Hello. We are planning our first cruise. Could someone tell us how long we can expect to wait when we arrive at each port to leave the ship? If we are arriving at a port at 10 am and leaving at 6 pm, how much time will we actually have at that port? Will it take an hour to get off/on the ship? Do they have a particular way for passengers to leave at each port? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
How long it takes to leave the ship will depend on if you are docked or at anchor. Docking is best since as soon as the ship is cleared by the local authorities, you can leave. This usually doesn't take long and people leave as quickly as security can process you (most cruise lines require each passenger to key card out when leaving, and you card back in on your return). Anchoring means you have to take tenders (small boats or ferries) to get ashore and this cuts into your time. Usually, guests can leave the ship within a half-hour of arrival. Guests are usually required to be back aboard 30 minutes or so before the ship sails. In other words, if a port visit is 8 hours you should figure on losing an hour of it.
Another thing to note - tendering can take a while since since the usual drill is to load the first tenders with guests who booked tours with the ship's tour desk. The first tenders to leave will also require guests who didn't book a ship's tour to get a "tender ticket" which splits up the crowd into manageable groups. It is not unusual to have up to an hour wait until your tender ticket is finally called - depending on the port. You have to be quick to get a lower numbered tickets. After a while, they will not require tickets and the tenders will come and go every few minutes.
Hi kcaw, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Dave has covered the procedures, but I wanted to welcome you aboard! Best wishes for a fantastic cruise, please let us know how you enjoyed it when you return. I'll bet you'll become as addicted as the rest of us are
Thank you for the information, Mr. Beers! We appreciate the help. I do have one question, however. When we look at our reservations online, the itinerary says "docked" under activity at each port/city. Does this mean we will be docked as opposed to anchored, or is it simply a generic term?
Originally posted by kcaw: Thank you for the information, Mr. Beers! We appreciate the help. I do have one question, however. When we look at our reservations online, the itinerary says "docked" under activity at each port/city. Does this mean we will be docked as opposed to anchored, or is it simply a generic term?
Past Cruises: Carnival Liberty - May 2008 Carnival Imagination - February 2008 Carnival Freedom - December 2007 Imagination - September 2007 Fascination - July 2007 Carnival Triumph - May 2007 Fascination - March 2007 Fascination - January 2007 Carnival Legend - November 2006 Carnival Elation - May 2006 Carnival Valor - November 2005 Carnival Victory - May 2005 Paradise - June 2003
Yes, as Larry suggests it would be helpful if you gave us specifics on which cruise and ship you will be taking. That way we can give you more detailed information. The date of the cruise will also be helpful.
Hi kcaw, I too want to welcome you to Cruise-Chat!
As Larry and Dave noted, we would need more informaton about the itinerary, ship, and sail date. Please post back with the Info and we will be glad to help you.
Our ship will be the Legend, leaving November 16, 2008. We will be visiting Georgetown, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan Island. Hope this helps you help us!
Hello, since this will be your "first" cruise, I just wanted to wish you "happy cruising."
I just finished my 8th cruise, and believe you me, it seems like there is always something that comes up, that a person has no clue what to do about it. That is why these cruise forums are so nice to ask questions. As the expression goes....when in doubt, ask.
