Transfers from Airport to Cruise Ship/Port...

[NavyCruiser]

Asking for your assistance & suggestions, since in over 30+ cruises,  this will be our very first time ever using cruise lines' /HAL's bus transfer service from Airport to Cruise Ship/Port.

With all the recent problems with airports & luggage issues, we've changed our flight from London to Amsterdam Schiphol airport from early Sunday (embarkation day) morning to day before/Sat night, staying overnight at airport hotel that has free shuttle to/from airport to hotel.  

Since our embark & debark port has changed from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, we've decided to cancel Uber/Taxi/Train plans & for just $39 pp, we've booked HAL's transfer service from AMS airport to cruise port/ship in Rotterdam.

Our assigned boarding time is Group A, 11 am.

So question is: 

- What's recommended time to take hotel shuttle back to AMS airport?

- Where do we meet HAL transfers staff?  Terminal?  Location?

- Is a schedule that the buses run?  Every hour?  half hour?  Or do they wait until the bus is fill before leaving?

- If we also purchase transfers for debark day, will HAL return us from Rotterdam to AMS airport, or to Amsterdam Central train station also?    (We're staying in Amsterdam a few extra days afterwards)

Thanks,

[Anubi]

Thanks for posting this, I have all those same questions.  🙂 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

I think the first bus out would be the best. 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

8 hours ago, NavyCruiser said:

Asking for your assistance & suggestions, since in over 30+ cruises,  this will be our very first time ever using cruise lines' /HAL's bus transfer service from Airport to Cruise Ship/Port.

With all the recent problems with airports & luggage issues, we've changed our flight from London to Amsterdam Schiphol airport from early Sunday (embarkation day) morning to day before/Sat night, staying overnight at airport hotel that has free shuttle to/from airport to hotel.  

Since our embark & debark port has changed from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, we've decided to cancel Uber/Taxi/Train plans & for just $39 pp, we've booked HAL's transfer service from AMS airport to cruise port/ship in Rotterdam.

Our assigned boarding time is Group A, 11 am.

So question is: 

- What's recommended time to take hotel shuttle back to AMS airport?

- Where do we meet HAL transfers staff?  Terminal?  Location?

- Is a schedule that the buses run?  Every hour?  half hour?  Or do they wait until the bus is fill before leaving?

- If we also purchase transfers for debark day, will HAL return us from Rotterdam to AMS airport, or to Amsterdam Central train station also?    (We're staying in Amsterdam a few extra days afterwards)

Thanks,

The shuttles usually depart when full and are often timed with the arrivals of flights.   HAL knows when people are supposed to arrive.  
 

You should see a HAL agent  right outside baggage claim  when you arrive the day before.    Not sure if your flight from London will be in the international or domestic arrival area.    Not sure if the AMS layout will matter - I haven't been there in a while. 
 

You can clarify the process then for the next day.  

 

Some people will be using the HAL hotel in Rotterdam.    That's an option to consider if you want maximum simplicity.

 
The return will take you to the airport.  They will not stop at the train station. 

Edited September 4, 2022 by The-Inside-Cabin

[StevieElle]

We embark in Group A at 11:00 as well. We also paid for HAL bus from Schiphol to port ( & return trip on the 18th). HAL reservations agent booked us for the 10:00 bus. We are to meet in lower level inside airport between Terminal 1 & 2 at meeting point sign across from Burger King. See you soon!

[StevieElle]

If you take HAL bus back to Schiphol after cruise, take Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 from Platform B17. Bus leaves every 8 min & stops at Amsterdam major points. Very reasonably priced so I suggest you purchase a return fare to get back to airport when returning home.

[VMax1700]

16 hours ago, NavyCruiser said:

What's recommended time to take hotel shuttle back to AMS airport?

That would depend greatly on the location of the hotel.  'Airport' hotels can still be a great distance from the airport.  The shuttles will probably start from about 5am and will be every 20 minutes during peak hours.  You could email your hotel and ask.  You will probably need to book the transfer in advance (ie the night before, at reception).

 

[expattraveler]

3 hours ago, StevieElle said:

If you take HAL bus back to Schiphol after cruise, take Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397 from Platform B17. Bus leaves every 8 min & stops at Amsterdam major points. Very reasonably priced so I suggest you purchase a return fare to get back to airport when returning home.

Great advice form StevieElle regarding the bus. We lived in Amsterdam 2014 thru 2016 and used the bus routinely from Schipol to the city. Very efficient, good luggage storage, and as stated, reasonably priced.

[NavyCruiser]

On 9/4/2022 at 1:08 PM, StevieElle said:

We embark in Group A at 11:00 as well. We also paid for HAL bus from Schiphol to port ( & return trip on the 18th). HAL reservations agent booked us for the 10:00 bus. We are to meet in lower level inside airport between Terminal 1 & 2 at meeting point sign across from Burger King. See you soon!

Great.

Thanks for the specific info.

See u there at 10...

[Hlitner]

Just a thought that, in this situation we might inquire whether it is possible to change the London - Amsterdam flight to London - Rotterdam.

 

Hank