Harwich (London), UK
Overview
In the East Anglia countryside, see the mill, barns and bridge immortalized by landscape painter John Constable. Tour to London for Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, as well as terrific shopping and theatre. Sample shore excursions: Cambridge Colleges & Punt Ride; London Panorama & Pub Lunch.
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
Constable Country
The hills and river valleys surrounding the Suffolk-Essex border open up to the same magnificent skies captured in paintings by Constable. Timbered houses, moated manors and fine church towers enrich towns and villages which prospered from wool and weaving in medieval times. Travel across the open countryside to beautiful Dedham Vale--aptly referred to as “Constable Country.” The great...
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Cosmopolitan Cambridge
A two-hour journey from Harwich takes you across the open Essex and Suffolk countryside, passing through typical market towns. In a tranquil rural setting lies a city of colleges--Cambridge features winding streets lined with old houses and shops on the River Cam. There are now 31 colleges, founded mostly by kings, queens, bishops and nobles. The beautiful buildings reflect 700 years of British...
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Harwich Private Touring - Full Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in th...
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Harwich Private Touring - Full Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in th...
more info
Harwich Private Touring - Half Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in th...
more info
Harwich Private Touring - Half Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in th...
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Hedingham Castle & English Countryside *CANCELLED*
This excursion is no longer being offered by Holland America Line. Please make an alternate tour selection for this port.
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London Panoramic & Transfer to Gatwick Airport (with pre-paid transfer voucher)
From the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square at the heart of London’s theatre district to the quiet parks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London’s fascination lies in its diversity. Old and new stand side by side; history, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern, eccentric and avant-garde. There’s something for everyone here. This full-day tour offers an overall impr...
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London Panoramic & Transfer to Gatwick Airport (without pre-paid transfer vouche
From the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square at the heart of London’s theatre district to the quiet parks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London’s fascination lies in its diversity. Old and new stand side by side; history, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern, eccentric and avant-garde. There’s something for everyone here. This full-day tour offers an overall impr...
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London Panoramic & Transfer to Heathrow Airport (with pre-paid transfer voucher)
From the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square at the heart of London’s theatre district to the quiet parks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London’s fascination lies in its diversity. Old and new stand side by side; history, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern, eccentric and avant-garde. There’s something for everyone here. This full-day tour offers an overall impr...
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London Panoramic & Transfer to Heathrow Airport (without pre-paid transfer vouch
From the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square at the heart of London’s theatre district to the quiet parks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London’s fascination lies in its diversity. Old and new stand side by side; history, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern, eccentric and avant-garde. There’s something for everyone here. This full-day tour offers an overall impr...
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London's Panorama - Intransit
From the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square at the heart of London’s theatre district to the quiet parks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, London’s fascination lies in its diversity. Old and new stand side by side; history, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern, eccentric and avant-garde. There’s something for everyone here. This full-day tour offers an overall impr...
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London's Splendid Highlights
Your journey from Harwich towards central London will take you along the main motorway route, across the Kent countryside. Entering the capital from the south, you will stop to visit the fabulous Westminster Abbey. Today, as it has done for the past 900 years, Westminster Abbey plays a central role in the life of the United Kingdom. Every year, with dignity and ceremony, the abbey continues t...
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Roman Colchester - Intransit
Transfer from Harwich to the nearby Roman town of Colchester. One of the most important of the Roman towns in England, and once the capital city, Colchester still boasts much of its original wall and, of course, the magnificent Castle Museum. Since the 16th century, the castle has taken on many roles, including those of ruin, library and prison for witches. Today, it is an awardwinning museum feat...
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Royal Windsor & Transfer to Heathrow Airport (with pre-paid transfer voucher)
The area around Windsor is steeped in history, dominated by its famous Castle, originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror. Across the river, which flows on past Runnymede, scene of King John’s signing of Magna Carta, many distinguished and eminent men have been educated at Eton College. We travel directly on the motor-way route from Harwich towards Windsor. From many miles ...
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Royal Windsor & Transfer to Heathrow Airport (without pre-paid transfer voucher)
The area around Windsor is steeped in history, dominated by its famous Castle, originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror. Across the river, which flows on past Runnymede, scene of King John’s signing of Magna Carta, many distinguished and eminent men have been educated at Eton College. We travel directly on the motor-way route from Harwich towards Windsor. From many miles di...
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The Burial Gounds of Kings
In 1939, in a field at Sutton Hoo, just one hour from Harwich, local archeologist Basil Brown found a 90-foot-long Anglo-Saxon burial ship. This led to the discovery of an amazing collection of treasures that had lain undisturbed within the ship for more than 1,300 years. Today, you will visit the burial mounds and view the site where the ship was excavated. You will also see other mounds that onc...
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The Imperial War Museum, Duxford
Duxford is a world-renowned heritage complex with exhibits on aviation, historic aircraft, land warfare, modern history conservation, education and maritime events. It is also one of the largest aircraft restoration centers in the world and you can watch this important and skilled work in progress. More than fifty working historic aircraft are based here at Duxford. There are five hangars, whose o...
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Weather
Weather
| Month | Temp Avg | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40.0 | 43.0 | 36.0 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 40.3 | 44.1 | 36.0 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 43.7 | 49.6 | 37.8 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 48.9 | 55.6 | 41.7 | 1.5 |
| May | 55.3 | 61.7 | 46.7 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 60.2 | 67.9 | 52.3 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 62.5 | 70.5 | 55.4 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 62.2 | 70.0 | 55.2 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 58.1 | 64.3 | 51.2 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 51.6 | 57.4 | 45.7 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 45.7 | 49.8 | 41.5 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 41.8 | 44.9 | 37.8 | 1.9 |
Departure Information
Departure Information
Ship's Terminal
Harwich International Port
Parkeston, Harwich, Essex
CO12 4SR, United Kingdom
Commonly used berths
Cruise Terminal
Please note: berth assignments are always subject to
change.
Driving and Parking
Information
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
From the M11
Leave at junction 8.
join the A120 eastwards.
heading for Braintree and Colchester.
on the A120 following signs to Harwich.
On approaching Harwich, follow signs for Harwich
International Port.
From the M25
Take the A12 at junction 28 (signposted Chelmsford).
join the A120 at Colchester, after approximately 30
miles.
on the A120 following signs to Harwich.
On approaching Harwich, follow signs for Harwich
International Port.
From the A14
Take the A12 at Ipswich.
join the A120 at Colchester.
on the A120 following signs to Harwich.
On approaching Harwich, follow signs for Harwich
International Port.
Parking Info
Parking is available at the Ferry & Cruise Car Park.
Local Contacts
Holland America Line has hired Mifsud and Sons as the
local representative in London/Harwich. Should you find
yourself needing assistance while in London/Harwich
please contact them directly at their office:
011-44-207-244-8422. They can also assist you should you
become separated from your luggage.
Please note that this office cannot answer questions
related to reservations, shore excursions, or upgrades.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE VACATION:
Holland America Line will gladly make all the arrangements for your
Pre-cruise or Post-cruise stay in London/Harwich. Please call 1-877-932-4259 to add a hotel stay. Guests who book their hotel stays through Holland America Line will enjoy extra special attention such as:
- An onsite Holland America Line representative will assist you in your stay; just visit them in the lobby.
- A welcome letter upon check-in letting you know about local life and how to make reservations for dinner, tours, and other London/Harwich must-see attractions.
- Leave transportation arrangements to us.
For Post-Cruise Guests we include transportation from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport.
In both cases, these transportation arrangements to/from the hotel and airport are for guests that have HAL Fly Cruise arrangements or that have purchased a transfer voucher for this and advised us of their flight arrangements at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Look for our agents with Holland America Line Signage directly outside the Customs area at the airport.
If you would like to book on your own may we suggest one of the following hotels:
Renaissance Chancery Court - (011) 44-207-829-9888
Embarkation / Check-In
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHECKING-IN:
Get to the Pier
Please arrive no earlier than 11AM. The building may not
be open before this time.
Check Your Luggage
Attach a Holland America Line Bag Tag to all pieces of
checked luggage. Upon arrival, staff will meet you and
give instructions regarding your baggage. Please show
your cruise ticket to the security personnel. Your bags
will be scanned and then loaded onboard and delivered to
your stateroom.
Check Your Documents
ONLINE CHECK-IN DOCUMENTATION
Guests who have completed the Online Check-In
requirements are only required to present the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
- Credit Enrollment Form along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses.
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire.
Guests who prefer to check-in at the Terminal will need to bring the following items:
- Cruise Ticket
- Handwritten Immigration Form
- Credit Enrollment Form, along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses
- Proof of Citizenship
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire
ONLINE CHECK IN
Step into the following check-in line:
- Signature Preferred
Check-In
Click here to complete Online Check-In and receive
your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
Step into one of the following check-in lines:
- Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Check-In
- Non-US / Non-Canadian Check-In.
- Standard Check-In
Board Your Ship
In London/Harwich, embarkation starts at about
11:30am.
An announcement will be made once the embarkation
process
is ready to start.
Visa Requirements
Voyages departing from London/Harwich typically go
throughout Europe. Some passports from assorted nations
need a Schengan Visa in order to board. Please carefully
review your itinerary and discuss your personal
requirements with the proper consular officials prior
arriving in London/Harwich. Those guests who require a
visa and do not obtain one will be denied boarding.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING YOUR SHIP:
Approximate Time of Disembarkation
In London/Harwich, disembarkation typically starts at approximately 8AM and ends at 10:30AM.
Government Clearance
All Guests are subject to Customs and Immigration
clearance prior to disembarking the ship. Please keep
your passport and citizenship documents with you at all
times.
All luggage is either laid down in the disembarkation hall by color/number order, or is taken to the airport and lined up for guests to claim prior to checking in with the airlines. Once you are invited to exit the ship please come and find your color/number or you will be directed to the buses and will claim your bags at the airport. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, once you leave you cannot re-enter.
Your Transportation
Immediately outside the doors of the disembarkation hall you will be directed to the Holland America Line motorcoach transfers and taxis.
In London/Harwich, guests usually choose to take Holland America Line arranged transportation, as it is faster and there is little to no confusion. There is also limited long distance taxi service available to/from the ship's terminal.
Holland America Line offers transfers between the London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), London's Gatwick International Airport (LGW), Recommended Hotels and Ship's Terminal via motorcoach.
If you would like to book a transfer please call 1-877-SAILHAL and tell them you would like to add a transfer.
Depending on your air arrival time and date, special instructions have been included in your ticket book advising where to find your Holland America Line Guest Service Representative at the airport.
Distances
London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) To Ship: 69
miles or about 2 hours by vehicle.
London Gatwick International Airport (LGW) To Ship: 59
miles or about 1 1/2 hours by vehicle.
London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) To Hotel: 40
miles or about 1 hour by vehicle.
London Gatwick International Airport (LGW) To Hotel: 69
miles or about 2 hours by vehicle.
Hotel To Ship: 69 miles or about 1 1/2 hours by
vehicle.