What You Need to Know Before Cruising from Southampton
Setting sail from Southampton, London is a fantastic way to start a European adventure. With numerous options and seamless transportation routes, you’ll find the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation before boarding your cruise. This travel blog will guide you through my personal experiences and provide you with insider tips to make the most of your pre-cruise time in London and beyond.
Pre-cruise Exploration in London
Convenient Transport Options
There are several ways to get to Southampton from London's airports. While cruise lines offer direct transport, they adhere to their schedule. For more flexibility, consider:
Private Transfers: Buses or cars can be arranged from any airport.
Train: Direct routes to Southampton make this a popular choice.
Our group opted for a taxi upon arriving at Heathrow ($85.00) to reach our hotel, located within walking distance to the train station.
Accommodations and Attractions
We stayed at the Park Plaza County Hall, a perfect choice for families as it offers spacious rooms accommodating four people. The location was amazing—just a 5-minute walk to the London Eye and the River Thames, offering picturesque views of Big Ben.
Must-Do Activities
London Eye: At 32 Euros, this tourist favorite offers unforgettable cityscapes.
River Thames Cruise: Included in the Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket, this tour from Westminster Bridge to The Tower of London is both informative and entertaining.
Historical Sites: From Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, we packed our 48 hours with iconic landmarks.
Journey to Southampton
Dining and Train Travel
Waterloo Station offered a range of dining options, and we marveled at Graffiti Tunnel’s urban art scene. Tickets from London Waterloo to Southampton Central were 15 Euros each, and the 1 hour and 25-minute train ride was a breeze.
Upon arrival, a 25-minute walk (or quick taxi ride) took us to our ship, the Norwegian Prima.
Cruise Ports and Adventures
Brugge, Belgium
Transport Options: We chose a taxi (25 Euros pp) over the shuttle bus to reach downtown quickly.
Activities: A horse-drawn carriage ride (50 Euros for 4) provided historical insights, while a canal tour (15 Euros pp) revealed the city's charm.
Must-Sees: Visit the Church of Our Lady and The Basilica of the Holy Blood, and don’t miss shopping for chocolate at The Chocolate Line and beer at The Beerwall.
Pro Tip: Use WhatsApp to pre-arrange your return taxi, avoiding long lines.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Transport: Walk off the ship to explore.
Activities: Canal tours offer unique perspectives, and indulging in Dutch pancakes at Café de Schreierstoren is a must.
Sightseeing: Stroll through the Red Light District, visit the Anne Frank House, and sample stroopwafels from Rudi's Original Stroopwafels.
Pro Tip: Coffee shops in Amsterdam are known for selling cannabis, not coffee.
Bergen, Norway
Highlights: Take the Funicular Fløibanen for stunning views, explore the local market, and visit Bryggen—the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geiranger, Norway
Activities: Follow my guide here.
Ålesund, Norway
Tour: A Viator tour to Trollstigen offered breathtaking views and thrilling hairpin turns.
Pro Tip: Stop by Molobrew Brewery before getting back on the ship.
Akureyri, Iceland
Car Rental: Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore. Visit Godafoss Waterfall, Myvatn, and the geothermal area Namafjall Hverir.
Pro Tip: Carry a CC pin for gas stations and fill up whenever you see one.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Explore: Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, Rainbow Road, and soak at Sky Lagoon.
Dining: Try Icelandic hot dogs at Baejarins Beztu and dine at Lekock or Tides Restaurant.
Pro Tip: Plan your rental car pickup for convenience and pack appropriately for the cold weather.
Cruising from Southampton offers a magnificent blend of adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you're exploring London or the picturesque ports of call, these experiences are designed to immerse you in the culture and beauty of each destination.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Stay tuned for more travel blogs and tips!
