Timing Question for Excursion in Ketchikan

[SBJB8184]

We are planning an independent tour in Ketchikan that starts at 2:30 p.m. and is listed for 3 hours (i.e. 5:30 p.m.). My HAL itinerary says we depart the port at 7:00 p.m. I have read on these forums that you need to be on-board 90 minutes ahead of departure time. Should I be worried? I see there are HAL tours that are being completed at 5:30, 5:45, even 6:00. I can't find in my documents the 90 minute time rule. Comments?

[SilvertoGold]

Usually a half and hour before sailing is the cut-off for being back on board.

[catl331]

I have read on these forums that you need to be on-board 90 minutes ahead of departure time.

That is incorrect. Even at a US embarkation port you only need to be on board in time for the lifeboat drill, although HAL must submit manifest data to CBP 90 minutes prior to departure. As SilvertToGold said the usual on board time at en-route ports is 30 minutes prior to sailing. Edited May 31, 2015 by catl331

[SilvertoGold]

I think the 90 minute idea is for getting to the ship on embarkation day.

[cb at sea]

At "ports of call", you need to be onboard 30 mins prior to spillway. 90 mins. is only for boarding day!

[Boytjie]

Usually a half and hour before sailing is the cut-off for being back on board.

 

That is only for embarkation days, not for ports visited; for that it is 30 minutes prior.

[Krazy Kruizers]

With your tour ending at 5:30 -- you will be back on the ship in plenty of time before it sails -- if nothing happens.

If the ship is scheduled to leave a port at 7 PM -- we make certain that we are back on board by 6 PM.

[Sue from Canada]

At "ports of call", you need to be onboard 30 mins prior to spillway. 90 mins. is only for boarding day!

 

I love standing on the lower promenade deck watching the last minute passengers running to the gang plank with shopping bags in arm.

Edited May 31, 2015 by Sue from Canada

[SBJB8184]

Thanks, for giving me the reassurance.