Cruise Departures - Harwich

Harwich port dates back to the 17^th century. It was used at this time for the carriage of passengers and mail to the Netherlands. In the second half of the 19^th century the Great Eastern Railway Company transformed the port and set the foundations for what is today Harwich International Port, a world-class deep-water facility.

The railway company was keen to expand its operations and decided to create an entirely new port based on the reclaimed marshland of Ray Island.  Parkeston Quay was opened in 1883 and soon became Britain’s most important passenger port linking England with Belgium and the Netherlands

The International Port Terminal was opened in 1996. Facilities within the cruise terminal include a café, and a restaurant in the ferry terminal.  Outside the front entrance to the cruise terminal is a spacious coach park and a taxi rank. The terminal is about 5 minutes from the town centre and there is also a huge Morrisons Supermarket about a five minute drive away.

Harwich is the most northerly of the major cruise harbours on the UK’s east coast, and one of three ports in the London area. There are excellent road and rail links to the Midlands, London and the South East. Harwich is 90 miles from London. There are direct trains to London Liverpool Street Station and there is a frequent National Express coach service.

Voyages of Discovery and Royal Caribbean International operate cruises out of Harwich.

There is designated parking for cruise ship passengers.  Staff will normally be available to direct you and provide assistance with your baggage.

You can also stay overnight at a hotel before the cruise and benefit from reduced rate or free car parking

The Brook Hotel

The family run hotel is located close to the cruise docks and 0.5 miles from Felixstowe Railway station.  They offer free car parking.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel

A very popular 4 star hotel and is situated in Ipswich, a short drive from Harwich. The hotel offers a stunning outlook over the marina and Ipswich’s historic waterfront