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Welcome to Haven Cruise
Haven Cruise is supported not only by the Haven Gateway Partnership (HGP) but also by the East of England Tourism and is dedicated to improving all aspects of the cruising experience for operators and passengers alike when they visit Harwich International Port.
The five Haven ports of Harwich International and Navyard, Felixstowe, Ipswich and Mistley represent the single most important cluster of ports in the UK. Based on their central role as hubs and generators of economic activity, the Haven Gateway Partnership provides a framework within which its partner organisations work together to promote economic opportunities and secure the future prosperity of the region. Support for the Haven Gateway Partnership is drawn from a wide spectrum of public and private sector bodies, including ports, logistics, shipping, tourism and educational interests
The million pound cruise terminal at Harwich, which opened in 1996, signalled the ports commitment to the cruise sector and has seen a huge growth in calls since coming into operation.
North Cape, Scandinavian, Baltic, round Britain and Mediterranean services are now regular visitors to the excellent facilities that ensure passengers receive a seamless journey to and from their vessel.
Passengers leaving their cruise will find all the facilities necessary for a swift disembarkation including a direct rail link to London (70 minutes) and the close proximity of London Stansted Airport (50 minutes by car or taxi) or London Heathrow and London Gatwick only 2 hours away.
For visitors to the port, Harwich Old Town is easily accessible and guided tours are provided free of charge by members of the Harwich Society, highlighting the historic background of this port which dates back to at least the 14th century. The Pilgrim Fathers Mayflower ship was built here and Master Christopher Jones had his home here, however, the history and places to visit do not end there.
Numerous excursions to the surrounding area are available and itineraries can be planned in conjunction with cruise and tour operators to fit their passengers' needs.
Excursions include:
- Constable Country
- Cambridge
- Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded Roman town which houses an extraordinary museum
- Ipswich, a historic market town with a fabulous exhibition of both original works by Constable and Gainsborough
- Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge, where the incredible ship-burial of an Anglo-Saxon warrior king was discovered in 1939
- Beth Chatto Gardens
New itineraries for 2009 are also being put together to include 'Tastes of East Anglia' which will include tastings and visits to some of the famous food and drink locations in the area.
