I need to know the simplest way to get from London Heathrow to Southampton. Trains sound like the cheapest, but the getting from the airport to the train staition, on the tube? with luggage etc..sounds like a PIA.
Anyone heading our way on aug. 21st, and want to share in renting a van or something let me know.All advise welcome!

National express have a more or less hourly service and the journey takes 90-115 mins.

www.nationalexpress.com

Thanks,we may end up on the train, but are concerned about the hassel of transfering from taxi to train and repeating that in Southampton, as we will have a fair amount of luggage .we were thinking renting a van with a group of fellow cruisers, who were also heading to southampton. Any knowledge about this or recommendations for companies provideing this service would be great.
NCL is most unhelpfull, they will only transfer you if you pay $500 to stay in one of their hotels. you cannot ride their transport unless you do this. what a racket!

With many others you could check out Londonheathrowcars.com. They quote 4 people and 4 suitcases and 4 handluggage for 103 pounds from the airport to the port at Southampton.

Why are you even considering a train? The National Express coach already mentioned is the easiest (other than a car service) and there is no faffing about w/ transfers/tube/etc.

Straight from LHR to Southampton

Ok, stupid question...I went to the National Express site, they had trains bus's ,coaches and van's. When you say "coach" is that british for bus? What is the differance between bus or coach?
It is giving me a cost of around 28 pounds, does that sound right? pretty good price and they leave from Heathrow? Sounds like an answer to me! Just want to clarify as to what to choose, bus or coach?

Yup. You look under coaches (which are long-distance/inter-city buses).

Choose the bus, then look at the timetable/journey planner. Although cruise terminal is listed, buses seldom go there. Normally you will end up at the main bus station in Southampton which is a very short taxi ride away from the cruise terminal.

I was given a price of £14.40 per person when I looked. Note you are allowed 2 suitcases each, max 20kg per case.

whoops, sorry - It is coach you need, not bus.
http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/index.cfm