If Ryanair did cruiseports………..”London” Tilbury would be one

Over the years Ryanair have become known and a bit of a joke for using Airports that they say are in one place but in fact are miles away from the centre of where they claim to be. Just look at there options for Barcelona for example they do fly into Barcelona but also into Girona and Reus which are both about an hour away and in my opinion should not be listed under a Barcelona drop down as you can bet lot’s of people book them by mistake.

So I’m wondering in the cruise world why the port of Tilbury is Known as London Tilbury as it is again around an hour from London. I suppose it must be because it is built on the river Thames and as it’s not a big place that people may not have any idea where it is without looking on a map but it does cause confusion. When people see the name with London in it I think they assume travel to and from will be very easy but that is not necessarily the case.

It seems to be a shame it is such a tricky place to get to as Cruise & Maritime who offer some really different and great value cruises have Tilbury as there main port and it does stop a few customers from booking with them when they realize where it is. In fairness it is only 25 miles from London in Esssex and for a lot in the South East of the Country it will be easy enough but for someone like me up in the North East it does not seem to be an easy journey as unless you drive you may have to go via London. If you do drive you only seem to have the option of parking at the port so it can be more expensive than the likes of Southampton where you have several options from Park and Rides to Meet and Greet and parking on the Terminal. Tilbury port parking is around £11 per day.

If you have booked through Cruise and Maritime they offer a return coach travel from London Victoria for £25 per person which seems really good value and then you could get the train to Central London which may be a lot better option for someone like me and it would be much quicker too.

Flying does not seem like a great idea as you would have to do one of the London airports and then still get a taxi which would not be cheap or get to Victoria again for the coach.

So when you are looking at cruise just bear in mind “London” Tilbury is not in London itself but don’t be put of as a bit of a pain getting to the port could still be worth it as Cruise and Maritime have loads of Cruises with Buy One Get one Free Especially at the minute on 2019 sailing which have just gone on sale.

If you have ever gone from Tilbury I would love to know how you traveled and if you have any really good hints or tips so I can share and if you want a Cruise and Maritime cruise contact me as I can offer some really good deals better than the cruise line direct.