Boarding Guide
Embarkation day logistics from The May Fair Hotel in London to boarding Nieuw Statendam in Dover.
Overview
Today is embarkation day. The focus is a smooth transfer from The May Fair Hotel to Victoria Coach Station, then onward by Holland America transfer coach to Dover Cruise Terminal for check-in and boarding Nieuw Statendam.
Getting to Victoria Coach Station
Directions from The May Fair Hotel
Start at The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair. Travel to Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP.
Transportation Options
- Taxi: Most comfortable option with luggage; usually the best embarkation-day choice.
- Uber or rideshare: Good alternative when pickup timing is confirmed in advance.
- Walking: Possible if traveling light, but not recommended with cruise luggage.
Departure Timing Recommendations
- Aim to arrive at Victoria Coach Station at least 30-45 minutes before coach check-in.
- Build extra margin for London traffic and hotel departure delays.
- Keep passports, transfer documents, and cruise paperwork accessible before leaving the hotel.
Holland America Transfer Coach
Victoria Coach Station Location
Address: Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP.
Follow Holland America transfer signage and staff instructions for the correct bay and boarding queue.
Coach Boarding Instructions
- Have transfer confirmation and cruise booking details ready before reaching the queue.
- Board when your coach group is called and follow staff guidance for seat assignment.
- Keep day bag with travel documents, medications, and valuables with you on board.
Luggage Handling and Departure Reminders
- Large bags go in the coach hold and should be clearly tagged with your name and ship details.
- Confirm the luggage count before the coach departs.
- Use the restroom before boarding to minimize disruption during travel.
Arrival at Dover Cruise Terminal
Coach Arrival and Porter Service
- Coaches arrive directly at Dover Cruise Terminal coach drop-off.
- Porters collect checked luggage at the terminal approach area.
- Keep carry-on bags with essential items and documents with you.
Terminal Entry and Check-In Process
- Proceed to terminal entry with passport and boarding documents ready.
- Complete security and check-in in the order directed by terminal staff.
- Wait in the assigned lounge area until your boarding group is called.
Boarding Reminders
- Confirm onboard account requirements before boarding.
- Keep embarkation paperwork in hand until you enter the ship.
- Once onboard, verify your luggage delivery instructions and cabin details.
Embarkation Tips
- Keep passport and boarding documents handy at every checkpoint.
- Carry medications and valuables with you, not in checked luggage.
- Label every checked bag clearly with name and ship details.
- Arrive with plenty of time for station check-in and terminal processing.
Facebook Journal
Write the short version of embarkation day highlights to share with friends.
Book Journal
Write the longer embarkation-day story with transfer details, observations, and notes for the book.