If you’re heading off on an Ambassador cruise from Tilbury Port, the convenience of their coach transfer from Victoria Coach Station in London to Tilbury Port is hard to beat. Here’s a first-hand look at how it works, so you know exactly what to expect.
Departure Day
The coach departs from Victoria Coach Station between 12:00 and 12:45 PM (check your time on your ticket). When you arrive at the station, head to the electronic departure boards located near the main entrance or Gate 11. These boards display up-to-date information, including your coach’s departure gate. Look for Tilbury as the destination and Ambassador name on the board.
Staff members are on hand to assist, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Head to the assigned gate and wait for a staff member or the bus driver to advise when to board. They will check your name off a list, after which you’ll hand your suitcase to the driver to be placed in the coach’s luggage compartment. You are allowed to bring a backpack, or handbag onto the coach, which you can store in the overhead compartment or keep by your feet.
If you need to bring two suitcases for the luggage compartment, an extra fee of £9 applies. This fee can be added when booking or by contacting Ambassador or your travel agent. Once your suitcase is loaded onto the coach, you won’t need to worry about it again – it will be delivered directly to your cabin on the ship.
The journey to Tilbury is smooth and convenient. The comfortable coach is equipped with a toilet for your convenience and navigates its way through central London, offering some sightseeing. In about an hour and a half (depending on traffic), you’ll arrive at the port, ready to board the ship. It’s such a stress-free way to kick off your cruise, and I recommend it if you are not driving to the port.
The Return Journey
On the final day of your cruise, Ambassador ensures the process is just as seamless. You’ll receive your luggage labels and coach transfer information in your cabin the day before disembarkation, so you’ll know exactly what to do. You will need to collect your suitcase in the terminal and take it to the coach. The coaches typically depart Tilbury Port around 9:00 AM, getting you back to Victoria Coach Station well before midday.
Cost
The cost is £44 (price checked December 2024) for a return trip with one suitcase.
