Question about Tendering

[jjswiech]

A little background:

 

We are cruising in August with our family of 6 (2-Adults 4-Kids)on the Dream. We did not purchase Faster to the Fun.

 

Through a Cruise critic roll call we have made friends that will be cruising with us and we have scheduled a cave tubing tour together, in Belize. This is not a CCL tour so we will not have priority tendering.

 

We know that we will have to use Tenders when we stop in Belize. There will be about 21 people on this tour with us. Some people are Diamond/Platinum members, some have Faster to the Fun and some do not get priority tender #s. It is about half and half.

 

How does Carnival give out the numbers for the tenders? Do all of us have to be present to receive a number? I was thinking of sending my husband to get the tender #s for our family, while I get the kids ready back in the stateroom. Will they allow one person to pick up numbers for multiple people?

 

If all 21 of us want to be on the same tender - will the 11 people who have priority tendering have to wait until the time/# as the 10 people without Priority tendering?

 

Someone had suggested to me that I talk to someone on Carnival who helps arrange things for large groups but I thought that since this excursion is not through the cruise line - that they would not be interested in assisting us.

 

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

Jessica

[cb at sea]

Will you HAVE to be on the 1st tender? Or, can you wait 15 mins and take the next tender?

Once the mad morning "rush" is over, you don't need a tender ticket at all...just get on the next one! They run about every 15-20 mins or so.

[CRUZBUDS]

Will you HAVE to be on the 1st tender? Or, can you wait 15 mins and take the next tender?

Once the mad morning "rush" is over, you don't need a tender ticket at all...just get on the next one! They run about every 15-20 mins or so.

 

Helpful :confused:

[loxley]

Helpful :confused:

 

It was more helpful than your post.

 

Some people do not realize that after the mad rush for the first couple of tenders, there is no need for tender tickets anymore.

 

Everyone will have to be there to get a tender ticket.

[riffatsea]

I don't see why you cannot just get on which ever tender you can and then just meet at the dock for your tour?

You don't all have to go on the same tender.

I don't think it is quite as simple as just waiting for one tender to leave and getting on the next one.

Folks with priority and with Carnival sponsored tours that are early will get early numbers. Others will go after that. It is not just a matter of waiting 15min. as it can take longer depending on the number of people ahead of you.

[Disconnections]

Each Platinum/Diamond guest is allowed to take up to 5 others with them who normally would not qualify for Priority Ship to Shore Tendering.

[jjswiech]

Each Platinum/Diamond guest is allowed to take up to 5 others with them who normally would not qualify for Priority Ship to Shore Tendering.

 

Thank you... I will have to see if we can coordinate that!

 

It is my understanding that the cave tubing excursion is about an hour long bus ride from the ship. We were told by the tour operator to try and get off the ship as soon as possible so that we could maximize our time.

 

I am just a little nervous about wrangling 21 people - especially when many of them I have not met in person yet. I thought that being on the same tender would make staying together easier.

[fishtaco]

Thank you... I will have to see if we can coordinate that!

 

It is my understanding that the cave tubing excursion is about an hour long bus ride from the ship. We were told by the tour operator to try and get off the ship as soon as possible so that we could maximize our time.

 

I am just a little nervous about wrangling 21 people - especially when many of them I have not met in person yet. I thought that being on the same tender would make staying together easier.

 

Dont speak to anyone who works for Carnival about getting a tender as a group.

 

Organizing and arranging group independent shore tours "whilst onboard" is a big no no;)

 

Most people dont think much of it but they eat into company profits big time! I have been to onboard meet and greets where the rule on organizing independent shore tours has been posted up at the venue in very big letters!

[stargate fan]

A little background:

 

We are cruising in August with our family of 6 (2-Adults 4-Kids)on the Dream. We did not purchase Faster to the Fun.

 

Through a Cruise critic roll call we have made friends that will be cruising with us and we have scheduled a cave tubing tour together, in Belize. This is not a CCL tour so we will not have priority tendering.

 

We know that we will have to use Tenders when we stop in Belize. There will be about 21 people on this tour with us. Some people are Diamond/Platinum members, some have Faster to the Fun and some do not get priority tender #s. It is about half and half.

 

How does Carnival give out the numbers for the tenders? Do all of us have to be present to receive a number? I was thinking of sending my husband to get the tender #s for our family, while I get the kids ready back in the stateroom. Will they allow one person to pick up numbers for multiple people?

 

If all 21 of us want to be on the same tender - will the 11 people who have priority tendering have to wait until the time/# as the 10 people without Priority tendering?

 

Someone had suggested to me that I talk to someone on Carnival who helps arrange things for large groups but I thought that since this excursion is not through the cruise line - that they would not be interested in assisting us.

 

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

Jessica

 

Each Platinum/Diamond guest is allowed to take up to 5 others with them who normally would not qualify for Priority Ship to Shore Tendering.

 

It is correct that each Platinum/Diamond member is allowed five additional people to tender with him/her.

 

Here's what you do - all of you meet by Guest Services at a given time. Then a Platinum or Diamond member lets GS know that you are all getting on a tender together. You'll all be escorted to the front of the line to the next available tender.

 

Et voila! That easy.

[Nic6318]

Either way don't sweat it...the tour operator will wait for the group to get together. As you said the sooner everyone gets off the ship the sooner your adventure can begin.

With large groups it wouldn't be surprising if some are running late and you have to wait anyway. If that were to happen you will still have a good time, don't forget you are on vacation. Don't let little things get you down or worry you.

 

Have a great trip

Ian

[OCruisers]

Either way don't sweat it...the tour operator will wait for the group to get together. As you said the sooner everyone gets off the ship the sooner your adventure can begin.

With large groups it wouldn't be surprising if some are running late and you have to wait anyway. If that were to happen you will still have a good time, don't forget you are on vacation. Don't let little things get you down or worry you.Have a great trip

Ian

 

Agree with the above! Tour operators are use to this sort of thing happening.

LuLu

[jjswiech]

Thanks everyone! I am feeling much more confident about everything. I agreed to coordinate the excursion so I just want to make sure it all goes smoothly and everyone has a great time.