Is it possible to leave the ship after check-in?

[UV830]

We're sailing on the Spirit 2/27.

 

There's a Mardi Gras parade (Krewe of Carrollton) that should end sometime around 1 or 1:30 at the New Orleans Convention Center which is directly in front of the cruise terminal.

 

What we'd like to do is check-in sometime between 11 and 12, stash our carry-ons then dash off to the parade route to catch the tail end of it. Maybe snag a few doubloons and beads. :D

 

As long as we're back aboard by 3 (the ship's supposed to get underway at 5), shouldn't be a problem, right?

 

Or are you not allowed to leave the ship once you've boarded?

[cmdchiefthom]

We did it in Miami several years ago and there wasn't an issue. We just showed our key cards and photo ID to security to leave the ship, and when we returned, we entered the terminal, again showed our key cards and ID's, bypassed the check in lines, and went up the escalators, on to the ship and again through ships security, no problem.;)

[garycarla]

Should be able to.

 

If you did not have carry-ons, you could do one of two things.

 

1 - check your bags at the pier, and take off

2 - check your bags, do the checkin, then leave without actually boarding the ship.

 

I am thinking you might be forced to go through immigration/customs since for all practical purposes, you have LEFT the United States once you board the ship. The only way off is to go through that process I would think.

[MiamiSpartan]

Rules have changed since 911, so I'd ask at the pier just to be sure....

[travelguy2009]

When we sailed out of NOLA a few years ago, we checked in, had lunch and was able to exit the ship to shop at the Riverwalk. We have done this in other embarkation ports too. Will be there Jan 9 and then I could tell you ;)

[UV830]

Terrific. Thanks guys.

[silkhair1]

That sounds like that would be a lot of fun. Parades our great, and what a wonderful way to start the cruise!

[jdvmd]

You shouldn't have any problems getting off and back on the ship. The only issue may be with any carry-ons that you will have. Typically, the rooms are not ready until 2 p.m. On the Sky and Epic, there was a lounge/bar area where you could check hand luggage, however. Perhaps, someone who has been on the Spirit recently could confirm or deny.

 

How lucky you are to get to experience Mardi Gras and go on a cruise!

[jenpan]

We will be doing the same thing on March 6th, catching a parade and then boarding the ship, to escape the Mardi Gras madness!!! Being a local, looking forward to a wonderful week of R and R after getting a dose of parades!!!:D

[bob brown]

This happens all the time for many ships that originate cruises and then stay at a port overnite and then sailaway the next day. That is of course a different situation then sailing away the day of embarkation, but nontheless, it is done.

[Demonyte]

Yes, that is possible. Keep in mind that there are often back-to-back travellers that do just the same (go in and out during the embarkation day) - there is no difference after one has checked in, same applies to both b2b and just checked in passengers.