Disembarking for a excursion

[disnyfan]

How does this work? I know that excursion are given priority but if you book through a private company, how would the crew know the difference. If your not book on a excursion, how long does it generally take to leave the ship? If you port had a listed time of 7:00am, can you be off the ship by 8?

[Loonbeam]

Depends on if a tendered port or docked. On a docked port, should be no problem. On a tender port, those with Princess excursions will have a ticket and receive priority and it can take some time to get everyone to shore, especially if seas are bouncy...

 

How does this work? I know that excursion are given priority but if you book through a private company, how would the crew know the difference. If your not book on a excursion, how long does it generally take to leave the ship? If you port had a listed time of 7:00am, can you be off the ship by 8?

[Pam in CA]

How does this work? I know that excursion are given priority but if you book through a private company, how would the crew know the difference. If your not book on a excursion, how long does it generally take to leave the ship? If you port had a listed time of 7:00am, can you be off the ship by 8?

As said, if the ship is docking, you shouldn't have a problem. You can get right in line to walk off.

 

If its a tender port, chances are slim you'd make an 8am tour. It takes about half an hour to lower a tender, get it ashore, return with the local officials and clear the ship. To get an idea of what time the first tender goes ashore with passengers, check the Princess tours for that port and see which is the earliest tour time. That's not an exact science as the tour time is the meeting time in the Princess Theater. As soon as the ship is cleared, the first tour leaves.

 

Priority goes to those on Princess excursions (that's one of the reasons they're paying more for their excursion) and they are identified by a sticker with their tour and section number.

 

Those on independent tours must go to a lounge (it'll be listed in the Patter) and pick up a tender ticket. Those with tender tickets are called in order of arrival so if you're disembarking with others, you need to wait until they are all there. A few with tender tickets are allowed on the first tenders. Unless you are among the very first to get a tender ticket, you'll be on later tenders.

[Cruisin' Chick]

How does this work? I know that excursion are given priority but if you book through a private company, how would the crew know the difference. If your not book on a excursion, how long does it generally take to leave the ship? If you port had a listed time of 7:00am, can you be off the ship by 8?

 

As stated above, in tender ports, those with ship-booked excursions will have a time and place marked on their tickets. A crew member will meet the group and escort them to the line and will get priority, along with elite passengers and perhaps suite passengers, in front of other passengers.

[leavingocalaagain]

Typically the excursion vendor will know about what time your able to get off the ship at tender ports and schedule the tours accordingly. Before booking your excursion with a 3rd party you should discuss this with them.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Never had a problem meeting a private excursion driver or guide...they will usually be waiting as close as the cruise line permits them to be, with a hand held sign (like a limo driver in baggage claim at the airport). They want your business and they will do their best to be visible so you can find them!! This is what they do for a living every day...don't worry!

[dread_pirate]

Is there any way to determine whether we'll be in a tender port or a dock for each port of call?

[Pam in CA]

Is there any way to determine whether we'll be in a tender port or a dock for each port of call?

Easy. Go to "My Princess" > Cruise Personalizer > select your cruise > View Itinerary. There'll be a note next to the port, "Tender required wheelchair access limited." No note, the ship is docked.

[Shogun]

Hi There

 

haven taken some good sized private tour groups 16plus of a ship

 

while tendering, you just need to get up a little early and be the first in the que for a tender ticket.

 

 

yours Shogun