Port Tendering

[Floridastorm]

Both Maui (lahaina) and Kona are ports where using tenders are necessary. We will be on Holland America Ms Amsterdam which is a 1.380 passenger ship. For those of you who have done it, specifically how long normally is the wait to board a tender departing from the ship and how long is the tender ride? How far in advance of departure is the last tender from the pier. The reason that I ask is that, if the tenders take up too much time and don't leave adequate time in port where you are forced to rush around, then we may decide just to stay on board, especially in Kona where the times are 8-4 ;)

Edited November 1, 2016 by Floridastorm

[Astro Flyer]

I don't know about HAL tendering but it may be similar to Princess. Top level repeat passengers & suite passengers can join the back of the tender line without a tender ticket. Those on ship tours meet onboard & are escorted to tenders; everyone else goes to a dining room to get a priority ticket & wait until called.

 

It's been 10 years since tendering into Kona but more recently into Lahaina and both took about 10 minutes from the ship to shore. As I recall, the final tender is about an hour before scheduled sailing. Another factor is the weather which can delay or even cancel arriving into any Hawaiian port. We haven't had a tender port cancelled but did have docking at Nawiliwili in Kauai cancelled due to strong gusty winds.

 

Even if you're not leaving the port areas it's nice to walk around town particularly in the historic old whaling town of Lahaina.

[Silver Sweethearts]

The reason that I ask is that, if the tenders take up too much time and don't leave adequate time in port where you are forced to rush around, then we may decide just to stay on board, especially in Kona where the times are 8-4 ;)

 

It would truly be a shame to sail all the way from the mainland and back and not at least go ashore on each island. What were you thinking of doing that might make you feel forced to rush around?

[CruiserBruce]

On HAL, the last tender is scheduled 30 minutes prior to sail away time. So if sail away is at 4pm, they will tell you last tender is 3:30. It is consistent with their all aboard time for docked ports being 30 minute prior to scheduled sail away.

 

At Lahaina, the time from ship side to dock side is 10-15 minutes. I have not tendered into Kona.

 

As to how long it takes to move through the process, there are a number of variables. Contrary to popular misunderstanding, not all ship's excursions immediately disembark as soon as tendering starts. Some are scheduled for later starts.

 

Other variables include what your status on the ship, and with HAL are. As mentioned, suite pax and high level repeat cruisers get some advantage.

 

As a general plan, I would expect to be ashore within an hour after the start of tendering. I agree, it would be silly to not take advantage of every minute in port in Hawaii...and we have been to Hawaii over two dozen times, with our next trip less than 2 weeks away.

Edited November 1, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[punkincc]

Both Maui (lahaina) and Kona are ports where using tenders are necessary. We will be on Holland America Ms Amsterdam which is a 1.380 passenger ship. For those of you who have done it, specifically how long normally is the wait to board a tender departing from the ship and how long is the tender ride? How far in advance of departure is the last tender from the pier. The reason that I ask is that, if the tenders take up too much time and don't leave adequate time in port where you are forced to rush around, then we may decide just to stay on board, especially in Kona where the times are 8-4 ;)

 

Never been on a HAL ship in Hawaii, but the ship will likely be there well before 8:00, and tenders will probably start running at 8:00 am or soon after. You are probably asked to be back onboard 30 minutes before stated departure time of 4:00. The last tender run will probably be stated to be @30 minutes before departure. Several tender boats run continuously. It doesn't take that long to get everyone ashore or back on board.

 

Most tours are 4 to 6 hours long. You would have plenty of time to fit one in, especially a ship's tour. But even on your own, the town of Kona is easily walkable from the dock area. Lots of shops and places to eat. A beach at a nearby hotel is available. You will easily be able to go ashore at your leisure and spend several hours. No need to stay on the ship.

[Floridastorm]

I'm a planner by nature and by previous employment. Try not to leave things to chance. Since I am planning on renting a car in each of the 5 ports, I just wanted to make sure there was enough time to tender to the port, drive around, and make the last tender back to the ship. Considering that the 8-4 time frame, specifically in Kona, is pretty tight. However, it seems that possibly this is not the case and that I will have enough quality time without being totally rushed. I may just forego the rental car in Kona and instead use a local guide or public transportation so that I am not held up by unforeseen circumstances.

 

Thanks Again for the timely info..................:)

[CruiserBruce]

Actually, do a quick search on this board for the car rental situation. As I recall, in Kona, there is a car rental location across the street from where you come ashore. So that is about as easy and fast as you can get picking up a car in Hawaii.

[Floridastorm]

Actually, do a quick search on this board for the car rental situation. As I recall, in Kona, there is a car rental location across the street from where you come ashore. So that is about as easy and fast as you can get picking up a car in Hawaii.

 

Yes, I booked Dollar Rental and the pickup is at the King Kamehameha Hotel 5 minutes stroll from the tender pier. Thanks.

[phillygirl63]

I'm a planner by nature and by previous employment. Try not to leave things to chance. Since I am planning on renting a car in each of the 5 ports, I just wanted to make sure there was enough time to tender to the port, drive around, and make the last tender back to the ship. Considering that the 8-4 time frame, specifically in Kona, is pretty tight. However, it seems that possibly this is not the case and that I will have enough quality time without being totally rushed. I may just forego the rental car in Kona and instead use a local guide or public transportation so that I am not held up by unforeseen circumstances.

 

Thanks Again for the timely info..................:)

 

For Kona, Thrifty has a desk at the King Kamehameha (sp?) Hotel which is located right there, just a 3 minute walk, from the tender pier. This will save much time as opposed to picking up/dropping off the car at the airport.