I have mentioned several times that my preferred method of transport to and from Southampton, and now Dover, is Eavesway Travel. I actually blogged about them last year, but I thought it was only right to cover the service again now, as there have been a fair few changes since my last update.
Eavesway cover departures to/from Southampton for Royal Caribbean International, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard. They also offer a service to/from Dover for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
I have used the Eavesway service for the last 4 years and I swear by them, I really do! The coaches are incredibly comfortable and there is a ton of leg room, they are clean, the drivers are all very friendly and even when having to take a detour half way around the world because of traffic or an accident, I have still always arrived long before the ship was due to sail. I wouldn’t use any other coach service!
Below are some examples of return prices for Southampton departures. To get an exact quote for the Eavesway Travel cruise link service in 2015, I would recommend you check the website or give them a call, but the below gives an idea of what you can expect. My pick-up point is Washington Services, which is quite a fair distance away from where I live, yet still incredibly convenient as it is straight down the A1.
Let me tell you a little about Eavesway. In 1931, brothers Edward and Thomas Eaves set up a partnership together. Originally working in the local mine, they transported coal from the pit and undertook removals for people. It wasn’t long before they were carrying passengers to local markets and towns at weekends and this subsequently developed into a major part of their business. During the war years contracts were operated for the MOD carrying German POWs; aircrew shot down over nearby Liverpool.
As time went on, the brothers took the business from strength to strength, eventually focussing solely on the coach market and even picking up a contract with Manchester United Football Club to be the teams official coach provider. Today they operate a fleet of 34 Van Hool Executive coaches and offer a dedicated and reliable service with the same values that were instilled from the very beginning.
As I said earlier, I will only use Eavesway for my cruise link service. I have travelled with them more than 15 times to and from Southampton and I tried the Dover route for the first time in June and it was flawless, as I expected it to be. It was the first time the driver had done the route and he didn’t let us down. I have bookings with them for my next 3 cruises – I think that says it all really.
Leave the car at home next time – ring Eavesway! 😉
Author: Danielle
CruiseMiss.com 
I write to endorse everything that Danielle has said about Eavesway’s service. We have used them for our last three trips from Lancashire to Southampton and return, and are now real fans of the company and its level of service.
The coaches are smart (and, yes, with loads of legroom); there is a toilet on board although there are sufficient stops on route for ‘comfort’ and refreshment. The drivers are cheerful, safe, and handle baggage at pickup and drop-off.
I calculate that the price for two compares favourably with what would be petrol and parking costs, but without the mileage and wear-and-tear (and hassle!) of driving oneself.
We have not used the similar service from other providers but have spoken to some who have: their verdict is that the Eavesway service is far superior.