London is one of the best known cities in the world and is widely regarded as the ‘in place’ to visit when it comes to tourist destinations in Europe. Much of its greatness was founded on trade with the rest of the world, for which its famous river acted as a convenient gateway. Today, the Thames provides easy access combined with excellent facilities in a number of locations for visiting cruise ships. The proximity of London’s five international airports and many excellent hotels make it an ideal location for turnaround calls.
Sailing into central London is an experience in itself. Passengers can marvel at the impressive Thames Flood Barrier. Arriving at Greenwich, larger ships can moor opposite the town’s historic heart, close to the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and the Royal Obvservatory; where east meets west on the famous Meridian Line. ‘Welcome’, a floating pontoon with full cruise terminal reception facilities, serves the larger vessels (up to 240m length/8.4m draught) for turnaround calls at Greenwich and the larger vessels (180m/5.6m draught) for turnaround calls at Tower Bridge Lower – 200m downstream of Tower Pier, in the heart of London.
Smaller vessels can proceed upstream past famous old public houses and restored warehouses to the Pool of London. Here there is a choice of moorings, either in the Lower Pool, or through Tower Bridge in the Upper Pool alongside the preserved Royal Navy cruiser HMS Belfast. The latter is directly opposite the historic Tower of London, which guards the Crown Jewels and is connected to the bustling south bank riverside complex. This vibrant area is framed by the world famous Tower Bridge, gateway to the heart of this great capital city.
For passengers and their baggage, transfers to and from ship are by launch, with customs and security formalities taking place on Tower Pier. This is near to a car and coach park, taxi rank and the underground railway system. Most of London’s historic attractions, entertainment and shopping areas are just a short ride away, either by river or on land.
London offers an experience unrivalled anywhere else in the world: sailing to a mooring adjacent to the Tower of London or else a visit to Greenwich.
