Atlantis Trip Through Royal Caribbean vs. Resort for a Day

[Rockledge]

Hi,

My family is sailing with Adventure of the Seas docked from 12 pm to 12 am in August and we definitely want to go to Atlantis.  There are four other ships in port that day, but they are in from 9 to 5 pm.  So I'm hoping that we get the best few hours in the later afternoon when it is less crowded. I was researching the options and thought I would just buy the tickets through Resort For a Day and take taxis back and forth.  However, it seems like the ship's excursion is basically the same price and includes transportation ($160).  I can also cancel it 48 hours prior if anything changes or weather looks bad.  The Comfort Suites option probably wouldn't work for us because we are 5, and would need two rooms.  So now we are getting multiple rooms. Anyway, I have a few questions.

 

(1) Is the ship's herding of passengers, loading the bus, and process of ticket distribution waste a ton of time?   I think I read somewhere that you have to sit through a presentation before you get your tickets?  Although when we get there it could be VERY crowded, so we may not be in a huge rush.  I think our best time will be later on when those 4 ships are heading out.  

(2) Do I have to take the ship's transportation back to the ship?  Not sure when the last bus leaves.  But if we stay longer, can we just do a taxi back to the ship to get more time?  Especially since the ship doesn't leave until midnight.  

 

I know there are tons of people that can help me figure this one out!  Thanks so much!!!!