Priority Debark Question

[tafische]

So my wife and I generally skip the priority debark and go enjoy one last leisurely breakfast in the MDR before we get off the ship. After eating, we generally head out a little after main zones are being called. Normally it hasn't been an issue but the last couple of times the lines are really long with folks who are not in the right zone getting off.

 

So if we run into that again, is there still a priority debark process after they start calling zones? I really dont mind waiting usually, just frustrating when they are calling zone 5 and zone 12 is in line....

[Purple_Pig]

We just went through this. Got to the lounge about an hour after the listed priority time. They were still there and escorted us out to the front of the line. But you had to make sure to enter from the rear to get in - not from the front where the regular lines had already started. You'd never get through.

[Purple_Pig]

I should add that once we were off the ship the line was fairly packed leading to customs. If you want to breeze through that I'd think you need to go immediately or wait quite a while until most of the ship is clear.

[Nic6318]

Hi

 

If I am reading your question right, I believe the answer to your question is No.

 

There is a priority self assist where those people are grouped together and led off the ship first, and you can opt to be in this group if you are willing to do self assist. You get to almost walk through without stop once off the ship, because you would be in the very first group debarking.

 

After this group, they allow the rest of the passengers who are doing self assist to debark.

 

If you are not doing self assist, then you would have put your luggage out the night before. If you have priority, then your luggage would be tagged zone 1.

 

When they call for zone 1, you may start debarkation...you are not required to leave right away. They continue on calling the next #'s. So if you are asking if, (lets say) they are now calling zone 6, and you decide you want to leave now, can you go down and say "I am in zone 1, can I go in front of the line at this point"...the answer is No.

 

The issue with people in zones that haven't been called yet just standing in the way is just a PIA, but there is little the cruise line can do at that point. They are just trying to get people off the ship. Of course it's a bigger nuisance if the do get off the ship early because their luggage isn't set up yet, then they get in the way in the terminal.

 

hope this helps

[Micahs Grandad]

Basically all they want to do is get us off the ship. Most crew seems to go thru the motions.

 

We are Diamond and half the time they put us in a room where they are to come and get us to get off first and than they forget about us.

[Lottacruises]

Basically all they want to do is get us off the ship. Most crew seems to go thru the motions.

 

We are Diamond and half the time they put us in a room where they are to come and get us to get off first and than they forget about us.

Some cruise directors are better than others about that.

[riclop]

So my wife and I generally skip the priority debark and go enjoy one last leisurely breakfast in the MDR before we get off the ship. After eating, we generally head out a little after main zones are being called. Normally it hasn't been an issue but the last couple of times the lines are really long with folks who are not in the right zone getting off.

 

So if we run into that again, is there still a priority debark process after they start calling zones? I really dont mind waiting usually, just frustrating when they are calling zone 5 and zone 12 is in line....

People just do what they want.

[tafische]

Thanks for the replies. So my issue was they WERE letting everyone in later zones go ahead and debark which is why the lines were so long. We left around zone 5 being called and the people all around us were in 12 and exiting. Like I said, I wouldn’t mind waiting where I got in line if there weren’t so many folks that weren’t supposed to be getting off.

[coevan]

We did not meet in the lounge. Went to deck 3 saw assistant Cruise Director Tim and escorted us to luggage line. We also had Global Entry and debarked around 9:15 in 10 minutes. There was no line on GE and the customs agent waved us through, no questions at all.

[Organized Chaos]

Hi

If I am reading your question right, I believe the answer to your question is No.

 

There is a priority self assist where those people are grouped together and led off the ship first, and you can opt to be in this group if you are willing to do self assist. You get to almost walk through without stop once off the ship, because you would be in the very first group debarking.

 

After this group, they allow the rest of the passengers who are doing self assist to debark.

 

If you are not doing self assist, then you would have put your luggage out the night before. If you have priority, then your luggage would be tagged zone 1.

 

When they call for zone 1, you may start debarkation...you are not required to leave right away. They continue on calling the next #'s. So if you are asking if, (lets say) they are now calling zone 6, and you decide you want to leave now, can you go down and say "I am in zone 1, can I go in front of the line at this point"...the answer is No.

So if priority passengers follow what you say, what do you suggest they do? Let's say they're priority self-assist or zone 1, but they stayed on to have breakfast. They're ready to leave, but the crew is calling zone 5. You say those priority passengers can't leave at that point, so what are you saying they do?

[NavarreCruiser]

So if priority passengers follow what you say, what do you suggest they do? Let's say they're priority self-assist or zone 1, but they stayed on to have breakfast. They're ready to leave, but the crew is calling zone 5. You say those priority passengers can't leave at that point, so what are you saying they do?

 

I am Diamond and virtually always do self-assist. Sometimes we want to get off early and go to the designated lounge. Other times we are not in a big hurry and leave at our leisure. If a staff member has a question about or tag numbers or timing I have always just said Diamond self-assist and that is enough.

[Micahs Grandad]

So if priority passengers follow what you say, what do you suggest they do? Let's say they're priority self-assist or zone 1, but they stayed on to have breakfast. They're ready to leave, but the crew is calling zone 5. You say those priority passengers can't leave at that point, so what are you saying they do?

 

Diamond and Platinum can leave as they wish

[Purple_Pig]

So if priority passengers follow what you say, what do you suggest they do? Let's say they're priority self-assist or zone 1, but they stayed on to have breakfast. They're ready to leave, but the crew is calling zone 5. You say those priority passengers can't leave at that point, so what are you saying they do?

 

Head to the priority lounge and they will escort you out.

[Organized Chaos]

I am Diamond and virtually always do self-assist. Sometimes we want to get off early and go to the designated lounge. Other times we are not in a big hurry and leave at our leisure. If a staff member has a question about or tag numbers or timing I have always just said Diamond self-assist and that is enough.

I'm not diamond. But we will be FTTF on our next one, so I guess I'll flash some credentials and say, "FTTF self-assist."

 

Diamond and Platinum can leave as they wish

As well as FTTF' date=' correct?

 

The reason I asked Nic6318 was because he said priority passengers can't simply hop into the line with the current zone that's being called. If that's true, then what are they supposed to do? If I'm priority or was in a zone that has already left, but I stayed on a little while longer, I would think I could leave as soon as I'm ready.

 

Head to the priority lounge and they will escort you out.

Oh, I didn't know priority passengers were assigned their own debarkation waiting area. Is that true of FTTF too? And is that true of all ships?

[Purple_Pig]

I'm not diamond. But we will be FTTF on our next one, so I guess I'll flash some credentials and say, "FTTF self-assist."

 

As well as FTTF, correct?

 

The reason I asked Nic6318 was because he said priority passengers can't simply hop into the line with the current zone that's being called. If that's true, then what are they supposed to do? If I'm priority or was in a zone that has already left, but I stayed on a little while longer, I would think I could leave as soon as I'm ready.

 

Oh, I didn't know priority passengers were assigned their own debarkation waiting area. Is that true of FTTF too? And is that true of all ships?

 

As far as I've experienced on 3 cruise lines, yes. You usually get a letter the night before telling you where the priority lounge is. Sometimes there are light refreshments, sometimes not.

 

We were just suite and FTTF on Carnival. Our lounge was the mid ship dining room. Once there the sign said all suite, FTTF and diamond/platinum passengers. We actually received two sets of priority docs. One number apart - #3 and #4. I have no clue which was suite and which was FTTF but both were allowed off at the same time and luggage was in the same area. It seems like #1 was called first then 2-4 but I honestly can't remember.

 

Carnival was strict and you needed to show proof you were priority before entering. I can't remember Princess ever doing that.

[nycruise1]

We once were not in a big rush and had leisurely breakfast and were taking off our own luggage. We got down to the debarkation deck and it was a ZOO. I saw one of the fun squad guys who was helping and asked if we were on our own at this point since the priority debark had already occurred. He said sorry but then said hold on and he directed us to a group of people who were taking an excursion. He said when you get to the terminal just go off on your own. The excursion group skirted all the lines and was brought right to the exit in a minute or two, with us with them. It happened so fast I wish I had gotten the guy's name. Would have liked to recognize him on the survey. So it never hurts to nicely ask and see if they can do anything for you.

[Nic6318]

I'm not diamond. But we will be FTTF on our next one, so I guess I'll flash some credentials and say, "FTTF self-assist."

 

As well as FTTF, correct?

 

The reason I asked Nic6318 was because he said priority passengers can't simply hop into the line with the current zone that's being called. If that's true, then what are they supposed to do? If I'm priority or was in a zone that has already left, but I stayed on a little while longer, I would think I could leave as soon as I'm ready.

 

Oh, I didn't know priority passengers were assigned their own debarkation waiting area. Is that true of FTTF too? And is that true of all ships?

 

 

Hi

 

I am sorry...but I didn't say you can't hop into the line with the current zone being called. What I said is that you can't go down to exit and ask to be put in front of everyone else waiting because you have priority debarkation privilege. Please read my post again.

[Organized Chaos]

When they call for zone 1, you may start debarkation...you are not required to leave right away. They continue on calling the next #'s. So if you are asking if, (lets say) they are now calling zone 6, and you decide you want to leave now, can you go down and say "I am in zone 1, can I go in front of the line at this point"...the answer is No.

Hi

 

I am sorry...but I didn't say you can't hop into the line with the current zone being called. What I said is that you can't go down to exit and ask to be put in front of everyone else waiting because you have priority debarkation privilege. Please read my post again.

Please clarify then. What are you suggesting someone in this situation do?

[Nic6318]

Please clarify then. What are you suggesting someone in this situation do?

 

 

Hi

 

You are allowed to debark anytime after your zone is called, you just can't go in front of other people who are also getting off the ship. At that point you need to go to the back of the line. What part is confusing?

[dorchrislen]

Hey my last cruise it was my first time platinum. Even though I got the debarkation letter I didn’t really understand it and so I just waited until our zone was called, zone one, and then we left the fifth floor by the casino and went down to Disembark. The line was crazy long and it took about 30 minutes to crawl out.

 

I don’t recall seeing anything about a platinum lounge in the paperwork. How am I supposed to find out where that is? Do I go to guest services? I have another cruise in July.

 

Also, how do you know that people from later zones where in line early? Aren’t the only indications of the tags on their luggage which are outside waiting for them? In other words, how do you know what zone people are?

[Organized Chaos]

Hi

 

You are allowed to debark anytime after your zone is called, you just can't go in front of other people who are also getting off the ship. At that point you need to go to the back of the line. What part is confusing?

It isn't confusing, per se. You were somewhat confusing because you kept saying what someone can't do, but would never say what they can do (what you think they should do).

 

But according to a few others, all you have to do is notify a crew member that you're priority debark and they'll take care of it. :) That's easy enough.

[Drazil65]

If not doing the self assist early to get off then the best way to bypass the long customs line is to immediately grab a porter once you get off the ship. Not only will they grab your luggage and put it on the cart but they have their own customs line (or will take you to the front of a regular line) and will take you right through, ahead of everyone else in line.

 

Have you every seen the people bypassing the long line and being lead right pass through customs? The porters are the the trick! If you are parked at port they will take your luggage all the way to your vehicle and load it, yes, you need to tip them well, but this service is the best way to get out quickly if not doing self assist and worth the tip.

[Purple_Pig]

Hi

 

You are allowed to debark anytime after your zone is called, you just can't go in front of other people who are also getting off the ship. At that point you need to go to the back of the line. What part is confusing?

 

Unless you are priority. They literally lead you right to the front of the line.

[Purple_Pig]

If not doing the self assist early to get off then the best way to bypass the long customs line is to immediately grab a porter once you get off the ship. Not only will they grab your luggage and put it on the cart but they have their own customs line (or will take you to the front of a regular line) and will take you right through, ahead of everyone else in line.

 

Have you every seen the people bypassing the long line and being lead right pass through customs? The porters are the the trick! If you are parked at port they will take your luggage all the way to your vehicle and load it, yes, you need to tip them well, but this service is the best way to get out quickly if not doing self assist and worth the tip.

 

Depends on the port. Not all of them have a dedicated porter line and not all allow them to bypass the lines.

[Nic6318]

Unless you are priority. They literally lead you right to the front of the line.

 

 

Hi

 

They do this for priority self assist. You are in a segregated area and when they are ready to start debarkation, they come to get you all and lead you off the ship. They then allow the rest of the people doing self assist to join the line.

 

They won't bring you to the front of the line after they have started calling the zones. At this point you get in line with everybody else.