Cruise Port Transfers: What's the Best Way to Get to Your Ship

Cruise Port Transfers
What’s the best way to get to your ship?

There’s nothing quite as exciting as cruise day, the bags are packed, passports in hand, and the open sea calling your name. But before you can bask on deck with a cold drink in hand, there’s one crucial detail to sort out:  “How are you getting to the cruise port?”

Many travellers don’t give it much thought and assume they’ll just grab a cab. But cruise ports aren’t always just around the corner, and not every transfer option suits every traveller. If you’re sailing out of popular UK ports like Southampton, Dover or Tilbury, it’s well worth taking a few moments to explore your options.

Here is an informative recap of the most common ways to get to your cruise terminal and why the VIP cruise port transfer service from Umbrella Transfers might be your best bet.

Table of Contents

Private Cruise Port Transfers

One of the most hassle free and relaxing ways to get to your cruise port is by booking a private cruise port transfer with Umbrella Transfers. Regardless of whether you are residing in central London, the surrounding suburbs or just outsidethe city they will pick you up from your apartment,home or hotel and deliver you directly to the terminal.This is not a typical taxi ride,its the beginning of your holiday, with door to door service designed for maximum satisfaction.

Pros:

The biggest advantage of a private transfer is the pure comfort and the reliability. With Umbrella Transfers, you are not just booking a vehicle, you are booking a smooth, personalised experience.Our vehicles are clean, spacious, and well maintained offering a calm environment to relax before the voyage begins. You will be escorted by on time professional drivers who know exactly where each ship unloads, so no more wandering around the port getting lost attempting to find out where you are supposed to go. It’s especially wonderful for families, elderly or those with mobility concerns as your bags are taken care of and you are dropped off right at the terminal door.

Cons:

Of course, convenience comes at a price.A private transfer is generally little bit more expensive than shared and public transportation options, particularly if you are travelling solo. That said, it can actually be quite cost effective for families or groups, especially when the cost is split across multiple people.It’s also worth nothing that booking should be made in advance to guarantee availability.

Cruise Line Shuttles

Most major cruise lines offer shuttle bus services for passengers from designated hotels or city centers to embarkation points. They are typically included as an “Add-On” when you buy your cruise package and are designed to run in coordination with the cruise schedule.

Pros:

Using a cruise line shuttle reduces confusion in planning trips. You’re met by a pre organized team, typically with staff on hand to help you with luggage and arrive at the ship in time.Its especially a convenient choice for a first timer or someone who is concerned about arriving at the port.The shuttles are coordinated with the arrival and departure of the ship, so you can be certain you won’t miss the cruise.There are also return transfers from the port to nearby city or your hotel after the cruise provided by some cruise companies, which is continuity at its best.

Cons:

Though convenient, cruise ship shuttles are not always the most cost effective option. They can be pricy in terms of the per person charge and they are usually only in service for limited times. If your hotel checkout time or flight time is beyond the pickup window, you might end up waiting around.And you’lll usually be sitting in a coach with a bunch of other people, which will contribute to delays , particularly if there are a lot of stops.

Hotel Shuttles

Some hotels near cruise ports, especially those in Southampton and Dover, operate their own shuttles. These are occasionally included in packages or offered as a cheap add on.

Pros:

Hotel shuttles are perfect if you are spending the night before your cruise. You can enjoy breakfast slowly or perhaps engaging in a conversation with someone and board the shuttle without having to call a taxi or deal with public transportation.A number of these hotels are near the port, so the trip is brief and hassle free.It’s the ideal answer for travellers who must divide their travel and have some rest before leaving.

Cons:

Not all hotels offer this amenity and the ones that may not run shuttles on a regular basis. They only have one or two departures in the morning,depending on the hotel and that may not fit your boarding option. If you are not happy with the hotel or prefer to stay in central London, then this option may not be ideal.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available and easy to arrange, especially if you are staying in a hotel that can call one for you. They are often used for shorter journeys to nearby ports or for last minute transfers.

Pros:

Taxis are convenient and optimal for short distances, such as from a hotel to the terminal. You don’t neeed to book in advance, and they are available 24×7. For small groups a taxi is and easy choice to get to the ship, especially if you don’t mind a meter running.If you’re travelling light and nearby, it’s a good choice.

Cons:

If you are going a long way, say from London to Southampton, cab fares can add up.Add in potential traffic delays and uncertainty of drivers knowledge of cruise terminals, and you might well find it less convenient than it’s worth.And for large families with loads of luggage, regular, cabs may not be roomy enough.

Shared Vans and Minibuses

Shared van services link big cities and cruise ports, giving a middle choice between public transport and taxis. Independent business run these services and usually online bookings.

Pros:

Shared vans are far cheaper than taxis but offer more convenience than the public transport. You’ll usually be picked up from your home or hotel and taken directly to the port.For couples or solo travellers this can be a great money saving alternative that still offers a fairly direct route. Some even allow you to book a specific seat and offer good customer service.

Cons:

The downside of shared transport is time.Since you are being shared with another person, the vehicle will be stopping frequently on the way to pick up and drop off others, which could add to your journey. The leave time is not always negotiable, andyou could be sitting around waiting for people to get in. Furthermore, not all suppliers are created equal, so it’s a good idea to work with a reputable company.

Public Transport

Public trains and busses connect london and the rest of the UK’s big cities to cruise ports like Southampton and Dover. It’s the cheapest, but with its pitfalls.

Pros:

If budget is your primary concern, public transport is the cheapest option by far.Trains to Southampton are operate from Victoria Coach Station. For those already residing close to these centers, it’s an easy trip. It’s also eco friendly, which many find appealing.

Cons:

Its cheap but public transportation involves taking care of your won luggage, perhaps having to change trains several times and dealing with unpredictable schedules. Cruise terminals aren’t  always close enough to train stations to walk, so you might still have to grab a taxi for the last mile or so. If you are travelling with kids, elderly person or more than two luggage, it’s more trouble than it’s worth

Drive yourself

Some cruisers would would prefer to take charge of matters themselves and drive them to the port.Long term parking is available in most UK terminals with a shuttle service to check in.

Pros:

Diving gives you full control of your journey and timing as well.You can stop wherever you want, take whatever you like and don’t have to rely on anyone else.For those who live within a few hours from the port, it’s the most convenient. Port parking is generally well organized and safe.

Cons:

Parking fees can be steep, especially for longer cruises.You’ll also be leaving your car unattended for a week or more, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Long distance travel before or after a cruise can also be tiring and rather anticlimactic after a relaxing sea break.

Why use Umbrella Transfers?

Unlike other companies, Umbrella Transfers is a tailor made cruise port transfer service for individuals visiting or leaving Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Liverpool, Portsmouth or Tilbury.Our drivers understand the timescale, terminal layout and cruise timetables better than anyone.

Everything about Umbrella Transfers is designed to make your journey smoother from comfortable, high spec vehicles to well mannered and experienced drivers. Umbrella Transfers accommodate early morning departures, late returns, and everything in between. Whether you’re a couple seeking privacy, a family needing extra luggage space or solo cruiser looking for peace of mind, our service is tailored to fit your needs.

When you book through Umbrella transfers, you’re not just booking a vehicle, you are booking a stress free start to your cruise getaway.

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