Help & advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking and travelling on a Ports Direct cruise transfer. Can’t find the answer? Ask us a question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ports Direct Shared Service?
Ports Direct Shared Door-To-Door Service is our most popular service. You will be picked-up from home and driven to the ship, collecting additional passengers en-route where required. There will be a maximum 3 additional pick-ups.
Where is Ports Direct Shared Service available?
Ports Direct shared services are currently available for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Fred Olsen cruises that depart from a UK port. Private transfers are available for all other cruise lines and UK cruise ports & airports.
When will I get to the port?
Vehicles are scheduled to arrive at the cruise ship 3-4 hours prior to sailing time and routes are planned to be as direct as possible to/from port with courtesy rest breaks planned at regular intervals.
How do I get a quote for a cruise port transfer prior to booking with Ports Direct?
The Ports Direct website provides the price you will pay for your transfer. Please Note that Shared Service prices are only available for selected Cruise Lines and not all departures.
Are your services guaranteed or could they be cancelled at short notice?
If passenger numbers are low on our Shared Services we reserve the right to cancel any bookings made on that service even when the service has been planned and Travel Documents issued. Under those circumstances you can then request an upgrade to a Private Service.
What type of vehicle will be provided?
The vehicle size provided by Ports Direct is dependent upon the number of passengers to be transported to/from the cruise ship. See vehicle types
for the full range.
What happens if there is vehicle breakdown?
All our Ports Direct vehicles are well maintained and serviced before every trip; still in case of any breakdown our 24/7 emergency number along with our strong local network provides a replacement vehicle within minutes.
How much luggage can I take?
Passengers using the Ports Direct service are requested to carry a sensible amount of cruise luggage. This should comprise of maximum one large case, of reasonable size and weight, and one piece of hand luggage (per person). Additional baggage can be pre-booked on shared service but will be charged. If you book a private service then ensure you only carry the amount of luggage suitable for that vehicle.
How much do you charge for additional baggage?
Additional luggage is charged at £10 + VAT and £35 + VAT (each way) for hand baggage and suitcases respectively.
Can I take a wheelchair, scooter or walking frame?
Lightweight and foldable wheelchairs can be carried at £50 + VAT (each way), Folding Walking Frames/Aids at £20 + VAT (each way) and Lightweight Scooters (*) at £70 + VAT (each way). Please contact us on 0843 0843 003 to add items to your booking with Ports Direct.
* Transportable electric mobility scooters weighing no more than 40kg, a maximum of 110cm in length and 50cm wide by 30cm in height (when collapsed) are allowed to be transported within Ports Direct vehicles.
Can you transport passengers in a wheelchair?
Ports Direct can carry passengers that are completely wheelchair bound through the private service only. Simply choose mobility vehicle as the vehicle option during the booking process. We do not offer the mobility service when you book a shared service.
How do you regulate your vehicles and drivers?
All our approved carriers are regularly assessed to ensure they are compliant with and approved by the UK transportation industry, and fully compliant with safety and legal driver hour regulations. Operator driving licenses are checked and the necessary insurances are logged and held on file. Vehicles are checked to ensure they are to the required age and specification to carry our passengers, and drivers are pre-screened and trained to deliver a first class service.
When do I need to book by?
Bookings must be made at least 30 days before your cruise sailing date when booking a shared service, and 14 days before the cruise sailing date when booking a private service. If you are within the time allowance please call us on 0843 0843 003.
What booking tickets and confirmation should I expect to receive?
You will receive email confirmation when your booking is made and a further email around 21 days before your departure specifying details of your transfer and contact numbers.
Can Ports Direct cater for larger groups?
Yes. Ports Direct or our sister company Coach Direct can cater for groups of all sizes. Please call Ports Direct in these instances for a quotation.
What are the Ports Direct booking cancellation terms and conditions?
If you cancel 30 days or more before your cruise transfer you will be charged 25% of your invoice. Cancellations made after this will be charged at 100% of full invoice figure due.
If my cruise details change, whom should I inform at Ports Direct?
Please call Ports Direct on the main number at 0843 0843 003 as soon as any changes are known. You should whenever possible quote the original Ports Direct booking ID number during this call.
Testimonials
We care what our customers think…
As a travel agent I have provided my clients with transport to and from their cruise with Ports Direct since they began. The service has been reliable without exception and I am happy to recommend them
SallySusan Hampshire Travel Ports Direct offer a professional service to our clients, the transport is first class, punctual & comfortable for our clients journey no matter what the distance may be. They cater for the passengers needs in the best way possible. We would…
Laura GrimmettCruise.co.uk Thank you for the excellent service you provided from the Wirral to Dover on 19/10/13 and return on 16/11/13. The driver was a lovely man to spend 6 hours travel with. He and his vehicle were immaculate and nothing was too much trouble for him to…
Charles NunnWirral
Cant find the answer?
Ask us a question — our advisors are on 0843 0843 003, or send us a message and we will come back to you.