(b) 11.30 Off-peak Day Single paper ticket for the whole through
journey - this would be valid on the Tube between Waterloo and West
Ham (or Upminster, if that's what one wanted to do).

Will bear in mind the Feltham YOI, er sorry I mean Travelodge, it
might come in handy (not really for myself but rather for others). It
can really be as cheap as GBP9? (Obviously a special offer, but still.)

Might also be worth staying on the south side of the river - get a
train from Waterloo East to Gravesend then cross over on the Gravesend
Tilbury ferry, which drops you of near the Cruise terminal. Probably
quicker than getting to Tilbury Town, which is a way from the Cruise
terminal anyway.

http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/travel/tr...ferry_services