Abu Dhabi

[Stdavids]

We're due to go on the Fantasia in March boarding at Abu Dhabi. Does anyone know if we can go sightseeing straight from the airport??

i.e. Can we collect our luggage at the airport baggage carousel, put it on the MSC coach then go sightseeing? Will our luggage be automatically put on the cruise ship ready for when we board?

We would like to get to see the sights as soon as possible!

[Capricruiser]

I would suspect you'd have to check your baggage directly at the ship. Then it would be to your advantage to complete your check-in and pick up your cruise cards. At that point you're free to go ashore until 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart. The port call at Abu Dhabi is from early morning until 23.00 in the evening which would allow all afternoon to tour the city.

[1fifthavenue]

I'd echo Capricruiser's comments and take the baggage to the ship first, get check in sorted. There will most likely be a place to leave cabin baggage too... The city centre is apparently just three miles from the port, with taxi's and the sightseeing bus being available outside the port gates. Other advantage would be getting your cruise card and check in sorted earlier

[Stdavids]

Thanks for your comments Capricruiser and 1fifthavenue! I think we will do that, it'll probably be less stressful in the end!

[1fifthavenue]

No problem, just checked and the cost of a taxi from the airport to the city is about £17 (75-80 Derham)

 

The Big Bus is looking quite expensive, will try and find out for sure how much it is

[1fifthavenue]

According to Trip Advisor, cost of taxi from port to city would be about 25AED, which is about £6. Apparently drivers try to charge a fixed price but this is illegal and should use the meter

[Capricruiser]

The taxi rate FROM either the airport or the cruise port have a surcharge of 25 AED tacked on. Returning to either destination won't have the surcharge and of course will be cheaper. In any case you have to insist that the meter gets turned on!