Freeks with Beeks - London Pre-Cruise Discussion

Ok all you Freeks with Beeks What do we want to do in London and let's start tossing ideas around for hotels. I can't believe I might be doing this itinerary twice in one year (this sailing and the QE Inaugural is also the Canary Islands) but, oh well. I'm not complaining

We've been to London a few times and my suggestions for activities:

• Harrods - I know the ladies are going to want at least an hour in there and guys, it's big, we can go get something to eat within the store while the gals are off shopping. http://www.harrods.com/harrodsstore/
  
• London Eye - great views of the city! http://www.londoneye.com/
  
• Dinner and a show in West End - this is London's theater district
  
• Changing of the Guard - Touristy? Absolutely but still a must see http://www.changing-the-guard.com/
  
• Double Decker Bus Tour - one of the best ways to see the major points of interest in London with limited time. http://www.theoriginaltour.com/
  

Also how many nights pre-cruise do we want as far as hotel? My vote, at least two.

all i can say is - knock yourself out nick on cunard but you won't see my a** on it.

I've got some family going on the QE....
They are very excited!

Pat you don't know what you're missing! Pete, are you coming on QE or don't you have the time? I'm not sure if we're going or not. We're already committed to this sailing. So the plan is - we're booking QE, if Leanna gets laid off, then we go . If she doesn't then we pass.

Anyhow what do YOU GUYS want to do in London????

ok what is a little convoluted here? if she gets laid off we're spending a boatload - no pun intended - on a cruise to the canary islands and the QE? now did you or didn't you book with candy already?

Pat it's a time issue, not a financial issue. So, if Leanna gets chopped because of the city budget cuts with the schools, then we are free to go on as many trips in 2010 as we can fit in. If, however, she does keep her job, we'll let QE go. And, yes we're booked on Freeks with Beeks!

well at least we'll be on canary islands together.

Hi everyone,
I agree with Nick, at least 2 nights precruise in London , then travel to Southhampton by private charter, or 2 nights in London(at least) and then one night at the De Vere in Southhampton. I don't know yet whether I'll be staying at the hotel in London or with friends, so I'll be happy to go along with whatever the majority wants. I've stayed in several of the London hotels, so mostly you just want to get what is centrally located and nice. The London Eye is a great thing to do when its a clear day , as the views over London are great. I like the food halls at Harrods, the shopping is okay, I'm more of a Harvey Nicks store person, luckily, it's just down the street from Harrods. I think that for the history buffs, the British Museum(free entrance) is great for its Roman, Egyptian and Greek artifacts. http://www.britishmuseum.org/ Winston Churchill's underground cabinet war room bunkers are very interesting as well. http://cwr.iwm.org.uk/
The Tower of London http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/ has a twilight tour that is great, especially is you combine it with the free Ceremony of the Keys which takes place at 9:53 p.m. every evening(it's a 10 minute thing) where they lock up all of the gates to the Tower as they have done for 700 years. You have to get tickets 2 months in advance for the ceremony, but it is free.

London Walks www.walks.com is a respected tour company where guides take you on various walks around London where you get more on an insider's perspective on interesting things in London.

The London theatre is great, especially London comedies. They have great dialogue and great wit to them. London also has musicals that debut there first before coming to the U.S. It's a great way to spend an evening.

Everyone should go to a local pub, and have a pint!

I'll defer to the members who are locals about restaurant choices. There are numerous restaurants that are wonderful in London. TimeOut London http://www.timeout.com/london/ gives you a good overview of what's going on in London for the week.
The royal parks should be in full spring bloom, and are always great to walk through. I'll be just be happy visiting one of my favorite cities again.
Kelcie

now wait - kelcie - you are going on this one and the other one a few weeks apart? jeez - you guys - can i get a job with you?

No, Pat, I'm not going on anything in 2010 until this trip. I cancelled another trip I had deposited because I wanted to go on the Eclipse more! I definitely think you cruise more than me! I'm glad for anyone who can cruise. The goal for me is to be able to travel more and on shorter notice!
Kelcie

i think if you can travel on short notice you can get better deals