Harwich Port Information - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-23-2005, 09:36 AM

Location

Harwich International Port is just 69 miles from London, via the A12. The recently upgraded A14 also gives direct access to the Midlands and the northern motorway network.

Travelling to Harwich International Port

By Air: London (Stansted) Airport is within easy reach of Harwich (50 minutes by car or taxi) with Heathrow and Gatwick being only 2 hours drive away.

By Rail: Rail users may travel to Harwich International Station being adjacent to the ferry & cruise terminals. Regular service connections to London (70 minutes) and also to other UK destinations.

By Road:
From the M11: Leave at junction 8 (signposted Bishops Stortford, Stansted Airport) and join the A120 eastwards.
From the M25: Take the A12 at junction 28 (signposted Chelmsford) and then join the A120 at Colchester, after approximately 30 miles.
From the A14: Take the A12 at Ipswich and join the A120 at Colchester.

In all cases keep on the A120 following the signs to Harwich. On approaching Harwich follow signs for Harwich International Port.

By Sea: Harwich International Port has connecting passenger services from Hook of Holland, Esbjerg (Denmark), Hamburg (Germany) and Ijmuiden (Amsterdam).

Car Parking: Ample parking is available at the Ferry and Cruise car park.

PagodaSwan · 11-23-2005, 09:38 AM

Welcome to our guide to Harwich International Port facilities for people with special needs. Whether you’re a ferry passenger or going on a cruise, this section describes the facilities we have in place at all of our terminals to make your journey as stress free and as comfortable as we can.

Toilets

Unisex disabled toilet facilities are available on the first floor of the Ferry Terminal and in the Departure Lounge after passing through controls.

Wheelchairs and Facilities

Please see list of contact points above who are willing and able to help. Wheelchairs can be made available by Harwich International Port upon request.

There are level or ramped access points at entrances and exists to all our terminal buildings and walkways.

CRUISE TERMINAL

If you require help or assistance in this location, please ask at the following contact points: -

¨At the Cruise Terminal Information Desk

¨Harwich International Port Reception Desk, located on the first floor of the Ferry Passenger Terminal or

¨Directly through your travel operator

Parking

Trained and helpful staff are available to assist you and provide a wheelchair if needed.

You are also able to drive directly to the Cruise Terminal for drop-offs and your vehicle can be parked for you if necessary. Please arrange for this service with your tour operator before leaving home.

Wheelchairs and Facilities

Ample wheelchairs are available at The Cruise Terminal. In addition, wheelchair-friendly ramps are fitted on all split-levels in the building.

The walkways leading to cruise ships are also wheelchair friendly to provide easy access to your ship.

Toilets

Unisex disabled toilets are found at the Cruise Terminal.

PagodaSwan · 11-23-2005, 09:40 AM

Harwich International Port, which has excellent passenger and luggage handling facilities and long experience of handling passenger services, made the strategic decision in 1993 to enter into the cruise sector, with focus on acting as a turnaround port.

The port has seen remarkably fast growth in cruise ship calls and now deals with customers serving a number of markets, including North Cape, Baltic, Scandinavia, around Britain and the Mediterranean
The opening of the £1 million dedicated cruise terminal in 1996 reflected the port's determination to expand further in this sector
A major dredging programme alongside the cruise vessel berth and in the approach channel means Harwich can accommodate vessels up to 9.5 metres draught
An extension to the terminal in 1998 provided an enlarged baggage area, exchange bureau and improved passenger boarding facilities
Quay length: 330 metres
Maximum draught: 9.5 metres
New fendering: 3 x 3.5 metre Yokohama
110 x 22 metres dedicated cruise terminal
New enclosed gangways with maximum 33 metre walk to ship
Parking for 400 cars and 60 coaches
Discreet but effective security: three X-ray machines
Ten double check-in desks
Lounge with seating for 300
High quality refreshments
Porterage available in-house
Brass bands to see ships away
Courtesy buses
Further expansion of facilities planned
Ample berth capacity
Accommodates the largest vessels
Harwich is the most northerly of the major cruise ports on the east coast of the UK
Accredited to BS5750 / ISO9002
Complete service package from one source
Long experience of handling passenger services
Dedicated, friendly, well trained staff, used to meeting the needs of travellers
Porterage and baggage handling
Member of Cruise Europe
Dedicated "cruise trains" to London
A dedicated team of taxis drivers called 'Portside Taxis' are available just outside the cruise terminal. They can also be contacted on 01255 552279 for all journeys to and from the port.