I was wondering whether the arrival time in a cruise brochure is the time the boat docks in port or when passengers can expect to depart the boat? If its when the boat docks, how long should I expect to wait to get ashore? Im thinking of using Carnival, so it will be a large boat and the ports are St Thomas and Bridgetown Barbados. My question results from booking my own shore excursions, so I need to know when I will actually be off the boat and in port. Thanks.

I believe that is arrival time and it is a very good approximation. Most excursions key into cruise ship arrivals. If you have made advance reservations make sure that the excursion operator is aware that you are a cruise passenger and what which ship you will be arriving (there often are several cruise ships in port at the same time). Also ask if the tour will wait if the ship is delayed getting into port. Finally determine if the port is a tender call as you may be further delayed waiting for a tender.

Have a great cruise!

Carnival can be very disorganized in their arrival times, shore excursions. We just returned from a 10-day Dawn Princess cruise, and the tour guide in St. Thomas said that the most ships they had in 1 day, was 12 last year. We had 5 on our day, and tenders not required. Regardless, it was very crowded. If you take your own tour and get tied up in traffic, miss the ship, it will be your responsibility as well as your expense to get to the next port. Barbados requires shuttle buses to take you to the main terminal building, and then you have to wait for the shuttle buses to take you back. Ships dock in a shipyard. Another place I'd do a ship excursion. Barbados has a marvelous tour called Barbados Photographic Tour. If you're into any photography, this is for you.

I usually get there first thing in the morning, around 9 or 10. This way I am the first one there. I spend about a half hour in the terminal and get to know the information person. This way they will remember you when they open the embarkation. After the half hour, I go check out the local shopps until about 45 minutes until the embarkation starts.

sorry