RCI B2B different ships - transfer

[Aaron3]

Hi

 

We're booked onto Explorer from Miami next year, and were looking into adding on a 3 or 4 nighter on Freedom either at the start or the end. The arrival and departures are the same day - do they offer some type of shuttle or luggage transfer between ships?

[cruisegus]

You take you luggage with you, but they will let you on one of the busses to the airport which will stop at the other terminal on the way out or on the way back from the airport.  Check with the LA when you board the first cruise they will be able to help you with the logistics

[Another_Critic]

FYI - Cruise Critic refers to your scenario as a S2S (Side to Side).

[Aaron3]

2 minutes ago, cruisegus said:

You take you luggage with you, but they will let you on one of the busses to the airport which will stop at the other terminal on the way out or on the way back from the airport.  Check with the LA when you board the first cruise they will be able to help you with the logistics

 Perfect,  thank you

[cruiselvr04]

Yep side to sides are great.
 

 In Miami we had to pay for transportation to a different pier.  It was not walkable.  Royal did not arrange for transport although we asked.  They will though if you’re going from Miami To FLL or FLL to Miami for free. 

[bonsai3s]

...or take the free trolley that goes around the cruise terminal (with stops near each terminal, A-G)...then it crosses the bridge, to downtown Miami, then loops back to the cruise terminal.

 

* You have to be able to lift your luggage up onto the trolley.

[lovelife]

4 hours ago, cruiselvr04 said:

Yep side to sides are great.
 

 In Miami we had to pay for transportation to a different pier.  It was not walkable.  Royal did not arrange for transport although we asked.  They will though if you’re going from Miami To FLL or FLL to Miami for free. 

In Miami in March we went from Oasis to Grandeur at a different Miami terminal on a same day S2S on a bus compliments of Royal Caribbean. We also get complimentary transportation between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We always have a devil of a time finding someone to direct us to the provided shuttle even though Guest Services and the concierge assure us it will be a smooth transition.

[pcur]

Actually, it's the Travel Coordinator that schedules you, and put your request in with the Customer Service desk.  Be sure to have your next cruise reservation number with you.

 

When you and your luggage get out to the loading area, look for one of the blue shirts (or recognizable ground port staff).  You can also ask a porter who to talk to.

 

 

The "shirts" as I call them, know what bus is what, so ask where you should stand and wait for the appropriate bus.  Sometimes you will have to make a trip to the airport if it's along the way, but we're talking short distances here. 

 

And, yes, they will take you between Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale and the Port of Miami.  And, vicep-versa. No charge.

 

Edited June 12, 2023 by pcur

[lovelife]

Thanks. Have not heard of a travel coordinator - we just talk to Guest Services and our concierge.  Unfortunately, none of the shirts knew anything in Miami and a group of us searched and asked around for a long time until we came upon a helpful person out in a parking lot. Shouldn't be so difficult.

[cruiselvr04]

Obviously people’s experience in Miami differs. We were told by GS in December to look for the blue shirts too.  And the blue shirts told us they weren’t offering the service and to find a cab. So it depends on who you speak with.  
 

I’d talk to GS, look for for the blue shirts as you come out of the terminal and hope for the best.  If nothing else works be prepared with a $20 to get from one end to the other in a cab.  It wasn’t a huge deal but annoying that we weren’t assisted.   We left one ship at last call and by the time we got to the next ship it was time for early check in.  Good luck!  Despite the hassle it was fun to switch ships for a completely different experience and itinerary.

[Tlbecker1]

12 hours ago, lovelife said:

Thanks. Have not heard of a travel coordinator - we just talk to Guest Services and our concierge.  Unfortunately, none of the shirts knew anything in Miami and a group of us searched and asked around for a long time until we came upon a helpful person out in a parking lot. Shouldn't be so difficult.

We had the same experience and eventually just ordered an Uber.  They make it sound so simple, but it isn’t.

[SummerBeee]

Grandeur to Oasis in February, there were probably 8-10 of us doing the ship switch. They put us on the second airport transfer bus and took us from Terminal G to A

[Big_G]

Had a S2S booked in Port Everglades. Problem? They moved the 2nd ship to Miami scheduled to begin on our cruise. D Concierge signed us up for an excursion that she said would drop us at Port of Miami. Asked the driver while pulling into Miami airport if he was going to POM next...Nope. Exited the bus and took a cab the rest of the way. The worst part was the 2nd ship had to drop off in PE before moving to POM but they still couldn't allow us to board there.