boat train.

Dover docks used to have a boat train too. This may be reinstated for the increasingly popular Dover cruise terminal?

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

elenore
First Class Passenger
Member # 838

posted 03-31-2001 08:15 PM

Malcom, you say the boat train still runs to Southampton - have you any idea which dock is used by NCL? Would this be an easier alternative if it left on the same day as our cruise (10 Sept) - we could always get a cab from one dock to another if it's a fair walk with luggage. Of course, the cabs here in Oz won't take you small distances - they're far too greedy so this might not be a viable option. By the way, how far ahead do you need to purchase the cheaper rail tickets - can we do it say five days prior to leaving as we arrive in London on 3 Sept?

Posts: 28 | From: ACT,Australia | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 04-02-2001 05:02 PM

Hi Elenore, your TA and 'paper work' will tell you which dock, there are at least two main ones at Southampton: QE2 Terminal and the Mayflower, which are a few miles apart. NCL probably use the Mayflower(?)but please check!

The special 'Boat Train'(which is like the Orient Express) only serves the QE2 terminal at certain times i.e. QE2 Cruises. Anyaway the cost is at leat £100 per person!

You can still get the 'regular train' from 'London Waterloo', to 'Southampton Central'. The train journey will take about 1.5 hours and are pretty regular. You will need a Taxi to take you from the station to the port, a few miles away. Our Taxi's will take you a short distance, but probably charge as nuch as your do for a long journey!

You can buy train tickets anytime from a mainline station (i.e. Waterloo), but I think that you get a better price if you book 3-4 weeks in advance. You should be able to get some sort of 'saver' (2nd class) ticket. You could use a web site and cc.

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk

www.TheTrainLine.com

(The sites may not take a booking as far in advance as September, yet?)

Please do not take any of my information/ advice as gospel - please check it out for yourself!

[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 04-02-2001).]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

elenore
First Class Passenger
Member # 838

posted 04-08-2001 05:37 PM

Thanks Malcom - I'll check out these sights and see what kind of prices we're up to for the rail tickets. Someone else said that I could always get a quote for taxis or hire cars to take us from London as it may work out cheaper than the train - it would obviously take a lot longer but might be a better option than driving ourselves. The boat train is certainly not an option at those sort of prices!

Insofar as checking out the facts for myself, I've learnt over the years never to take what anyone says as gospel - you always need to check it out for yourself. But it's great to have these types of forums for canvassing ideas etc - otherwise they'd become pretty redundant don't you agree?

Posts: 28 | From: ACT,Australia | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 09-05-2003 12:28 AM

Malcolm,

This is great since a few cruisetalkers: Yanks; myself included, and Continental Europeans will be there for the QM2 arrival in December.

I knew I could find the info here.

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm:
Train: You will need to get a Taxi from Southampton Station to the dock. It will only be a 10-15 min Taxi Ride. The train ride will be quicker than a Car. Our trains are expensive, but if you friend in London purchased advance rail tickets, you will get a much cheaper fare.
Hotels: There lots in Southampton. There is a fancy newish one close to the Docks, although it does not look cheap! The Ibis is reasonable, basic and cheap.
I like a 1930's Hotel called the Polygon. It is Art Deco in style and used to be "The" Hotel in the Queen Mary days. The Captain's and the guests used to stay there pre and post voyage. It's a little worn around the edges, but full of atmosphere, and is cheap! It is about 20 mins by taxi from the Docks.
If you get any "free" time in Southampton there is a tiny little Maritime museum near the docks (2 rooms). Southampton's parks also have a number of monuments to the Titanic, which of course departed from Southampton.
This web site has lots of info, including some (but not all) accomodation: www.southampton.gov.uk
Just ask if you need more info.

[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 03-30-2001).]

[ 09-05-2003: Message edited by: desirod7 ]

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 09-05-2003 08:51 AM

Since I first posted this E-mail they have pulled the wonderful Art Deco Polygon down. Sad!

If you want a Hotel with history try the 'Dolphin' or 'Star', both in the high street, and former coach houses. If you need a bit of luxuary, the De Vere is still the top choice. Expedia did have some deals from £100 per room, per night.

The boat train still runs right ibnto the port for certain cruise departures. The regular train runs each day.

[ 09-05-2003: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

chateausmith
First Class Passenger
Member # 3423

posted 09-05-2003 09:54 AM

Hello Elenore---Take the train from London to Southampton Central-----then taxi to Star Hotel on High St----A delightful old pub---taxi to ship then takes 5 minutes,depending on which of 3 cruise termini. Old boat-train service now only runs to Queen Elizabeth 11 terminal for Cunard ships .Bon Voyage!!

Posts: 68 | From: Alpharetta georgia | Registered: Oct 2002 | IP: Logged

Brian_O
First Class Passenger
Member # 3910

posted 09-05-2003 01:42 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
Since I first posted this E-mail they have pulled the wonderful Art Deco Polygon down. Sad!

They have WHAT? That is terrible. I loved staying at the Polygon, especially before Trust House Forte bought it. The only time that I was unable to get a room at the Polygon, I stayed at the much newer Post House. Although there was nothing wrong with the Post House, IMHO the Polygon was a better hotel, despite its age.

Posts: 2698 | From: Pointe-Claire, QC Canada | Registered: Jun 2003 | IP: Logged

Matts
First Class Passenger
Member # 4120

posted 09-09-2003 06:09 AM

The company which operates from London (Waterloo station) to Southampton is South West Trains. Their website is http://www.southwesttrains.com Trains to Southampton take 70-90 mins with a departure roughly every 20minutes. Southampton Central is a max 5-10 min taxi ride to the cruise terminals.

Posts: 829 | From: London, United Kingdom | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 09-09-2003 05:26 PM

Interesting stuff BUT when old posts are resurrected, it causes much confusion!

Elenore asked the question in March 2001! (See the date at the top of her post) She is unlikely to require the answer now!

The Polygon was pulled down a couple of years ago to make way for 'so called' luxury apartments! Another great loss, like the Art Deco - Ocean Terminal.

Southampton now has a giant shopping mall too, not unlike a cruise ship atrium, in fact?

[ 09-09-2003: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 09-11-2003 09:24 AM

Hi Malcom,
sadly, the Polygon hotel is now gone.
I met JohnBrown and Commodore Marr there for the Queen Mary 60th birthday!
An interesting alternative is the nearby Park hotel, opposite the fantastic Maritime Center, part of the Main Library.
Also very close to the busy Mayflower Theater, Main Train Station, shopping malls, restaurants.
Rooms near top have seaviews and attractive writting facilities.
As it rained, I also enjoyed the huge swimming-pool, jacuzzis and sauna until the sun shone through the skylight!
ssLewis, who loves a little pampering

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

Jaraz
Just Boarded
Member # 4161

posted 09-22-2003 12:42 AM

I sailed on the QE2 from Southampton in June of this year P class. Took the train second class from London which was very comfortable. It runs every half hour from Waterloo.
I expected to have to take a taxi from the Southampton rail station to the dock but to my surprise there was a super new bus waiting at the station for any QE2 passengers regardless of the kind of stateroom booked.
The driver handled the luggage at the station and removed it from the bus at the dock and the luggage was then delivered to a porter just a few steps away.
Call Cunard and find out if the bus is still operating and
which trains it meets. It might be easier to just stay in London until the day of sailing.

which tr

Posts: 1 | From: Tucson, Arizona | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

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