Departure from Southampton Cruise Terminal
Nearly all cruises at Southampton typically arrive between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM, with disembarkation usually beginning around 7:00 AM. Your driver will be waiting to meet you at the terminal building exit from 8:00 AM. The driver will be holding a sign and will then accompany you to your comfortable executive car. The plan is for the transfer to depart Southampton by 8:30 AM.
Southampton has four cruise terminals, each slightly different, but you can expect a typical walk of about 75 yards to the vehicle, where your driver will load your luggage into the hold. In the unlikely event your ship is delayed into port, the transfer service will delay its departure accordingly (this applies only to the listed ships serviced). For all delayed ship arrivals, the aim is to leave at the latest one hour after docking (or earlier if possible).
Arrival in London & Heathrow
The transfer service will begin dropping off passengers at Heathrow hotels and Terminals 1-5 starting from approximately 10:30 AM. Drop-offs in central London will commence from approximately 11:00 AM.
If you are booking a train for onward travel, it is recommended not to book a train departing before 1:00 PM. If you are booking a Eurostar train, you will need to allow one hour for check-in, so it is recommended not to book a Eurostar train departing before 1:30 PM. All drop-offs should be completed within 1.5 hours of arrival in the respective areas.
Below is a list of major hotels in London and Heathrow where drop-offs are offered. If your hotel is not on the list, or you are staying at an apartment or Airbnb, you will need to add the address in the “additional information” box during the booking process. The service will then contact you after your booking to confirm if a drop-off can be offered there or advise on your nearest available drop-off point.
Cruise transfer drop off points for Southampton to London
Cruise transfer drop off points for Southampton to Heathrow
Onward Travel & Airport Connections
Will I make it to Heathrow Airport in time to catch my flight? In the UK, it is advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure time. As a general guide, this shared service is not recommended for anyone departing Heathrow before 1:30 PM. If your flight departure timings are too close to the shared transfer’s arrival time, booking a private transfer is strongly recommended. With private transfers, you can depart the port at a time of your choice. It is your responsibility to check in advance that this transfer itinerary is suitable for your onward travel, particularly if same-day flights are involved.
My flight departs from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton – can you drop me off there? Unfortunately, these airports are not in London and are not within the drop-off zone for this service. If you are flying from Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton Airports, the service can drop you at Victoria Rail or Coach Station around 11:30 AM / 11:45 AM. From there, you will find frequent and cost-effective transport options directly to each airport. You can check out these options at:
Your Tour Questions Answered
How far in advance should I book? Tour dates are released 12-18 months in advance. It’s always advised to book early to avoid disappointment, as availability can’t always be guaranteed closer to the travel date.
How much luggage can I bring? Each person can bring a maximum of 2 items of hold luggage (75x51x28 cm, 23kg each) and 1 item of carry-on luggage (55x40x20 cm, 10kg each). Luggage limits are based on the space available in the vehicle’s hold. If you bring extra luggage, there’s a possibility it won’t fit. In that case, you’ll be responsible for arranging separate transportation for your luggage to your hotel or airport, which could unfortunately cause you to miss the start of your tour or transfer.
Should you wish to bring any mobility aids (like wheelchairs or walkers), you must contact the service provider in advance to let them know. They will require full dimensions and weight. These items must be foldable and able to be stored in the luggage hold. Wheelchairs are counted as 1 item of your hold luggage.
Ship & Departure Procedures
What happens if my ship is late getting into port? In the unlikely event your ship is delayed into port, the transfer service will delay its departure accordingly (this applies only to the listed ships they service). For all delayed ship arrivals, they aim to leave at the latest one hour after docking (or earlier if possible).
Will the transfer wait for me if I am late disembarking from the ship? If your cruise ship docks on schedule and disembarkation begins normally, the transfer service cannot be held responsible if you’re unable to disembark in time to meet your transfer. This is a shared transfer, and departures from the port cannot be delayed for guests who are late disembarking. It’s your responsibility to check the departure time for your transfer and ensure you are at the meeting point at the appropriate time. For some cruise lines, this may require self-disembarkation. To ensure you can disembark in time to meet your driver, self-disembarkation is recommended. Refunds cannot be issued for passengers who miss their transfer due to being late.
How will I identify the staff? When you disembark the ship and leave the departure terminal, you’ll easily spot your driver outside the exit, holding a sign. The driver will have all your information ready to welcome you aboard. From there, your driver will either walk you directly to the vehicle or show you exactly where to go with your luggage and help you get settled for departure.
I’m not on a serviced ship. What do I do on the morning of the transfer? Transfers from the port are available to passengers on other ships not listed, when dates and arrival times coincide with the ships that are serviced. You will need to make your own way to the ship being serviced on that date. Please make a note on your booking indicating the ship you are arriving on, and the team can then advise which ship you will need to make your way to. You will need to arrive at the meeting point by 8:00 AM to meet your driver. Transfers depart at 8:30 AM.
You may need to take a taxi from your ship to the meeting point, which should take no longer than 10 minutes. Taxis will be waiting outside your cruise ship; however, to avoid queuing, pre-booking a taxi in advance is suggested. The office can provide details of a local supplier, and the average fare is £6-7.
How much walking is involved in this transfer? When disembarking from your ship, you’ll have a short 100-yard walk to reach your awaiting transport. The service aims to take you directly to your chosen drop-off point (accommodation, train station, etc.). However, sometimes due to traffic or parking restrictions, the vehicle may not be able to get right to the front door. The driver will aim to park as close as possible while ensuring safety for you and other road users.
How many people are on this transfer? This is a shared transfer with a maximum of 6people per trip, plus the driver. You’ll travel in an executive minivan with Wi-Fi and plenty of space for everyone and their luggage.
Is food and drink provided on this transfer? Food and drink are not provided. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you. Cold food and drink can be eaten in the minivan. Hot food is not permitted, and all hot drinks must have a lid. All rubbish should be taken with you.
How long will my journey take? You’ll be collected from the ship’s terminal, and the transfer departs Southampton at 8:30 AM. The journey to Heathrow Airport is approximately 2 hours, where the first drop-offs begin. The transfer anticipates arriving in Central London at around 11:00 AM, where the remaining drop-offs will take place.
My chosen hotel is not on the list of drop-off points, can I still use this service? Drop-offs are offered at selected London City Centre hotels, Heathrow Airport terminals, and selected Heathrow Airport hotels. Occasionally, drop-offs aren’t possible at certain hotels if they are outside London city center, Heathrow Airport, or not easily accessible by minivan.
Should we tip our driver or guide? Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and are by no means expected. Should you feel inclined to tip, your driver or guide would be grateful, but you should not feel obliged. A 10% tip is considered customary in the UK.
