From London (M3), Midlands and North (A34/M3). Follow M3 to Junction 14 then take M27 westbound (Ferries,Docks, Bournemouth) Join M27 and pass Rownhams Service area. At junction 3 turn off onto M271 southbound. At end of M271 turn left at roundabout keeping in left hand lane.(The other 2 lanes cross the flyover ahead) This lane splits into 3 after about 300 yards as you approach the roundabout, take the right hand lane as you approach the roundabout under the flyover. Turn right at the roundabout and enter the docks. Turn left at the next roundabout and follow the road round. at next junction go straight on and then the road curves round to the left along the waterfront, The Mayflower Terminal being on your right hand side.
From Bristol (A36), West Country (A31). Join the M27 at Junctions 1 or 2. Follow M27 to junction 3. Turn off here into right hand lane to traffic lights and take the southbound M271 and follow as above.
Those travelling by air will arrive at Southampton Airport which is in Eastleigh. Southampton Parkway station is here. You can get a train to Southampton Central or take a Taxi.
For those travelling by train, Southampton Central is the station for the docks and the De Vere Hotel. For people wishing to go to the Hilton Hotel or Holiday Inn - Eastleigh, Southampton Parkway is the closest station. I would advise against using Eastleigh station as the train service is not so frequent from London and very few trains stop there from The Midlands and The North. Parkway is also closer to the hotels. Take a taxi from here. Those travelling from the West/Bristol and South Wales via Salisbury and also from the East and Portsmouth go direct to Southampton Central and do not go to Parkway
Health
Most of the countries visited by cruise ships do not require you to have vaccinations especially in Europe and The Caribbean. However those people who have a past medical history of Heart, Diabetes and other such complaints are advised to seek advice from their GP's surgery, many of whom operate a Travel Service for a nominal fee. Because of our past medical history we were advised to have Combined hepatitis A and Typhoid plus Polio booster to visit the Caribbean. It is also recommended your Tetanus injections are up to date. For passengers calling at Cartagena in Colombia, it is recommended you have Yellow Fever injections, although the coastal area is not in a Yellow Fever area some Caribbean countries will not let you land without it if you have been to Colombia. When it comes down to it , do you want to spoil your holiday for the sake of an injection.
Insectivorous Pests
Insects and their bites can wreck your holiday and they occur sometimes when you least expect them. Mosquitoes can be rife in Iceland especially in late summer around marshy ground and lakes whereas in the Caribbean in April we hardly saw an insect.Take Insect repellent spray wherever you go. The best ones contain DEET.
Insurance
Insurance seems to be a problem with many cruise passengers as a large majority are elderly and almost certainly have some previous medical history. Most insurance companies seem to be oblivious to the facts concerning certain conditions and hike up the premiums and excesses irrespective of the potential risks. When it comes down to it there are two separate items which are covered, that of the fares refundable if you have to cancel prior to cruise and if you are taken ill on the cruise. In the former case, dependant on how soon before the cruise you cancel you can get a refund of a percentage of the fare from the cruise company, therefore the insurance company is only liable for the rest. In respect of the latter,apart from accidents, there are very few pre-existing conditions that you could be taken seriously ill with on board, heart conditions are a prime example, other than those that could be adequately treated in the ships Hospital. There are other conditions that are serious such as the various types of cancer which it is unlikely you would be unaware of before you set sail as these tend to be picked up on hospital tests.
There is one company, however, which was started by someone with a medical problem who realised the above and will cover you without a hike in premium or excess provided you tell them of pre-existing conditions. They are C.H.Facilities Ltd and you can visit their website at http://www.ch-travelcare.co.uk . I understand that the site is being currently updated but the links will be transferred. They are a very friendly and helpful company and the policy I have through them is with the company P&O use, so it is reputable. There are others companies which others have recommended, Norwich Union is one.
Sunburn
Remember The Sun is more fierce at sea due to the reflection on the sea's surface and also the further south you go the higher the sun will be. Use a High Factor cream at least 15 preferably 25.
The Hotels recommended by P&O are:-
Outside of Southampton an ideal overnight stay is in the Romsey area as it is not far from the M271 to get to the docks. Try this website
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