Tender to Newport Rhode island

[eric4395]

Hi everyone, has anyone any experience of the tender operation over to Newport. On the Summit in June on the independence cruise and was thinking of pre booking a tour with viator that lasts 3 hrs taking in Breakers, however not sure  if I am certain to get there in time for the start off tour at 11:30am Do Celebrity allow all there own excursion passengers off before independant cruisers, as the  arrival time is 8am  and departure is 4pm, there doesn't seem a lot of time to do your own thing here especially if they won't let you off early. 

[cruisestitch]

 They do give priority to their own tours over those booked on independent tours.

[sailco]

Newport is easily explored on foot. There's plenty of time to do the coastal walk and loop back to town. You pass many of the old mansions including the Breakers. Back in town, don't forget to call in to the historic Tennis Club/International Tennis Hall of Fame and leave time for a drink at one of the marina bars before lining up for the tender.  There's also a trolley but the ship usually books it out.

Edited February 12, 2019 by sailco

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

If you don't have priority tender privileges, you need to hustle to the theater (or wherever they are distributing the tender tickets) and be one of the first there.  Then you'll be fine.

[Northern Aurora]

We tendered off of the Summit at Newport twice last summer.  The distance from the ship wasn't the longest we have ever done, but due to marine traffic and wake restrictions it was a somewhat slow ride in.

 

But I wanted to comment that we purchased our own tickets to Breakers from the Preservation Society of Newport County.  We simply walked over to the bus terminal and purchased a bus ticket for the day.  One of their routes is specifically designed for tourists to easily visit the collection of mansions.

[hcat]

Easier to book the ship's excursions..easy off and ship waits if you are late!

Walking around town is fine but the mansions are a ride away

[keesar]

Celebrity does give priority based on status and own tours.  The tenders are not  nearly as big as those in Grand Cayman.  I don't think you will have problems with your times.  Newport is a great place to visit and there is so much to see.  There is public transportation, Uber, trolleys, etc.  The walk to the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a nice, scenic walk but it is uphill getting there.  

 

Have a great cruise!