Shore excursions

[Pudge'smom]

I am doing a Mediterranean cruise and am trying to book tours not associated with the cruise line (Princess) and I am concerned about getting off the ship in time to meet them. Will there be a problem? I've read that they let there own excursion travelers off first and it can take over an hour to get off. Most of the semi-private tours seem to start sooner than that.

[paul929207]

As long as the ship is docked, you can get off quickly. Usually Princess will use one gangway for their excursions and another for everyone else. Once the ship is cleared it takes about 15 minutes for the initial rush to clear. If you want to get off early, line up early so you are at the front of the line when they open up.

 

Tendering is a different matter. If you are not on a ship tour and don't have priority, you will have to get a tender ticket and wait until you number is called. If you are not right at the front when they start distributing the tickets it can be an hour or more.

[Keith1010]

Paul has it right.

 

Don't worry if you are docked and if you are booking a private excursion they will wait for you anyway.

 

If you are tendering take that into consideration when you are setting up the start times for your tours.

 

Keith

[cb at sea]

Folks are always worrying about this...it's not as if the entire ship's population is trying to leave at the same time...it's not like an airplane! Folks dribble out on their own schedules!

 

If it's docked, you walk off when you're ready, after they open the door. If tendered, the early ship excursions are escorted to the tenders, but rarely take up the entire boat.

[FTLcruisers]

the local tour operators are well aware of the process of guests getting off the ships and will wait a reasonable time for you. They want your business and are not going to leave you behind.

 

Marianne