The dream of a British Isles cruise is finally becoming a reality! We are Kari and Matt from MoKa Vacations. We’d like to take you along with us on our 16-day journey, starting with a 4-night pre-cruise stay in London followed by a 12-night cruise.
We prioritized convenience and flexibility to manage jet lag while seeing the city’s top landmarks by staying at the centrally located Hilton DoubleTree Tower of London and touring the city on a Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
Watch the full video here: British Isles Cruise – Ep. 2: London’s BEST views on epic pre-cruise double-decker bus tour
A Great Way to See London: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
For travelers who want to explore at their own pace, we recommend the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour. https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/london-bus-tours
- Why it works: It’s perfect for overcoming a 5-hour time difference, allowing you to start your day whenever you feel ready.
- The Ticket: We opted for the “Essential Ticket,” which includes:
- A 48-hour hop on hop off bus pass.
- Three guided walking tours (Royal Walk, Harry Potter, and Jack the Ripper).
- A Thames River Cruise.
Must-See Landmark Stops
The “Red Route” covers the heavy hitters. We explored:
- Big Ben and Parliament: A must for history and architecture lovers. We love the stunning details that you simply don’t see in the States.
- Buckingham Palace: Even if you skip the Changing of the Guards, the intricate gates and nearby fountains are worth the stop.
- St. James’s Park: A great way to get some greenery and a break from the “city vibes”.
Dining in London: Gluten-Free & Plant-Based
Kari shares that London is incredibly accommodating for dietary restrictions.
Lunch Recommendation
- Honest Burgers. They offer excellent gluten-free buns and plant-based options like the Beyond Burger, which even non-gluten free diners (like Matt) enjoyed. https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/
The Thames River Cruise
Included with our Big Bus ticket, the river cruise offered a narrated perspective of the city.
- Tip: Head to the top deck for the best open-air views, but be mindful that the spiral stairs are quite tight for those with mobility issues or strollers.
- Many people confuse the basic-looking London Bridge with the iconic, ornate Tower Bridge. But you get to see both on this river cruise!
A Lesson Learned: Book Ahead!
Even for travelers seeking flexibility, some things require planning. We were disappointed to find Westminster Abbey sold out for the day. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-entry-times
- Advisor Tip: Unlike years ago, you can no longer just show up and pay at the door for major sites. Always pre-book your “must-see” interior tours!
Final Take & What’s Next
Jet lag is “fierce,” so don’t overschedule your first full day. Use the hop-on-hop-off bus to see the sights while saving your energy for the cruise ahead!
Stay tuned for the next installments where we explore London excursions, head to Southampton to board the cruise ship, and enjoy the 12-day British Isles cruise.
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