Can anyone tell me how long it will take to get off the QM2 on my upcoming cruise when it stops at St Thomas where it apparently is tendering in. I've never cruised before and want to explore the island on my own. Thus I was wondering on average how long it would be until I'm tendered in. I have no idea how big tenders are or how fast they operate. I assume I would have to wait for shore excursion people to go ahead of me. Thanks.

A lot will depend on what they are using for tenders - their own lifeboats or some from shore. I would guess that the tender ride will probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 minutes, maybe less. (Lifeboat tenders remind me of bumblebees - big and round and slow.) You are probably right that shore excursion people will have first dibs, but feel free to ask about how and when to get tender tickets - the shore excursion desk usually handles that, but the purser's office may help out. On a recent cruise, I was able to get a ticket the day before the port call; they announced when they became available.

I envy you, starting out cruising on QM2! Though I'm afraid you will get terribly spoiled - nothing like starting at the top! Have a great time!