Pre Cruise Southampton Package

Day One - Arrival Airport Transfer or London city center hotels 

Airport arrivals - When and where will I meet my driver? 

After you have collected your luggage, you will walk through into the arrivals hall. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, holding an 'International Friends' welcome board, with the lead passengers name on. 

Our drivers monitor all flight numbers, and will enter the arrivals hall 30 minutes after your actual landing time. Our driver will then wait for you for a further 60 minutes - this gives you 90 minutes to make your way through the airport. Your driver will walk you to the vehicle, helping with your lugagge should you wish them to. You do not have to worry if your flight is delayed en route, as flight numbers are monitored. 

If you would like to select a later meeting time please let us know in the ‘Additional Comments’ box during the booking process. In your Welcome Pack, you will find an emergency contact number. If you are delayed at any point in the airport, you must phone this number.

How long will it take to get to my hotel?

If you have not booked additional sightseeing, approximate journey times are as follows;

London Heathrow: 1.5 - 2 hours 

London Gatwick: 2 - 2.5 hours 

What happens if we need to delay our pick up due to a late or cancelled flight?

If your flight is delayed, we will not charge for amending your pick-up time.

If your flight is cancelled, you miss your flight or you are delayed getting through the airport you must contact us as soon as possible on the number given in your Welcome Pack. We will do our best to accommodate a new pick up time.

The driver will wait for a maximum of 90 minutes after your flight has landed. After this you driver may be forced to leave, we may not be able to guarantee your transfer and you may be liable for waiting charges. 

We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen delays or other factors beyond your control. 

Pick up from London city center hotels - When and where will I meet my driver? 

We recommend you are ready for collection in the hotel reception area, 10 minutes prior to the pick up time given in your Welcome Pack. Your driver will meet you inside your hotel lobby and will be identifiable by a board reading 'International Friends' and will then assist you with your luggage.

How long will it take to get to my hotel in Southampton?

The journey from Central London to Southampton will take approximately 2 - 2.5 hours, subject to traffic and other delays. 

How much luggage can I bring?

Each person is allowed a maximum of 2 items of hold luggage (23kg each) and 2 items of carry on luggage (10kg each). Should you wish to bring any mobility aids (wheelchairs or walkers) you MUST contact us in advance to let us know. We will require full dimensions and weight. These items must be able to be folded and stored in the luggage hold. Wheelchairs must be counted as 1 item of your hold luggage. Additional charges will be incurred should you bring additional items of luggage or for items weighing more than the maximum weight stated above.

Should we tip our driver?

Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and in no way expected. Should you feel inclined to tip your driver would be grateful, but you should not feel obliged.

Departure transfer

I have not booked additional sightseeing. How will I get from the hotel to the ship?

A private transfer to Southampton cruise terminals is included as part of your package. After a buffet breakfast and some time to relax, you will be collected from the hotel lobby by our driver and transferred to Southampton cruise terminals in a luxury vehicle. Your pick up time will be finalised in your Welcome Pack, but is likely to be 1.00pm, and the journey to Southampton cruise terminals will take around 5 – 10 minutes. Please ensure you are ready and waiting in the lobby by 12.50pm.

I have booked additional sightseeing. What time will I be collected, and how will I get to my ship?

Your pick up time will be detailed in your Welcome Pack, but is likely to be between 7.30am and 8.00am. Your driver will collect you from your hotel, take you to your chosen sightseeing locations and drop you off at your cruise ship, between 1.30pm and 2.00pm. 

We have two fantastic options for this pre-cruise package. If neither of the below options are available on your date, you can still book this package. Please click here to contact us. We will find alternative accommodation for you, of equivalent or better standard. 

4* Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour

A classic and luxurious landmark on the Southampton Waterfront, perfect for pre-cruise stays and leisure breaks. The hotel has 173 spacious and stylish bedrooms, a Marco Pierre Steakhouse Bar & Grill, the Hamtun Atrium Bar & Bistro, plus spa and leisure facilities.

4* Jurys Inn Southampton

Sitting in the heart of the city with 270 comfortable rooms and overlooking East Park, the Jury's Inn Southampton has got everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re visiting the Old Town Walls, shopping at WestQuay or watching a match at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton’s biggest and best attractions are within walking distance of this hotel.