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Just the Basics

Flights must come into Venice, Italy (airport code: VCE) or Bologna, Italy (airport code: BLQ)
Transfers rates $45 each way VCE. See other options below.
Book Royal Caribbean’s Airfare

Air2Sea:
If you'd like to choose your routing schedule, you can choose to book "Air2Sea". These rates are subject to change until locked in. Transfers are not included in the price but can be added. Royal Caribbean offers both refundable and non-refundable fares. If you select a refundable fare, payment can be made later, with your final payment. Non-refundable fares must be paid in full at the time of booking. Flights are customizable and you can choose to book Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class or First Class.

To book your own Air2Sea reservation, go to https://www.royalcaribbean.com/flights/bookFlights Check rates as often as you'd like and then when you are ready...go ahead and book. You will need your reservation number, Ship name (Explorer of the Seas) and sailing date (22Jun2024) in order to book. Once booked, Cruise & Crop will receive notification and we'll send you an updated confirmation.

Air2Sea is the only air booking site that Cruise & Crop recommends. For FAQs on Choice Air and their flight assurance policies, click here.

Book Cruise & Crop's Pre-Cruise Package in Venice
Call for a custom Venice extension, including transfers. Post-cruise packages are also available.
Book your own air
Book the pre-cruise and/or post-cruise hotel through Cruise & Crop / Dream Vacations.

Royal Caribbean no longer offers hotel + transfer packages. Cruise & Crop is happy to help you find area hotels for your pre & post cruise stays. Transfers to/from the ship will not be included. You will need to use taxi/Uber/public transportation services to travel between the airport, hotel and ship.

To request a hotel quote - please complete this form and we'll get back with you shortly: Hotel Request Form

Hotel rates may be non-refundable and payment is usually due at the time of booking.
Book your own air and arrive on 6/22/24.
Book Royal Caribbean Transfers

Transfers from Venice Airport VCE: $45 pp each way

  • If you book your own flights, flights must arrive at the VCE airport no later than 12:30 p.m. on 6/22/24 and leave no earlier than 12:15 p.m. on 6/29/24.  Round-trip transfers can be purchased for $90 pp.

Transfers from Venice City Center: $58 pp each way

  • Meet at Tronchetto / by the People Mover / Ride the People Mover to the last stop and look for the motorcoach parking lot
  • 9a and 11a departure options (arrive 30 minutes early)
  • Post-Cruise drop off available as well

    **Download and print our map of Venice to help with finding the transfer locations**

Transfers from Ravenna Rail Station: $12.50 pp each way

  • Buses depart every 20 minutes between 7:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Transfers from Bologna Airport & Rail Station - call for details before booking

NOTE:  If you book your own air & hotel (to arrive on 6/21/24 or sooner) you can go back to the airport on 6/22/24 and take Royal Caribbean's transfers to the pier. Call Cruise & Crop for details and to pre-book this transfer. Or you are welcome to book your own private transfer to Ravenna Port but this is very costly. Cruise & Crop does not operate or control in any respect the services provided by these companies, nor does it guarantee their performance.

SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions are available to be booked. You can go to Royal Caribbean's Website and click "Before you Board". Excursions can be reserved online up to 4 days before your sail date. Crafting activities will not interfere with your days in port - so feel free to go and explore at each stop.

Save on Excursions
Book shore excursions for less on Dream Vacations' website! Go to http://www.DreamVacations.com/cthomas Click "Tours/Excursions" at the very top of the page. Be sure to book them at least 15 days prior to sailing to avoid an expedite fee! For a direct link, Click Here.

Book a tour with Viator.com. They have a massive list of excursions. It will be your responsibility to check the departure and arrival times and make sure they fit within the time your ship is in port. We recommend a tour start time of at least 1 hour AFTER arrival. Tours should return to the ship at least 1 hour before your ship is schedule to leave. For a direct link, Click Here.

Coming into town early or staying a few extra days? Click Here for some tour options.

class schedule
The schedule is subject to change. All classes/crops will take place on deck 2, forward. Be sure to use the forward stairs/elevator to access the Conference Center.

Crop room will be open 8:00 a.m. - midnight

Tentative Schedule-
Prep Class- Date and time to be announced. This will be Prior to the Cruise held LIVE on YouTube once the kits have shipped. Basic Paper Cutting/Prep
Meet and Greet: Saturday, June 22nd- 3pm on board- great time to choose your spot and meet the group!
Class one- Sunday June 23th- Mixed Media Day- 9:30 am – 4 pm (one hour lunch break)
Class Two- Wednesday June 26st- Layout Class- 9:30am to 1:30pm
Group Photo: Wednesday June 26st- after lunch
Note- when the crop room is open, our group casually works on the projects and loves to meet outside of classes too. If you see Vicki around the ship - don't be afraid to hang out with her!

Connect with us on Facebook.....via the Private Facebook Group.
Chat with your fellow cruisers about your upcoming trip. Go Here.

travel insurance
If you have not already purchased travel insurance, we recommend that you do. Insurance covers you in case you had to cancel due to a medical reason or death in the family. It also covers your baggage, emergency evacuation and more.

You can find a document of coverage by clicking here.

What you'll need...

...Personal Packing List

  • Proof of Citizenship
    • Passport (valid at least 6 months after you return) & a drivers license
  • e-Docs & Set Sail Pass, luggage tags, Transfer/Hotel Vouchers
  • Shore Excursion Tickets (if you booked your excursions through Dream Vacations/Shore Excursions Group)
  • Casual clothes for during the day - dress comfortable for warm weather
  • 2 Dress Your Best outfits, 2 Smart Casual & 3 Casual outfits for dinner
  • A light jacket in case the crop room is chilly
  • Work-out clothes
  • Bathing suit, cover up & sunscreen
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Pajamas
  • Toiletries (hair-dryer, soap and shampoo are provided)
  • Tennis shoes/comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops
  • Lighted alarm clock (or you can use the Wake-up call system)
  • Royal Caribbean allows you to bring 2 bottles of wine (750 mL) per stateroom onboard on embarkation day; subject to corkage fees. Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.  These must be CARRIED on! If you put them in your checked luggage, your suitcases will be held in security.

...Crafters Packing List

For the Open Cropping times, please bring your own paper/photos/accessories/tools that you'll need to complete your own cards/pages.  Please also bring your own supply of wet-wipes to clean your hands and your workspace. 

**Be sure to pack all sharp objects in your CHECKED Luggage, all together in a plastic bag**

Kit will include: Simple Stories Vintage Essentials Color Palette with a mix of Vicki Boutin, Ranger Inks products and more! Vicki will share a plethora of mixed media techniques and then we will create projects from our art!

The following supplies are suggested for your classes. Subject to change.

  • Tons of your favorite adhesives
    • Wet Glue
    • Double sided tape
    • 3D Foam adhesive
    • Tape Runner
  • Scissors (blades must be less than 4 inches long)
  • 12" Personal Trimmer
  • Ruler
  • Score tool
  • Bone folder
  • Hold Punch
  • Pen / Pencil
  • Wet-wipes to clean your hands and table
  • Optional: Battery powered crafting light

There will not be a store on-board so be sure to bring enough cardstock, adhesives and embellishments.

don't forget to download and create your cruise & Crop passport before you go. Go here for more information.