Transfers Port to Istanbul Airport

Jay23 what blasphemy - that bike used to have its own bedroom until I insisted it went in the conservatory :D its personalised transport container is on wheels so no more difficult to lug around than the suitcases, might even be able to store my shoes in there as long as they don't scratch the paintwork. ;)

Of course. My deep apologies for making such a suggestion.:D Well if the whole caboodle is on wheels, I think you can manage a taxi outside the port gates. Ours was a mini-van too. I have to admit we didn't actually book it ourselves, our companions (met on the Roll call) arranged it. But we had all the paperwork and they were pretty efficient. The only problem was that the driver couldn't come inside the port, and we didn't realise this till a bit later. He was outside the gate all the time but his name board wasn't as obvious as it might have been. It was not necessary to pay in Turkish lire.

I even think you can use the bus at Venice airport. The buses are just outside the airport arrivals, and does not require booking. Google will help you recognise the bus. We went on the service bus,a bit by accident really, it uses is a more roundabout route and takes a bit longer than the posher bus which we understand is more direct. Both cost €6. Check it out.

I am really not able to visualise taking the bike on a water taxi!!

Do they still use San Basilio in Venice??? Needs checking out. Judith

Yes, Jay23 we will definitely need to check that out. Last time we were there it was an Oceania cruise and they did an overnight in Venice which was great but I think that was the main port as there were quite a lot of big ships (near to where the people mover starts/finishes).

Hello - my husband and I disembarked a SeaDream cruise in Istanbul this past October. We booked a private transfer with Sea Song which was excellent. They are the ground handler for SD but I booked with them directly by email.

They were very prompt in their replies, very professional and right on time!

The cost was USD130 (prepaid by credit card) for a private transfer from the dock to IST Attaturk Airport.

Although it was only 2 of us, we travelled in an immaculate Mercedes minivan; the English speaking escort met us outside baggage claim with a name board and a very helpful driver who loaded our luggage.

Hope this helps.

Many thanks, Bronwyn I will look into Sea Song too

The website is City-airport-taxis.com

Many thanks Chairsin. Also, just spotted your recent post about dinner suits (tuxedos). My beloved only wore his once on our last cruise - that was 4 years ago this coming October and it was only 7 nights. Our upcoming cruise is 14 nights, however, although I do love him in evening wear (very James Bond) I am not sure whether to just pack a dark suit so he can use the jacket and trousers on separate occasions - or will lycra and muddy legs cut it on formal nights? :-)

Yes, we were in Venice with Regent a couple of years ago and "parked" in the main dock,and used the People Mover. We were expecting to be in San Basilio initially, so I do not know if that dock is being used for the smaller ships any more.

On another tack. I am sure Himself will be taking a couple of Jackets on Sojourn in September, but it seems that the Dinner suit is no longer de rigeur. Pity. I will be taking a couple of long dresses.... the sort that are called Maxi...... not really formal ones. Judith

PS You are going to tell us all about the "Travels with a Bicycle" aren't you????

PPS Muddy legs might be pushing it. :rolleyes:

'Cruising on-board a mountain bike' I think I am going to have to - might also make a good book! Everyone we know is teasing him and my sister is horrified but the thing is he gets 'cabin fever' after a week of enforced idleness so this was a good compromise.

Might have to go with a couple of suits then so he can mix and match jackets and trousers. I have a lovely long dress which is dressy but summery. Unfortunately I 'grew out of' for a while but it now fits perfectly again so that's definitely coming and the rest will be cocktail dresses and smart trousers and tops. Six months to go and I am sooo excited already :D

And speaking of Venice, last time in Venice it was in one of the small ships and we docked at the uncrowded San Basilio. If anyone was there last test on the big sisters can you tell me if they are still using San Basilio or are they used they big cruise ship terminal?

Like you, we went into San Basilio each time on the Sisters but on our one trip there on Quest it was the Stazione Marittima where we berthed. Enjoy.

Last time we sailed out of Venice, which was on Sojourn or Quest, can't just remember, it was from San Basilio, but previously we were at the large cruise dock, so it definitely could be either.

Thank you lincslady and stamfordian - I am sure they will let us all know where they are planning to 'park' in the fullness of time

Thank you Stamfordian and Lincslady. Guess I will have to wait and see. Fingers crossed it is San Basilio -- so nice and calm.

The bombing in Istanbul's old town are so sad and so shocking. RIP those innocent victims of this atrocity Judith

Thank you Stamfordian and Lincslady. Guess I will have to wait and see. Fingers crossed it is San Basilio -- so nice and calm.

We are sailing on the Odyssey in September, Venice to Athens, and our TA docs state Marittima. We also loved San Basilio when we sailed on the triplets. No more, unfortunately!