Key Aspects:
- Shore tours to the Mystical Wells of Sintra, Portugal will now need to use public transportation for part of the excursion.
- The change is due to local regulations that no longer permit commercial buses or ride-hailing services in the center of Sintra.
- Royal Caribbean tours will utilize public buses with the help of the tour guides to aid guests in navigating the change.
Guests who have booked the popular “Mystical Wells” tour to explore the famed landmarks in Sintra, Portugal will now need to rely on public transportation rather than a private tour bus to enjoy their excursion from Lisbon, even though they’ve booked the tour through Royal Caribbean.
The cruise line has reached out to guests who have booked the tour to inform them of the change and how it will be managed.
“Due to new regulations not allowing commercial buses into the center of Sintra, guests will now need to take a public bus between the parking lot and the city center,” the notification explained. “A guide will pay for the bus directly and this extra fee is included in the rate of the tour.”
Because of the transportation shuffle, the tour’s length is now expected to be five hours rather than the previously published four hours.
This could have an impact on guests who may have planned multiple tours during their visit to Lisbon. Similarly, guests who may have additional plans on the same day, such as specialty dining reservations or spa treatments, will want to be aware of the change if they need to make adjustments to their schedule.
Royal Caribbean does note that “all other tour content will remain the same.” This means no elements of the popular tour are changed to accommodate the longer time and guests will still receive the full tour experience.
The notification was sent to guests booked on Liberty of the Seas and likely applies to all of the ship’s forthcoming visits. Liberty of the Seas is currently homeported from Southampton and is offering both Western Europe and Norwegian fjord sailings through mid-October.
Because this change is due to regulations in Sintra that went into effect on July 8, 2027, all tours visiting the area are likely impacted regardless of specific ship or exact cruise line. This is also likely impacting private tours from land-based companies, not just cruise guests.
Designated areas have also been added for ride-hailing services such as ride shares and taxis, which will impact any cruise guests who may be planning to explore the area independently.
Ultimately, the purpose of the change is to “improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and provide a more comfortable visiting experience for residents, workers and visitors,” including cruise guests.
Cruise lines visiting Lisbon in the coming weeks include Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.
How Will Guests Use Public Transportation for a Group Tour?
No details are yet offered on how the logistics of using public transportation for the tour may work. For example, if a Royal Caribbean ship tour group has 25 guests, what will happen if a public bus only has seats available for 15 at the time of the tour?
It does appear that a guide will accompany the group on the public bus because “a guide will pay for the bus directly” but delays or other difficulties may be possible as the shift is implemented.
Other potential impacts to the ship-booked tours could be changes in price related to the public bus fares or other transportation logistics, as well as possible changes in group size or tour availability.
If booked guests prefer not to take the excursion due to this change, they can contact the shore tour desk for alternatives.
The “Mystical Wells” tour is a chance to explore what Royal Caribbean describes as “two of Portugal’s most enigmatic landmarks” at the Quinta da Regaleira estate.
A scenic drive starts the tour, and while at the estate, a knowledgeable guide leads guests through the remarkable landscape, including descending the spiral wells and their winding stone staircases.
“Hidden grottoes, labyrinthine passageways, and lush gardens that whisper secrets of alchemy and ancient rites” are described as part of the intriguing tour.
The tour is described as a strenuous excursion and is not recommended for guests with mobility limitations or cardiac, respiratory, or orthopedic issues. Guests must be at least three years old to participate.
