Departure from Dover Cruise Terminal
Upon exiting the cruise terminal, guests will meet their guide, typically a short walk of about 100 yards to the vehicle. The driver will be holding a sign and will accompany guests to the coach.
For Princess, Carnival, and Holland America cruise ships, which usually arrive between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM with disembarkation starting around 7:00 AM, the guide will meet guests at the terminal building exit from 8:00 AM. The planned departure from Dover is 8:30 AM.
Should a ship be delayed, the tour departure time will be adjusted accordingly (applicable only to the specified ships). For all delayed arrivals, the aim is to depart at the latest one hour after docking, or earlier if feasible.
Tour Timings
- 8:30 AM: Depart Dover Cruise Port
- 9:15 AM: Arrive at Canterbury
- 11:30 AM: Depart Canterbury
- 12:30 PM: Arrive at Leeds Castle
- 3:45 PM: Depart Leeds Castle, beginning drop-offs in Central London
- 5:30 PM: Begin drop-offs at Heathrow Airport
- 6:30 PM: Estimated final drop-off at Heathrow Airport
Please note that all timings are estimated and assume normal traffic conditions. Due to variable road conditions, a precise arrival time at Heathrow and London cannot be guaranteed.
Arrival in London & Heathrow
The tour offers drop-offs at selected London City Centre hotels, Heathrow Terminals, and selected Heathrow hotels. Drop-offs are also provided at all London city center train stations. A list of major hotels covered is available.
If a guest’s hotel is not on the list, or they are staying at an apartment or Airbnb, they should add the address in the additional information box during booking. The tour provider will then advise on the nearest available drop-off location.
Upon arrival in London, other vehicles may be used to complete drop-offs as quickly and efficiently as possible, managed by the drivers or guides.
Your Tour Questions Answered
How far in advance should guests book? Tour dates are typically released 12-18 months in advance. Guests are always advised to book early to avoid disappointment, as availability cannot always be guaranteed if booking is left until closer to the travel date.
How much luggage can a guest bring? Each person is allowed a maximum of 2 items of hold luggage (75x51x28 cm, 23kg each) and 1 item of carry-on luggage (55x40x20 cm, 10kg each). If guests need to bring more than the allocated amount, they must inform the tour provider prior to travel. Luggage limits are based on the available space in the coach’s hold. If extra luggage is brought, there is a possibility it will not fit, in which case guests will be responsible for arranging separate transportation for their luggage to their hotel or airport, potentially causing them to miss the start of their tour.
Should guests wish to bring any mobility aids (such as wheelchairs or walkers), they MUST contact the tour provider in advance to give notice. Full dimensions and weight will be required. These items must be foldable and storable in the luggage hold. Wheelchairs must be counted as one item of hold luggage. Additional charges may be incurred for extra luggage items or items exceeding the stated maximum weight.
What happens if a ship is late getting into port? In the unlikely event a ship is delayed into port, the tour will delay its departure time accordingly (applicable only to the listed ships serviced). However, due to timed entries at some attractions on these tours, the itinerary cannot be guaranteed to be completed as detailed in such circumstances. If attraction entries cannot be changed to accommodate the late departure, some locations may unfortunately have to be omitted. The tour provider guarantees that transportation will be provided, whether for a shortened version of the day trip or as a direct transfer to the guest’s hotel; guests will be collected from the port. For all delayed ship arrivals, the aim is to leave at the latest one hour after docking (earlier if possible).
Will the tour wait if a guest is late disembarking from the ship? If a cruise ship docks on schedule and disembarkation begins as normal, the tour provider cannot be held responsible if, in the unlikely event, a guest is unable to disembark in time to meet their transfer. This is a shared transfer, and departure from the port cannot be delayed for customers who are late in disembarking. It is the guest’s responsibility to check the transfer’s departure time and ensure they are at the meeting point at the appropriate time. For some cruise lines, this may require self-disembarkation. To ensure timely disembarkation to meet the guide/driver, self-disembarkation is recommended. Refunds cannot be issued for passengers who miss their tour due due to lateness.
How will guests identify the tour staff? When guests disembark the ship and leave the departure terminal, they will see a guide holding a sign. The guide will have all necessary information ready to welcome guests aboard. From there, the guide will either walk guests directly to the coach or provide clear directions on where to go with their luggage and get settled for the day.
The tour does not service the ship a guest is traveling on. What should they do on the morning of the tour? Transfers from the port are available to passengers on other ships not listed, provided dates and arrival times coincide with the ships the tour does service. Guests will need to make their own way to the ship being serviced on that date. Guests should note their arriving ship during the booking process, and the tour provider can then advise which ship they will need to make their way to. Guests must arrive at the meeting point by 8:00 AM to meet their guide/driver. Tours and transfers depart at 8:30 AM.
Are entries into the attractions included in the ticket price? Entry to Leeds Castle is included in this tour, and guests do not need to contact the attraction or book entry separately; the guide will manage entry on the day. Entry to Canterbury Cathedral is not included. If guests wish to enter Canterbury Cathedral, tickets would need to be purchased directly from the attraction on the day.
How much walking is involved in this tour? Upon exiting the cruise terminal, guests will meet their guide, and there will be a short walk of about 100 yards to the vehicle. On arrival in Canterbury, the guide will lead a walking tour of the city, lasting approximately 1 hour. Canterbury has a mixture of stone and cobbled streets, which may be difficult for those with mobility challenges, so extra care may be needed. From the Leeds Castle coach park, there is approximately a 200-meter walk to the ticket entrance. Leeds Castle operates a free shuttle bus from the ticket desk to the Castle for those requiring additional assistance. The tour aims to drop off directly outside chosen accommodation, however, due to traffic conditions or parking restrictions, drop-offs may occasionally be nearby. The vehicle will park as close as safely and legally possible.
How many people are on this tour? This tour operates as a shared transfer with a maximum of 36 people, plus the expert guide and driver. A luxury, air-conditioned touring coach will be provided, offering plenty of space for everyone and their luggage.
Is food and drink provided on this tour? Food and drink are not provided on this tour. Guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Cold food and drink can be consumed on the coach. Hot food is not permitted, and all hot drinks must have a lid. All rubbish must be taken from the vehicle.
What should guests wear? British weather can be variable, so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes, especially in the winter months, and layers are useful for adapting to ever-changing weather conditions. Appropriate footwear is advisable as walking is involved on these tours. England is known for its rain, so bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended.
Are audio guides provided on this tour? An expert guide will accompany the tour to provide commentary on all attractions. The guide is unable to enter Canterbury Cathedral or Leeds Castle. During free time, the guide will remain nearby if needed, but this will be an opportunity for guests to explore on their own. Audio guides are not provided by the attractions, so guests are recommended to download these before their travel date if desired. For more information about the attractions, guests can visit the links provided.
How long will the journey take? The tour will collect guests from the ship’s terminal and depart Dover from 8:30 AM. Approximately 2-2.5 hours will be spent in Canterbury, including an optional 1-hour walking tour. Following this, guests will spend 3 hours at Leeds Castle. Arrival in London for the first drop-offs is expected around 5:30 PM. The tour arrives at Heathrow Airport around 6:30 PM, where the remaining drop-offs will take place.
Will guests make it to Heathrow Airport in time to catch their flight? In the UK, it is advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to flight departure time. As a general guide, the shared service is not recommended for anyone departing Heathrow before 9:30 PM, as drop-offs at Heathrow Airport begin around 6:30 PM. If flight departure timings are too close to the shared transfer arrival time, booking a private transfer is strongly recommended, as private transfers allow guests to depart the port at a time of their choice. It is the guest’s responsibility to check in advance that the tour itinerary is suitable for their onward travel plans, particularly if same-day flights are involved. Guests can inquire directly if they wish to confirm suitability for their onward travel plans.
Can guests be dropped off at Gatwick Airport? Unfortunately, Gatwick is not within the designated London drop-off zone. Passengers are advised to use Victoria Station in central London as their drop-off point, as regular, cost-effective transport options are available from there directly to Gatwick. Guests can check options at:
If a chosen hotel is not on the list of drop-off points, can the service still be used? The service provides drop-offs at London City Centre hotels, Heathrow Terminals, and selected Heathrow hotels. Occasionally, drop-offs may not be possible at certain hotels because they are not in London city center, Heathrow Airport, or are not easily accessible by coach. Guests should inquire directly, and they will be advised if their hotel can be serviced, or directed to the closest drop-off point.
Should guests tip staff? Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and are in no way expected. Should guests feel inclined to tip, their driver or guide would be grateful, but they should not feel obliged. A 10% tip is considered customary in the UK.
Important Note: There is no minimum group size per booking for this tour. However, a minimum of 8 total passengers is required for this tour to operate. If this minimum is not met, the tour provider reserves the right to cancel the tour. In such a case, alternative transport to London or Heathrow Airport will be offered, or a full refund will be given.
