Boarding Times for Post-Transatlantic Cruise?

[jenZ]

Hello, We are sailing the Silhouette from Fort Lauderdale, on the first cruise from the US after arriving from a transatlantic repositioning cruise. I understand from another post that this means a delay in boarding times due to additional customs and security inspections by the Port officials.

 

Does anyone have experiences in this situation? Normally we like to arrive at the check-in terminal before noon, so we don't have to wait. Since we have a 3 hour drive to Fort Lauderdale, I don't want to leave early just to wait at the terminal!

 

And if we do end up waiting at the terminal, does boarding occur first come, first served? It has been five years since our last cruise, and I have forgotten what exactly happens!

 

Thanks for sharing any experiences/advice!

[c-legs]

Hi,

You can bet the farm embarkation process will start later than '' normal''.

We too are in the habit of showing up ~~10.30am-ish for embarkation,a process normally getting off the ground ~~ 10;45/11.00am,...but we would push the whole thing off at least 1 1/2 hour if embarking on a post-TransAtlantic voyage.

You have correctly assessed the situation.

Judging by our own experience and that of clients, whenever the embarkation process finally kicks in, the closer you are ''to the front of the line'' ,the quicker you move along.

 

Cheers

[Project_gal]

Once a ship arrives in the US for the first time, there will be a Coast Guard inspection but there may also be others. Crew have to go thorough greater Immigration checks. These things cause delays. If you are on a TA, you will see the crew extremely busy on the last evening as they prepare for the inspections. This is the crew who will have to go through the inspections whilst still preparing your room for you. This all causes delays.

 

Then, if you find that there are number of ships arriving on the same day, there are just not enough officials to go round. More delays.

 

On one of our TAs into the US, there were five ships arriving. We got off the ship and away from the port [Fort Lauderdale] earlier than scheduled. [understandably, they need everyone off the ship as early as possible.] However, we learned later on that shortly after we got off the ship, they actually closed the port for a few hours. Everyone [including taxis and coaches organised by the cruise lines] was turned away until they could clear some of the chaos.

 

Definitely do not expect to board on time. Check how many ships are arriving after a TA to determine just how long the delay is likely to be.

 

Sue