Yes there is a parking lot full of Taxi's at Sunset Bar & Grill that will gladly take you either back to the taxi stand or drop you off in town which is what we do and then water taxi back to the port.
All the taxi's are shuttle bus type that easily have fit our group of 6-8.
Not free...I believe it went from $2.00 per room reservation to now $5.00 per room reservation.
They offer a hotel to PE shuttle for around $10.00+ pp...check directly with the hotel for current rate.
I don't believe it's ever been free. Has been $2.00 per room reservation (for many years) and I'm pretty sure it's $5.00 per room reservation recently.
But do check directly with the hotel if it's even being offered now at all.
Agree that you got a great rate. For us the stay at Banks is just part of our cruise vacation and so willing to pay a bit more.
Best of luck with whatever works best for you.
We love Portland, ME and looking forward to our port stop again this October.
It's an easy DIY docking right next to the city center easily walkable. Becky's Diner is popular for a lobster roll but also check out Holy Donuts...they'll be a line.
We booked the Banks Mansion for July 2024 (cancelable of course) when their schedule came out. We've stayed there before and loved the all inclusive and the location.
Sounds like you have a great rate...enjoy.
We did the last RCI cruise of the season this past September roundtrip Vancouver. We had one day of mild rain day in Ketchikan otherwise it was fine. Of course mid to late May (north bound) is our favorite month/time but when taking the whole extended family September just worked for us.
No we did not cause of having two large bags etc. We took a taxi and sorry I can't recall the price....but it was not a big deal. These hotels are in the upper area and it would have required to take the funicular so not worth it to us.
Price was less at the Blue Lagoon, they have a shuttle from MIA and the Publix area across the street works for us on this trip.
I don't need to see the ships morning of cruise...I'm busy having breakfast and getting ready to checkout and be on my way.
Try booking Hyatt Place with ValueTrips when the schedule opens end of October for 2024.
It sits just behind the ES and has better reviews (ES is old/tired).
It's next door to the Harbor shopping area that has stores, restaurants and a Publix market.
I opted for the Hampton Blue Lagoon for our one night pre cruise in Feb 2024 instead of the Hampton Brickell.
I also booked it for our extended family for May 2024 another one nighter.