Timing of departure flights....

[heatherRN53]

We are going on our first cruise next spring with Celebrity. I am wondering about the timing of departure flights after the cruise is over. It a morning departure cutting it too close or better off to wait until later in the day. Having never cruised before I am not familiar with the length of time it takes to disembark from the ship, clear customs ect.

[Philob]

We are going on our first cruise next spring with Celebrity. I am wondering about the timing of departure flights after the cruise is over. It a morning departure cutting it too close or better off to wait until later in the day. Having never cruised before I am not familiar with the length of time it takes to disembark from the ship, clear customs ect.

 

General rule is after NOON for stress-free debarkation and travel to the airport.

[spookwife]

most cruise lines do not suggest anything before noon. however, depending on port, proximity to airport and whether or not you are willing to schlep your own luggage, earlier is doable

[paul929207]

It depends on which port you end in and how quickly your cruise line will get you off and on your way. I would ask on the celebrity section of these boards.

[6rugrats]

Would be helpful if you noted what time your ship arrived in port, what port, and then what airport.

[cb at sea]

What is your departure port>. Generally, you're good with a home flight home around noon. you will be OFF the ship by 10am...or earlier!

[Host Walt]

Bear in mind the current headlines about the TSA. Current advice from Jeh Johnson, Homeland Security Chief, is to allow a minimum of 3 hours to get through security.

 

Not only is this an issue for your flight home (with a bunch of your fellow passengers going through at the same time as you will be) but it's even a bigger issue on your flight from home to your departure port. Have a contingency plan if TSA causes you to miss your outbound plan.

[navybankerteacher]

Bear in mind the current headlines about the TSA. Current advice from Jeh Johnson, Homeland Security Chief, is to allow a minimum of 3 hours to get through security.

 

Not only is this an issue for your flight home (with a bunch of your fellow passengers going through at the same time as you will be) but it's even a bigger issue on your flight from home to your departure port. Have a contingency plan if TSA causes you to miss your outbound plan.

 

The three hour recommendation now just applies to Chicago and a few other airports - but with heavier summer travel coming it is likely to be more common. That means you want to be sure of getting off the ship well BEFORE 9:00 AM to make a noon flight - so, as a practical matter the standard noon recommendation should be reconsidered.

[ZeroSeven]

General rule is after NOON for stress-free debarkation and travel to the airport.

 

This. Also consider the distance you need to travel from the port to the airport and take note of traffic / road closures. A prearranged transfer might give peace of mind. Most ports will have shuttles / taxis but they will be in high demand considering the number of people disembarking the ship. Have fun on your upcoming cruise:)

Edited May 18, 2016 by ZeroSeven

[Dancer Bob]

Will you have to connect through YUL (yuck) or YYZ (double yuck)? Are you planning non-refundable fares? Have you worked backwards to see what flights are viable? As has been pointed out, nobody can give you reliable advice without specifics, and there are a lot more specifics than have been mentioned.

The low-stress solution is to fly home the next day. An early flight can save you enough money to pay for the hotel as well as giving you the most options to get home.