Southampton to London timing

[jujubiee4]

We are in Vancouver so we have daily flights to London via Heathrow and seasonal flights (basically April to October) for direct flights to Gatwick. I really wanted to avoid Heathrow (flown there before but many years ago) and the Vancouver to Gatwick flight with BA was cheaper so that worked out well. We found Gatwick very easy to navigate. 100% we would choose Gatwick again over Heathrow. We did some sightseeing in London the first couple days we arrived and it was a quick train journey into the city.

I agree. The couple times we have flown to Heathrow were quite unpleasant...complete with lost
luggage and very busy crowds/lines. I assumed a smaller airport would be more expensive but Gatwick isn't.
Did you stay in hotel there? Any recommendations? Or did you go straight to Southampton? Thanks

 

[bcwife76]

I agree. The couple times we have flown to Heathrow were quite unpleasant...complete with lost
luggage and very busy crowds/lines. I assumed a smaller airport would be more expensive but Gatwick isn't.
Did you stay in hotel there? Any recommendations? Or did you go straight to Southampton? Thanks

So the cruise we did was actually one way from Copenhagen to Southampton but it was cheaper for us to fly round trip to and from Gatwick and then take a flight with Norwegian Air one way to Copenhagen (vs two one way flights Van to Copenhagen and Lon to Van). So we book ended our trip with stays near Gatwick (as we wanted two days in the London area before flying over to CPH and on the day we got off the ship in Southampton we did not want to chance a flight home so we stayed one more night and took the train to Brighton for the afternoon after dropping our bags at the hotel). We stayed both times at the Travelodge near Gatwick. There are about 4 hotels that are serviced by shuttle, which is called the Gatwick Hoppa. We found it super convenient. No it was not fancy but it was clean and convenient and had a nice restaurant so it suited us just perfectly.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Are you in the states? We are looking to book cruise out of Southampton next year and pleasantly surprised
to see similar fares to Gatwick and Heathrow. Did you find Gatwick better to depart in and out of? We have
vacationed in London twice so not looking to visit there.

We have a one-way cruise (into Barcelona and out of Heathrow). My father did the booking, so I’m not sure if there was any edge to Heathrow over Gatwick for this particular trip! I’ve only flown in and out of Heathrow, which is a monster of an airport!

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

London, the most amazing city . Every 20 steps something amazing to see. Especially for History lovers like us.
BTW: If you can't stay and visit London for some reason, the Southampton Airport is just a few minutes away from the cruise terminal.
We fly to/from Dublin and transfer to a non-stop to Los Angeles.
Book early, it's reasonable.

 

[RedHead0186]

Just wanted to mention that when I was in London in September 2022 . . . it was hard enough for me to eventually find a seat for just me, let alone for EIGHT people. If you are considering using the Tube, I would appoint two of your loudest people to each be in charge of 3 others in your group as you may need to split into two separate cars.

Also, there are frequent rail/Tube strikes in London. There was one when I was there. Here is a link to the London Transport Page which will list closed lines - due to strike or 'track works'. Best to keep ahead of it.

London Transport Info

thanks for posting this! I'll be in London later this summer (not for a DCL cruise), so I'll keep an eye on this.

 

[tidefan]

We did a Princess cruise out of Southampton last year and each way we just took the train down from Waterloo to Southampton Central then cab to the port (and reverse on the backend). Couldn't be easier!

 

[Becx N Gav]

Tube and train strikes are usually timed to affect school holidays (last week or two of July until the first few days of September generally). I doubt it would cover the whole 6 odd weeks but you may find certain routes / train lines are affected at different times. If there are strikes it has a knock on affect to buses and traffic in general.
For accessibility on buses, they may have a ramp but I witnessed a driver who refused to use the ramp (not sure if there was a valid reason or if he was just unwilling) for a lady with her son who had a walking frame.

Some bus routes are just as good as the Hop-On-Hop-Off, especially if you can get a seat upstairs and at the front! You get a good view!

As far as I am aware Uber tends to be cheaper than Hackney (Black) cabs, plus you can view the cost beforehand and see when they arrive. As mentioned before for 8 x people and a walking frame you would definitely need two vehicles.

As well as M&S for lunches/snacks Boots is pretty good (pre-packed sandwiches, wraps, salads and a meal deal for a set price which includes a variety of drinks and snacks such as chocolate bars, crisps etc.) and is a shop like M&S so fairly quick - top tip, go in before lunch 10.30-11am and eat it later otherwise everyone will be getting theirs at the same time.
If you want a sit down but again quick lunch the coffee shop chains such as Costa, Starbucks and Pret A Manger are ok. For all of these it might we worth seeing if you can get the app - Costa offers a free drink if you purchase 9 (or 5 if you use re-usable cups!).
If you end up with McDonalds / Burger King / KFC etc. try to get in before 12 and the queue shouldn't be too bad!

Make sure you check the local areas for places to grab food before you get to your destination, I have ended up walking out of my way to find somewhere.

 

[CdnDrake]

We did Disney transport to Heathrow, early breakfast and still had to wait for our luggage tag to be called. By the time we got outside around 9am, we had just missed a bus, so had to sit on the next one until it filled up before the bus would leave. Was at the airport by 11am? Id say anything after Noon would be safe?

Good morning! I would love to hear more about this if you don’t mind spending the time. I am itching to try a Disney cruise out of England but I am travelling with someone (hubby) who has health issues so all decisions/plans are on me and it just hikes that travel anxiety!!! lol I figured I would fly into Southampton, stay a night and board the cruise but no direct flights anywhere close to me so London it is. And to be honest, when I saw it would be a London airport I assumed Disney wouldn’t run transport, like they do not with Everglades and didn’t even look. Shame on me, will remedy that. Lol So how easy was it getting from London to the cruise port? Is Disney transport available at both Gatwick and Heathrow? Easy to use? Cost? Timing? lol. Anything you want to share I would love to hear. . Thank you.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

We did a Princess cruise out of Southampton last year and each way we just took the train down from Waterloo to Southampton Central then cab to the port (and reverse on the backend). Couldn't be easier!

It’s the way to do it.
First Class airline seat if it’s affordable. Ain't cheap, but so nice.

 

[Geomom]

Good morning! I would love to hear more about this if you don’t mind spending the time. I am itching to try a Disney cruise out of England but I am travelling with someone (hubby) who has health issues so all decisions/plans are on me and it just hikes that travel anxiety!!! lol I figured I would fly into Southampton, stay a night and board the cruise but no direct flights anywhere close to me so London it is. And to be honest, when I saw it would be a London airport I assumed Disney wouldn’t run transport, like they do not with Everglades and didn’t even look. Shame on me, will remedy that. Lol So how easy was it getting from London to the cruise port? Is Disney transport available at both Gatwick and Heathrow? Easy to use? Cost? Timing? lol. Anything you want to share I would love to hear. . Thank you.

From DCL:
Sailing from Southampton to Europe
Guests embarking on a Disney cruise to Europe from Southampton will fly in to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick International Airport (LGW). The ship departs from the Port of Southampton. Travel time from London Heathrow International Airport to the port is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic; from London Gatwick International Airport to the port is 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Air/Ground Transportation & Accommodations

You may add air travel, ground transportation or a hotel stay by calling (800) 951-3532. Guests younger than age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Airport Transfers

Ground transfers between London Heathrow International Airport or London Gatwick International Airport and the Port of Southampton are available for purchase for sailings in 2024. Airport transfers are available on embarkation and debarkation days only, for $75 per Guest. Private transfers can be purchased for sailings in 2025. Guest transportation will begin at 9:00 AM. Guests arriving prior to that time can enjoy the airport amenities until transportation begins.

We recommend calling (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival. Please be prepared to provide your inbound and outbound flight details. Private transportation options are also available.

Upon arrival at London Heathrow International Airport or London Gatwick International Airport, proceed through Immigration. A Disney Cruise Line representative will be available outside the baggage claim area to direct you to your designated transportation. Transportation may include a motorcoach, minibus or taxi, depending on arrival time and party size.

Luggage Tags

You’ll receive Disney Cruise Line luggage tags in your document package. Whether you book air travel through Disney Cruise Line or on your own, remember to attach the luggage tags to your checked bags. The tags will help you identify your bags at the airport and are needed so we can deliver your bags directly to your stateroom once you drop them off at the port.

Please ensure that your luggage does not contain prohibited items and that alcoholic beverages are in a carry-on bag when you arrive at the port. Alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and no compensation will be offered.

Guests Arranging Independent Air Travel

For the Southampton to Southampton sailings, we recommend the following flight-time guidelines:

Latest arrival time to London Heathrow International Airport or London Gatwick International Airport on embarkation day: 10:00 AM
Earliest departure time from London Heathrow International Airport or London Gatwick International Airport on debarkation day: 2:15 PM

 

[Geomom]

Good morning! I would love to hear more about this if you don’t mind spending the time. I am itching to try a Disney cruise out of England but I am travelling with someone (hubby) who has health issues so all decisions/plans are on me and it just hikes that travel anxiety!!! lol I figured I would fly into Southampton, stay a night and board the cruise but no direct flights anywhere close to me so London it is. And to be honest, when I saw it would be a London airport I assumed Disney wouldn’t run transport, like they do not with Everglades and didn’t even look. Shame on me, will remedy that. Lol So how easy was it getting from London to the cruise port? Is Disney transport available at both Gatwick and Heathrow? Easy to use? Cost? Timing? lol. Anything you want to share I would love to hear. . Thank you.

I put the DCL info in the previous post. It says something about private transfers for 2025...not sure if that means they won't have buses anymore?

To get TO Southampton, we prebooked a National Express bus from Heathrow for our arrival day. We spent 92 GBP for 4 people with the change and go option (5 GBP) which allowed us to change to any bus within 12 hrs by going to the national express info desk at airport. We did that as we got thru security quickly and could make the bus before ours. Bus took 1hr 45 min. We were able to walk the 1/2 mile to our hotel from the bus depot, but you can probably get a taxi from there? (We spent 2 nts in Southampton pre cruise) There is train transportation as well, but from Heathrow you have to change trains while the bus was direct (a few stops on the way though). I believe Gatwick does have 1 direct train route to Southampton. We found airfare to be cheaper to Heathrow from Boston, so that's what we went with. The National Railway does have strikes every year, they tend to warn people a few weeks in advance. I would definitely do the bus again, it was very convenient. We did the Disney bus on debarkation day for the convenience, $75/person since we were flying home that day.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Our neighbors just did a DCL cruise that ended in Southampton. They hired a driver and visited some sites including Stonehenge on their way back to Heathrow. They stayed overnight at one of the airport hotels and caught one of the nonstops back to Phoenix the following day.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

In Ireland they collect almost everyone's Passport on the ship. Some passengers are exempt.
We opted to visit the Buena Vista Theater and have them stamped in person.

 

[CdnDrake]

I put the DCL info in the previous post. It says something about private transfers for 2025...not sure if that means they won't have buses anymore?

To get TO Southampton, we prebooked a National Express bus from Heathrow for our arrival day. We spent 92 GBP for 4 people with the change and go option (5 GBP) which allowed us to change to any bus within 12 hrs by going to the national express info desk at airport. We did that as we got thru security quickly and could make the bus before ours. Bus took 1hr 45 min. We were able to walk the 1/2 mile to our hotel from the bus depot, but you can probably get a taxi from there? (We spent 2 nts in Southampton pre cruise) There is train transportation as well, but from Heathrow you have to change trains while the bus was direct (a few stops on the way though). I believe Gatwick does have 1 direct train route to Southampton. We found airfare to be cheaper to Heathrow from Boston, so that's what we went with. The National Railway does have strikes every year, they tend to warn people a few weeks in advance. I would definitely do the bus again, it was very convenient. We did the Disney bus on debarkation day for the convenience, $75/person since we were flying home that day.

Thank you so much for all that info. I am definitely the type to research every option, twist and turn so I can relax once there. And now that I am the one responsible for all those decisions, well I feel the weight. lol I am going to print out both your posts and stick in my travel folder so I can go back and refer to it again as I plan. Thank you again!

 

[Mommb]

My husband and I cruised out of Southampton a year ago and 2 weeks ago. Both times we flew in Heathrow, used private transportation to get to Southampton the day before the cruise, and used Disney transportation to get to Heathrow on debarkation day. We would use this plan again if we cruise from Southampton.

We don't like overnight flights, as we tend to be OK when we get off the plane but crash a few hours later. So we flew in during the day, leaving Chicago or New York in the morning and arriving in London in the evening. We stayed at a hotel by the airport. By the time we checked in, it was "bedtime" London time, so we got a full night's sleep and adjusted to London time in the morning.

Last year, we booked a bus with International Friends that picked us up from the hotel, took us to Stonehenge for a few hours, and dropped us of in Southampton. We expected to be dropped off in the port area and planned to get a taxi to our hotel, but the bus was able to drop us directly at our hotel around 1 pm. We walked around Southampton in the afternoon and took a taxi (booked in advance) to the Disney port in the morning. My daughter had a flight arriving early in the morning on the day of the cruise. She took a Disney bus from Heathrow to the port and said it went smoothly -- there was a DCL rep in the baggage claim area to direct her to the bus and tell her how long it would be before it left, and she arrived at the port around the same time we did.

This year, we arrived a day earlier, so we booked a car service to take us to our London hotel the morning after we arrived, spent the day in London, then booked a bus with International Friends to take us to our hotel in Southampton. We then walked to the train station (which was easy without luggage) and went to Salisbury to see the cathedral. We again took a pre-booked taxi to the port in the morning.

Both years, the Disney buses from the port to the airport got us to Heathrow in plenty of time for our flight (before noon) but were a bit disorganized. We had 2nd seating, so by the time we finished breakfast, all baggage tag groups were free to exit the ship and we moved pretty quickly off the ship and to the luggage area. (When we started breakfast, our number hadn't yet been called and there were a lot of people milling around the lobby.) After we gathered our luggage, we headed to the buses where (both years) there was some confusion over which bus was going to Terminal 5. Once we were directed to the bus, everything went smoothly -- our luggage was loaded beneath the bus and was waiting for us when we exited.

I can't tell if Disney is not planning to run buses to the airport in 2025, or if arrangements just haven't been finalized yet (as is the case for US 2025 cruises). I'd expect there will be buses, but there are plenty of private companies that transport people from the ship to the airport. If your flight is late in the day, there are companies that can arrange a stop at Stonehenge or Windson on the way to the airport.