British Isle Cruise Question

[oufpat]

Apparently, Disney does not offer a free shuttle from the Port in Dublin to City Center. What is the easiest way to get to the city, are taxis's easily available?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Apparently, Disney does not offer a free shuttle from the Port in Dublin to City Center. What is the easiest way to get to the city, are taxis's easily available?

Hmmm..... they did when we stopped in Dublin.

 

[oufpat]

I called DCL today and was told they there are no Disney Shuttles with this cruise.

 

[Marc D]

Strange. We also had free shuttles. Maybe the CM looked up the excursion list and it didn’t show up since it is not a ‘Dublin on your own’ type of excursion but only a bus transfer.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I just checked our scrapbook, and Navigator/shopping info. There's no DCL shuttle listed. But, in researching further, the port often provides a shuttle from port (when big ships are in) to near Trinity college.

That may be what we took.

 

[KDG]

We were on the BI cruise last September and they offered a free shuttle into Dublin. We used it twice. It won’t be mentioned in the Navigator. We just returned from the Western Europe cruise and there was a free shuttle in every port. It was announced the night before by the cruise director at the show and was on the morning TV show as well.

The Dublin port is in a very industrial area and not in a normal taxi area. I’m fairly confident you can catch the free shuttle. DCL arranges those shuttles because walking in the industrial area would be too dangerous. There is also a set of railroad tracks running through the area (our shuttle had to wait for the train to pass) so foot traffic is not advised.

 

[MasonDuo]

There was a free shuttle last year - same question came up at that time too as someone had called and was told now. I wouldn’t stress - we are on this cruise again this year and are counting on the shuttle again this time. This is an industrial port - it is easier for them to shuttle the groups back and forth. There are inspections on the shuttle coming back into the port so again - shuttles are easier to manage for the port. Therefore they will provide access to the city via shuttle.

 

[hmsTigger]

Thank you for the info from those who have cruised and been in Dublin before. MasonDuo, They offer a return shuttle as well? How often do the shuttles run? Do you need to reserve a time for the morning depart into Dublin center?

 

[BadPinkTink]

waving hi from Dublin

Dublin Port is a commercial industrial port, however you can just walk off the ship if you want. I have met up with previous cruisers and met them at the ship. There is a sidewalk which leads out from the docking area and you can walk to the area known as Point Square which is an entertainment and restaurant area. The walk takes about 15 minutes. This area is also the end of the line stop of the Dublin City Centre Tram called The Luas. The Luas runs about every 10 minutes and will take you right into the city centre. Journey time approx 15 minutes.

As far as I can remember its a private bus company called Bartons which has the contract from Disney to run the free shuttles to and from the ship.

The bus drop off and pick up area is at the corner of Merrian Square and Claire Street, across from The James Joyce Statue. I walk this area regularly and it is about 10 minutes walk from Trinity College / The Book of Kells and Grafton Street shopping district.

I am working during the day when The Magic is in Dublin port but I plan to go into town and go over to the docks to see the ship after work, about 5pm.

It would be cool if anyone cruisers would like to meet up and I could show you around my home city

 

[oufpat]

To BadPinkTink, you've been very helpful in planning this cruise. Thank You

 

[BadPinkTink]

To BadPinkTink, you've been very helpful in planning this cruise. Thank You

aww thank you I hope there are some trip reports afterwards as I love seeing places I know through the eyes of others

 

[MasonDuo]

Yes there was a return shuttle - in the same place as the drop off. I'm not sure how often it runs - when we got to the spot they were filling the bus but if I recall correctly, another had also arrived. If I had to guess, I'll bet there was one every half hour but that is just my guess. It was very convenient. It does take some time (20-30 mins) to get back to the ship even though it doesn't seem like that far of a distance, the streets are very busy there.

 

[hmsTigger]

Thank you for the info. Could not find info on shuttles in Belfast. In trying to arrange tours it would be helpful to have this info in advance. I know in 2018 there was no Belfast port stop.
MasonDuo, Favorite part of your BI cruise?

 

[MasonDuo]

We went to Edinburgh on the Scotland stop - hands down loved it. We did Edinburgh Castle and walked down the Royal Mile on our own and that city is just gorgeous and so full of history. Another highlight was walking through Temple Bar in Dublin - very cool. Honestly each stop had its pluses - Liverpool is a great stop as there is stuff to do right at the port area so no need to go to far to find fun. You are going to love this! I’m getting so excited! Anything you choose to do will be loads of fun. I’m really looking forward to see Belfast this time around. Clearly I can’t stop rattling on due to the upcoming fun. Packing yet????

 

[hmsTigger]

Funny you mention packing...Just watched a Rick Steves packing tip video Amazing what this woman in the video can get into small spaces! Can't wait to try it out! Its on our minds every day. Have Belfast tours booked on our own and hope we can fit the second one in and get back to the ship in time! You'll enjoy Belfast Interesting town with great history and great historians.
Have been to Dublin before and this time going to Malahide Castle or Howth this time Easy to get to both.
Liverpool sounds like a fun stop. Did you do a Beatles tour?

 

[MasonDuo]

In Liverpool we did the Beatles Experience and Mattel Play (as we had a 2 year old in tow). I'd like to venture further out this time in Liverpool so maybe we'll get over to the Cavern Club after Mattel Play again....haha. He'll be 3 so still not quite that interested in the Beatles yet have to do a mix of his interests and ours. I'll have to check out the packing tips - I tend to do horrible at that. Need to continually remind myself that I don't need 6 pairs of shoes.

 

[hmsTigger]

Never too young to introduce the Beatles! The Cavern Club is a must see for us as well as the Fab 4 tour. We understand you have to hold the interest of your 3y/o. So Mattel Play sounds awesome! I bet the Disney characters are a big hit on the ship. Fun Fun Fun Did they do anything Beatles related on the ship that evening...songs, entertainment?

 

[MasonDuo]

That I do not recall - maybe in the Clubs. We went to Palo that night for dinner so we didn't hit any of the entertainment scene that evening. Lots of people walking around in their Beatles gear though

 

[KDG]

Never too young to introduce the Beatles! The Cavern Club is a must see for us as well as the Fab 4 tour. We understand you have to hold the interest of your 3y/o. So Mattel Play sounds awesome! I bet the Disney characters are a big hit on the ship. Fun Fun Fun Did they do anything Beatles related on the ship that evening...songs, entertainment?

We did the British Isles cruise in 2018. When we left Liverpool, there was a concert of Beatles tunes on the dock and then a fantastic fireworks show before we sailed away. There was a huge crowd along the shore who enjoyed the music and fireworks with us and they waved us goodbye.

Also, on board there were two great shows by two brothers who were Beatles impersonators. They played in Fathoms. The first show was music from the Beatles early years. Their late show was music from the later years. Both shows were funny and very enjoyable. We definitely felt the Beatles vibe!

Another great sail away was in Greenock, Scotland. A pipe band played us about a 30 minute concert on the port side dock.

 

[hmsTigger]

KDG Thank you for this info It all sounds so wonderful and we are looking forward to this cruise. The more we learn the happier and more excited we get. Love the Beatles! An evening of Beatles songs would be so awesome. Hope that DCL repeats the entertainment. What else did you see and do on ship in the evening?
Again thanks for the report!