We are 2 cruisers in our early 50's and we traveled alone, this was our 10th cruise - 6th with NCL. This was our first trip to Europe so we spent considerable time researching excursion options in order to make the best use of our short time overseas. After barely making our flight transfer in Detroit we arrived at Gatwick airport around 10:30 on a Saturday morning. Much advice had been given on the best way to get to our hotel in Southwark and we decided to take the First Capital Connect train that boarded at Gatwick. The information desk at Gatwick was very helpful and quickly set us up with tickets and an Oyster card to use on other travels while in London.

We arrived at our hotel, Travelodge Southwark, at around 1:00. This hotel doesn't allow check-in until 3:00 so we waited in their lounge until around 2:30 when we were told they would check us in. This Travelodge had only been open about 2 weeks before our arrival so we had high hopes that we would be staying in a nice, new hotel. This hotel was a huge disappoint. Perhaps this was because we are spoiled Americans, but I expect a bit more in a hotel than a bed and a tv. This room was stark white and very bare bones - in fact, they don't even provide soap, shampoo or wash clothes!!

Although disappointed in our hotel, we didn't let this hamper our time in London. We had the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday to explore the town. Monday would be spent in Paris then onto Dover to board the ship Tuesday. The Hop On Hop Off bus was a great option for us in London and we were able to see most major points of interest during our short stay and also do a Thames River Cruise. Read more