Help! Decisions!

[vegasgirl702]

Hi! I have been reading some really great posts & advices. I need your suggestions - logistics. We are a family of 3 DH (42), DS (13), & DW.

 

I am flying in Heathrow 2 nights before a cruise out of Harwich.

Arrival 9:00 pm 22 Jun

 

Cruise Sail date 24 Jun

 

Planning to stay in Victoria Station area (so can get RCCL transfer $100 PP)

Suggestions on drivers too? Due to knee injury can't really carry lugguge through train stations if possible.

 

or

 

Can use Disney Time Share & stay at Royal Garden Hotel on Kensington

(lots of points needed) :eek:

Is this hotel near (walking distance 10-15 min) Tourist areas?

 

Thanks again!

[phabric]

We are staying at the Thistle Westminster across from Buckingham Palace and the Mews. A short walking distance from Victoria National Express Coach & Rail Station. I booked it through http://www.bhrc.co.uk (cheaper than going through the hotel). There are many B&B, hotels in the area, restaurant, pubs, stores, bus and 2 HOHO buses.

 

We are using http://www.justairports.com (private car service) from Heathrow to the hotel about 30-34 GBP depending on the size of the car and takes about 45-1 hour.

 

I would highly recommend taking one of the HOHO buses and the London Eye. I bought our tickets online and saved money and time.

[Twickenham]

There is no way I'd be spending $100/pers. for the RCCL transfer. You'd probably be best off with a cab - 60 GBP-ish from LHR - although, as a point of interest, if you wanted to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, the arrivals platform is flush with street level, and there are luggage carts (requiring a 1 pound coin deposit).

 

The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington is IMO a much better option than staying in Victoria.

[vegasgirl702]

:D

We are staying at the Thistle Westminster across from Buckingham Palace and the Mews. A short walking distance from Victoria National Express Coach & Rail Station. I booked it through http://www.bhrc.co.uk (cheaper than going through the hotel). There are many B&B, hotels in the area, restaurant, pubs, stores, bus and 2 HOHO buses.

 

We are using http://www.justairports.com (private car service) from Heathrow to the hotel about 30-34 GBP depending on the size of the car and takes about 45-1 hour.

 

I would highly recommend taking one of the HOHO buses and the London Eye. I bought our tickets online and saved money and time.

 

Will justairports.com drive all the way to Harwich? That is where our cruise starts. Price range for 3. Are the prices for cars per person or total. Great will use that hotel web site!

 

Where exactly is London Eye? Can't google map it?

[vegasgirl702]

There is no way I'd be spending $100/pers. for the RCCL transfer. You'd probably be best off with a cab - 60 GBP-ish from LHR - although, as a point of interest, if you wanted to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, the arrivals platform is flush with street level, and there are luggage carts (requiring a 1 pound coin deposit).

 

The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington is IMO a much better option than staying in Victoria.

 

By the way, I will be arriving Heathrow approx 9 pm which means arriving in Paddington about midnight. Is that safe?

 

Heathrow Express is about how much per person? Is taxi or driver more cost effective? to hotel late night?

[sddsddean]

:D

 

Will justairports.com drive all the way to Harwich? That is where our cruise starts. Price range for 3. Are the prices for cars per person or total. Great will use that hotel web site!

 

Where exactly is London Eye? Can't google map it?

 

By the way, I will be arriving Heathrow approx 9 pm which means arriving in Paddington about midnight. Is that safe?

 

Heathrow Express is about how much per person? Is taxi or driver more cost effective? to hotel late night?

 

London Eye is across the river from the Houses of Parliament by Jubilee Gardens http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=london+eye&ie=UTF8&hq=london+eye&hnear=London+Eye,+Lambeth,+SE1+7,+UK&ll=51.502759,-0.117803&spn=0.015494,0.036306&z=15

 

No problem arriving at Paddington at midnight...there will be taxis about. Heathrow Express is £15 each and the journey takes 15 minutes.

 

Simon

[vegasgirl702]

On return trip from Harwich (6 July) We have to stay one night somewhere.

 

Our flight leaves Heathrow 7 July at 3:00 pm.

 

What area would you stay? London, near Heathrow? Just for one night. Have our transfer from ship drop us off in a hotel then back out for more sighseeing & fish & chips!;) Would like to do things in London for one more day!

 

Logistics is confusing, trying to figure which way makes more sence.

 

Leaving hotel in London at 11:30 am by car?, taxi? to Heathrow. Rush Hour? Is this enough time to catch our 3pm flight (back to Vegas).

 

FYI I used our United miles to book flights so had to be flexible.

[vegasgirl702]

London Eye is across the river from the Houses of Parliament by Jubilee Gardens http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=london+eye&ie=UTF8&hq=london+eye&hnear=London+Eye,+Lambeth,+SE1+7,+UK&ll=51.502759,-0.117803&spn=0.015494,0.036306&z=15

 

No problem arriving at Paddington at midnight...there will be taxis about. Heathrow Express is £15 each and the journey takes 15 minutes.

 

Simon

 

Simon, I meant I was confuse on Google Maps. Which letter represents the real London Eye (ride). There are a handful different addresses.

 

Thanks for your reply!

[sddsddean]

Simon, I meant I was confuse on Google Maps. Which letter represents the real London Eye (ride). There are a handful different addresses.

 

Thanks for your reply!

 

Its 'G'. The eye is that white framework sticking out into the river.

 

Regarding your return stay, if you want to do things in London, stay in London. No point going to LHR. You can get the train back from Harwich. Harwich International station is right beside the ship and you can easily get a taxi to a hotel from Liverpool Street station (in London). Rush hour should be over by 9.30am, so you should have no real problems getting to LHR for, say, 1200 by your chosen mode of transport.

 

Simon

[vegasgirl702]

Its 'G'. The eye is that white framework sticking out into the river.

 

Regarding your return stay, if you want to do things in London, stay in London. No point going to LHR. You can get the train back from Harwich. Harwich International station is right beside the ship and you can easily get a taxi to a hotel from Liverpool Street station (in London). Rush hour should be over by 9.30am, so you should have no real problems getting to LHR for, say, 1200 by your chosen mode of transport.

 

Simon

 

Great info! By chance do you know fare price (train) Harwick to London (central) per person?

[Giantfan13]

I think a lot depends on your luggage also. as was said in a different thread, one of the airport services would work out very well for you. We used Simply airports, where they will pick you up right at your terminal,and take you directly to your hotel. they are very reasonably priced. We paid 28 pounds for 2 people and a lot of luggage. We also made arrangements for them to take us back to the airport, same price. they are extremely punctual, and polite.

 

We left on our cruise from Dover, and I also have some problems with carrying luggage and other things. We considered the train, but we eventually decided on the National Express bus. The driver takes your luggage and stows it,and all we did was have out carry none, plus, we paid about 5 pounds each, each way. best bargain around.

If money is no object, yes a taxi would be the best. expensive, but the best.

 

You will love London. So much to do and see. Try the HoHo bus to get acquainted with the city, getting on and off at your leisure.

 

Here are a few pics to help you see London

 

Big Ben and Parliament from across the river, right about where the Eye is

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe121.jpg

 

The Globe theater, along the Thames

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster060-1.jpg

 

Part of the Charging of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1466.jpg

 

Buckingham Palace during the changing of the Guard Ceremony

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europept2005.jpg

 

And one of our favorite places to eat, and a great English Pub

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europept2315.jpg

 

Just a sign we found very amusing

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe069.jpg

[scottbee]

Hi! I have been reading some really great posts & advices. I need your suggestions - logistics. We are a family of 3 DH (42), DS (13), & DW.

 

I am flying in Heathrow 2 nights before a cruise out of Harwich.

Arrival 9:00 pm 22 Jun

 

Cruise Sail date 24 Jun

 

Planning to stay in Victoria Station area (so can get RCCL transfer $100 PP)

Suggestions on drivers too? Due to knee injury can't really carry lugguge through train stations if possible.

 

Can use Disney Time Share & stay at Royal Garden Hotel on Kensington

(lots of points needed) :eek:

Is this hotel near (walking distance 10-15 min) Tourist areas?

 

$100/pp OUCH not a chance I'd take that.

 

The subway from Heathrow to the Kensington/Victoria (they're quite close to each other, have a look at a london/london underground map)_costs under GBP5/ea. If you're capable of dragging your luggage through and airport, you'll be ok on the tube.

 

likewise, to Harwich there is train that leaves London Liverpool St Station direct to Harwich Intl Station for about GBP15, leaves every hour, takes just over an hour.

[vegasgirl702]

I think a lot depends on your luggage also. as was said in a different thread, one of the airport services would work out very well for you. We used Simply airports, where they will pick you up right at your terminal,and take you directly to your hotel. they are very reasonably priced. We paid 28 pounds for 2 people and a lot of luggage. We also made arrangements for them to take us back to the airport, same price. they are extremely punctual, and polite.

 

We left on our cruise from Dover, and I also have some problems with carrying luggage and other things. We considered the train, but we eventually decided on the National Express bus. The driver takes your luggage and stows it,and all we did was have out carry none, plus, we paid about 5 pounds each, each way. best bargain around.

If money is no object, yes a taxi would be the best. expensive, but the best.

 

You will love London. So much to do and see. Try the HoHo bus to get acquainted with the city, getting on and off at your leisure.

 

Here are a few pics to help you see London

 

Big Ben and Parliament from across the river, right about where the Eye is

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe121.jpg

 

The Globe theater, along the Thames

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster060-1.jpg

 

Part of the Charging of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1466.jpg

 

Buckingham Palace during the changing of the Guard Ceremony

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europept2005.jpg

 

And one of our favorite places to eat, and a great English Pub

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europept2315.jpg

 

Just a sign we found very amusing

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe069.jpg

 

Thanks for sharing great pics:D! What time of year did you go? The gardens looked magnificent! Did you get that haircut? Is the web site simply airports dot com?

[vegasgirl702]

$100/pp OUCH not a chance I'd take that.

 

The subway from Heathrow to the Kensington/Victoria (they're quite close to each other, have a look at a london/london underground map)_costs under GBP5/ea. If you're capable of dragging your luggage through and airport, you'll be ok on the tube.

 

likewise, to Harwich there is train that leaves London Liverpool St Station direct to Harwich Intl Station for about GBP15, leaves every hour, takes just over an hour.

 

Sorry, must clarify $100 transfer is from Victoria Station to Harwich (port).

If we can't do the tube, any other car service & approx cost?

 

Thanks for your time.

[phabric]

[quote name=

 

We left on our cruise from Dover, and I also have some problems with carrying luggage and other things. We considered the train, but we eventually decided on the National Express bus. The driver takes your luggage and stows it,and all we did was have out carry none, plus, we paid about 5 pounds each, each way. best bargain around.

If money is no object, yes a taxi would be the best. expensive, but the be

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe121.jpg

 

 

Our cruise in July is leaving out of Dover. I plan on taking the National Express bus out of Victoria station and hopely get the 5 GBP funfare price.

 

When you go to the National Express site they list 3 places for Dover. Dover - cruise terminal, Dover - ferry port, Dover - Hoverport. Do you remember which one you used.

[phabric]

:D

 

Will justairports.com drive all the way to Harwich? That is where our cruise starts. Price range for 3. Are the prices for cars per person or total. Great will use that hotel web site!

 

Where exactly is London Eye? Can't google map it?

 

Contact Just Airports about your trip to Harwich. They may know some company that goes there. The cost is per car. You will need to know the first 3 letter & number of the area you are staying - like the postal code (our hotel was Victoria SW1). Their site shows you the size of car, passengers and number of luggage per car then it will give you the price. Will be using them again from Heathrow to the hotel this year about 30-34 GBP. A little bit more as they have to park the car and come into the airport to wait for us. Last year, it was 28 GBP hotel to Heathrow.

 

The London Eye site is http://www.londoneye.com. We bought the Fast Track tickets for mid morning on line and saved GBP. We arrived before it opened and there was a huge line to buy tickets. We went to the call booth and handed in our email vouchers and asked if we could go earlier than our picked time. We were one of the first ones on so was not crowded. The Fast Track , you pick the time and they give you a guide book to show you what you are looking at.

[handfordr]

When you go to the National Express site they list 3 places for Dover. Dover - cruise terminal, Dover - ferry port, Dover - Hoverport. Do you remember which one you used.

 

The Hoverport closed down a few years back. I think your options are Dover Town, Cruise Terminal or Ferry Terminal.

 

You will be very,very, very lucky to get a scheduled bus to the cruise terminal, but there is no harm looking.

I would recommend you get off at the ferry terminal, where there is a taxi rank. The stop in Dover Town is a very forlorn place, you'll probably have to go searching for a taxi there.

[Twickenham]

By the way, I will be arriving Heathrow approx 9 pm which means arriving in Paddington about midnight. Is that safe?

 

Heathrow Express is about how much per person? Is taxi or driver more cost effective? to hotel late night?

 

First of all, you'd need to be seriously delayed at the airport to arrive at Paddington at midnight if you land at 9pm. I'm thinking more 10:30-ish.

 

There are 2 direct trains from LHR to Paddington: the non-stop Heathrow Express, which takes 15 minutes platform-to-platform and costs 16.50 GBP if purchased online (18 GBP if bought at the station); this probably wouldn't be cost-effective for 3. The other is the Heathrow Connect, same route but stops along the way and takes 25 minutes; this costs 7.90 GBP, and is probably a better option for you. However, as you still have to get to your hotel, just taking a cab (50-60 GBP) from the airport is certainly an option.

 

I have never cruised out of Harwich, but after having seen this satellite picture: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Harwich+International&sll=51.947942,1.256186&sspn=0.002903,0.006856&ie=UTF8&radius=0.15&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=Harwich+International&hnear=&ll=51.947902,1.256315&spn=0.002903,0.006856&t=k&z=17 , I would never consider any other transfer than the train. Seriously, you'll probably walk more at LHR than from the train to the ship. You can check times and fares here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

[Globaliser]

There are 2 direct trains from LHR to Paddington: the non-stop Heathrow Express, which takes 15 minutes platform-to-platform and costs 16.50 GBP if purchased online (18 GBP if bought at the station); this probably wouldn't be cost-effective for 3. The other is the Heathrow Connect, same route but stops along the way and takes 25 minutes; this costs 7.90 GBP, and is probably a better option for you. However, as you still have to get to your hotel, just taking a cab (50-60 GBP) from the airport is certainly an option.

If staying near Victoria station, a 9 pm arrival at Heathrow means that the only sensible option for three people is just to take a taxi. Traffic will be light, and the taxi (which departs from the terminal building) would probably get to Victoria in less than the time that it would take to get to Paddington by train, after you've factored in the time it takes to walk from the terminal to the Heathrow Express station, buy a ticket, wait for the next train and then get to Paddington.

 

Can I add some detail to the train services?

 

The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes. The Heathrow Connect runs every 30 minutes. So the average overall platform-to-platform travel time on the Heathrow Connect (40 minutes) is about double that of the Heathrow Express (22½ minutes).

 

Further, as few people finish their journey at Paddington, it means that for very many people the terminal-to-destination journey time on the Heathrow Connect is no faster than taking the Tube all the way. But the Tube is much cheaper than any combination involving the Heathrow Connect. IMHO, choosing to take the Heathrow Connect over the Heathrow Express would be a false economy for many people, if the choice is driven by price.

[vegasgirl702]

Thanks for everyones input!! You all have added so much value! and for making some decisions easier.

[scottbee]

Sorry, must clarify $100 transfer is from Victoria Station to Harwich (port).

If we can't do the tube, any other car service & approx cost?

 

I still wouldn't take a car service all the way. Grab a taxi from your hotel to "London Liverpool Street Station", 5 miles across London, and from there, take the train to "Harwich International". The train station at Harwich is co-located with the dock. Check out the google map of it: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=harwich+international&sll=51.618017,2.340088&sspn=2.418211,4.938354&ie=UTF8&hq=harwich+international&hnear=Harwich+International+Port,+Parkeston+Quay,+Parkeston,+Harwich,+CO12+4SR,+UK&ll=51.947423,1.256331&spn=0.002344,0.004823&t=h&z=18

 

I think the train tickets are in the range of GBP15-20, can't remember off hand, and it's cheaper to buy a return vs 2 one ways if you're coming back to London.

[Giantfan13]

Thanks for sharing great pics:D! What time of year did you go? The gardens looked magnificent! Did you get that haircut? Is the web site simply airports dot com?

 

We were there in Mid to alte August. We did a two day pre cruise and a 5 day post cruise in London, with a few side trips. (Eurostar to Paris for a day).

 

 

the web site for simply airports is

http://www.simplyairports.co.uk/index.html

 

Anjd NO, I didn't get the haircut. I need to keep the few hairs I have left--- LOL, but the cold beer sounded inticing.

[Giantfan13]

Our cruise in July is leaving out of Dover. I plan on taking the National Express bus out of Victoria station and hopely get the 5 GBP funfare price.

 

When you go to the National Express site they list 3 places for Dover. Dover - cruise terminal, Dover - ferry port, Dover - Hoverport. Do you remember which one you used.

 

We entered Dover Cruise terminal, but, as Handfordr said, most of the buses do not go directly to the cruise terminal. They usually end in town, and you will ahve to take a short cab ride to the terminal. BUT, as luck would have it, when we went, everyone left on the bus was going to the cruise terminal, so the driver took us right there. It wasn't part of the 'agenda', but with a few well placed tips, it made his time worthwhile. When I posted this, after our trip, I found out that others had encountered the same thing. But that is the exception and not the norm. Be prepared to take a cab to the cruise terminal. It is only about 7 pounds. We had to do that, for the return trip, take a cab from the Cruise terminal to catch the bus in Dover Priority (I think that was it).

 

PS, Yes those 5 pound fun fares are just great. We enjopyed the bus ride down and back very much.

[phabric]

Our cruise in July is leaving out of Dover. I plan on taking the National Express bus out of Victoria station and hopely get the 5 GBP funfare price.

 

When you go to the National Express site they list 3 places for Dover. Dover - cruise terminal, Dover - ferry port, Dover - Hoverport. Do you remember which one you used.

 

We are staying at the Best Western Churchill Hotel & Health Club, Dover Waterfront 1 night pre cruise. I think the best stop would be ferry port and take a taxi to the hotel. I was wondering if it was the same bus that goes to the different stops.