If I had only one word to sum up our "Norwegian Interlude" cruise on the Ocean Princess, that word would be FABULOUS. We had been on 3 previous Princess ships in recent years and were getting ready to hang it up with Princess. This was mostly due to the trend of larger and larger ships and a carnival type onboard ambiance. The ambiance aboard the Ocean Princess was one of quiet elegance.
My husband and I traveled with another couple from Tampa, Florida to London. We booked our own air, as we wanted to fly non-stop on British Airways, but also because we were spending two nights prior to the cruise in Dover, then another week at the end of the cruise in London.
Arrival at Gatwick London: We opted to book private van transfers with Woodford Chauffeur Cars to Dover which would have been price prohibitive (at least for us!) for two people, but for four persons, it was doable. There is nothing like starting a trip off on the right foot. Being met and whisked away quickly for the hour and a half drive to Dover was a much more pleasant start than taking the Gatwick Express into London and the bus/train to Dover. By my calculations, it was only $15 more per person to take the private transfers.
Close to stairs and elevator, quiet and great access to gang plank area.