lespes Posted August 23, 2011 #1 Share Posted August 23, 2011 We are booked on the Samba Serenade from Rio to Buenos Aires in December. As disembarkation is at 8:00 a.m. and most flights are late night, what has anyone who has taken this or similar trip done prior to going to the airport? Has anyone taken the ship transfer, and if so how is it handled? Can't imagine them taking you directly to the airport at 8:00 a.m. for a 10:30 p.m. flight. :confused: How do they handle the luggage? Do they provide a day room or option for a ship tour on that day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredFL Posted August 23, 2011 #2 Share Posted August 23, 2011 We took the same cruise last year and had a 10:30pm flight home. Oceania will be selling a transfer package which included a city tour and then dropping off at the airport for late flights. They only sell it on board and you can't book it in advance. However, we had already booked a private all day tour through http://www.baprivatetours.com which was about half the price and we arranged to have them pick us up at the ship and drop us at the airport. There was a little hitch as the driver, who is paid separately, wanted a little extra to go to the airport. It was only about an extra $20 so we did not consider it a problem although we were not told in advance. When we talked to fellow passengers at the airport we determined we saw much more than they did, including an inside visit to the Casa Rosada and cathedral. We especially enjoyed the La Boca neighborhood. A word of warning, you cannot check in for your flight until 3 hours before the flight. There were large groups of cruise passengers sitting around on the floor of the main hall waiting to check in. There are few benches and only a couple of "fast food" places that have tables and chairs. Also we had our water bottle taken away from us at the gate even though we had bought it after security. We went through an adl security at the gate. Other posters have stated they did not experience the same problem so I am not sure it if always occurs but the water was expensive! Enjoy the cruise, we did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledobles Posted August 23, 2011 #3 Share Posted August 23, 2011 We too did the tour that Oceania had on the last day in Buenos Aires. At the end of the day you are dropped off at the airport for your flight home, which is always at night. It's an interesting tour and worthwhile to take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespes Posted August 23, 2011 Author #4 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Thanks for the information. What time were you dropped at the airport? Even taking an 8 hour tour, seems like you would be getting there way before your flight time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Caroldoll Posted August 24, 2011 #5 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Buenos Aires as there is so much to do and it is such a beautiful city. That way we made arrangements with the hotel for a late check-out and we didn't have to wait hours in the airport. Be aware that the airport in Buenos Aires is truly third world. They have great shopping, but metal chairs and no restaurants. There is a little stand in the middle where you can get some "stuff". I would hate to be dumped there by the cruise line any time. It was bad enough waiting two hours and HOT. And..they do take the water away! Good luck. It is a shame to miss all the sights that Buenos Aires has to offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chester8 Posted August 24, 2011 #6 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Buenos Aires as there is so much to do and it is such a beautiful city. That way we made arrangements with the hotel for a late check-out and we didn't have to wait hours in the airport. Be aware that the airport in Buenos Aires is truly third world. They have great shopping, but metal chairs and no restaurants. There is a little stand in the middle where you can get some "stuff". I would hate to be dumped there by the cruise line any time. It was bad enough waiting two hours and HOT. And..they do take the water away! Good luck. It is a shame to miss all the sights that Buenos Aires has to offer. I also remember having to pay a departure tax in cash at the airport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted August 24, 2011 #7 Share Posted August 24, 2011 I also remember having to pay a departure tax in cash at the airport. When we were there in 2010 our departure tax was included in our ticket price and we didn't have to pay at airport. We had booked our own tickets. Also, once we went through to actual departure waiting room there were no toilets. We went through second full security check as we boarded plane including patdown and having to open carryon. We were in business class and they started boarding an hour B4 departure. We arrived at airport just 3 hours B4 flight (stored bags at hotel) so we didn't have too long to wait. Loved the city and want to go back. Enjoy no matter what you decide to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osogrito Posted August 24, 2011 #8 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Although we did not use it,,,,others on our previous cruise went on the tourist bus that allows you to get on and off at all the major sections of town. Has a tour guide commentary between stops. Sounded like it was part of the regular city bus service. Buenos aires has a pretty good web site with self guided walking tours that you can download that have mp3 audio included. When we stopped there with another cruise line there was a major jewelry shop that has a free shuttle from port to downtown. We took it and looked briefly at their shop. Not too high pressure ,,just about two minutes and we begged off and were on our way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted August 24, 2011 #9 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Were you afraid that you might not have anything to do with a free day in Buenos Aires? I'm sure the previous posters have convinced you otherwise! We spent several days pre-cruise in BA some years ago and just loved it. My father was in Buenos Aires on a concert tour with Toscanini's NBC Symphony in 1938 and always said it was his favorite place ever. It is a beautiful, cosmopolitan, most European city. Mura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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