Herman Smith Posted September 9, 2015 #1 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Hi everyone, we are due to take a RC cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean in October. The cruise was booked via the Royal Caribbean website and includes flights to and from Rome. When one books online, the option to purchase transfers is available. Last year when I booked online for a similar RC cruise I opted to buy transfers and was surprised when we arrived at Venice, Italy airport to find that the lady with the RC clipboard waiting for customers told us that we weren't travelling on her large coach to the port but that we had booked a personal car to take us to the ship. I was then left thinking that I might have unintentionally paid for a higher level of service than we actually needed. This time I have decided to ignore the transfer purchase option while I investigate whether a coach is provided as a standard service anyway. The Royal Caribbean website says that transfers are provided if both air and sea passages are booked together but getting a definitive answer by phone or email is very difficult, so far. Any advice please? (http://bookings.royalcaribbean.co.uk/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Ports+of+Departure&faqId=2667&faqSubjectId=318&faqType=faq&wuc=GBR) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobal Posted September 9, 2015 #2 Share Posted September 9, 2015 If you have purchased a package from Royal Caribbean with flights included, transfers to the port will also be included and someone will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport to direct you to your bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman Smith Posted September 9, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Thanks Bobal, that's what I thought but it would be nice if RC could reply to my email to confirm this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swoopy2110 Posted September 9, 2015 #4 Share Posted September 9, 2015 The RCI website for the UK has been changed and books the flights / transfers separately now. If you log into the C&A section of the website it will allow you to see the packaged price, without paying for a separate car. Alternatively, if you call them over the phone, they will always give you the package price including the coach transfer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockyhavoc Posted September 9, 2015 #5 Share Posted September 9, 2015 we were going to book cruise and flights from Rome this october but was told from RCI that they didnt do transfers from Rome airport. Hope this has changed for you next year. Maria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman Smith Posted September 10, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted September 10, 2015 (edited) Thanks everyone, it certainly seems confusing, there is a current RCI web page (mentioned in my original post) that states that someone will meet customers who buy an air-sea package from them, is that out of date and to be ignored? Emailing RCI seems to be a fruitless activity, no response so far. Is there anyone who has cruised recently, bought the whole package from RCI, flown from the UK to Rome, who can shed light on what their actual policy is? :confused: This current webpage in their FAQ section also seems to confirm that air-sea packages include transfers: http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/choosing-your-next-cruise/whats-included/ Edited September 10, 2015 by Herman Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman Smith Posted September 10, 2015 Author #7 Share Posted September 10, 2015 What's Included What is included in my cruise package? Your cruise holiday includes everything you'd need to enjoy a carefree holiday, there are extras you can purchase while onboard if you wish. What is included: Ship accommodation Ocean transportation Most meals onboard Some beverages onboard Most entertainment and activities onboard The following services are not included in the basic cruise price: Organised Shore Excursions Dining in Speciality Restaurants such as Portofino and Chops Grille Dining in Johnny Rockets (where applicable) Alcoholic Beverages Non-Alcoholic Beverages (excluding water, soft lemonade and iced tea) Any purchases made in the gift shops on board Spa and Salon services Gambling (including Bingo) Photographs Art Auctions Video Arcade Golf Simulator Medical Services Internet Access Transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days (unless a guest has purchased our air/sea package) Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services Ship to Shore Telephone calls Tips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swoopy2110 Posted September 10, 2015 #8 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Thats if you're booking it as a package price.. If you're selecting your own flights and transfers, thats not a package, it's bascially an ad-hoc created holiday. The package is where RCI select the flights for you. To get the package price on the internet, you need to login via: https://secure.royalcaribbean.co.uk/cas/login.do Go to "Cruise Deals" > Select "Contests and Promotions" Then you have a booking search tool on the right hand side. If you find the cruise from that page, it will allow you to select the airport gateway, and RCI will book the flights / transfers for you. Either that, or just do it over the phone. I don't know why they've hidden that ability away so much online now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman Smith Posted September 10, 2015 Author #9 Share Posted September 10, 2015 Thanks very much for explaining that, I had assumed that if I selected from flights suggested by RCI, that would count as a package. As you say, they could do with making their website a little more user friendly. I shall go ahead and book a transfer independently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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