Delayed disembarkation

[wesport]

We are on the Star Breeze in July.  The last day of the cruise, our flight is at 3pm from St. Maarten.  What has anyone’s experience been not leaving the ship first thing in the am. I know on turnaround day, larger ship like to get you off the ship asap.  I’m talking about leaving around 10 am to 11 am. 

[minidonuts85]

They’re likely going to want you off before that time to prepare for new arrivals. My recollection is 8-9...maybe a little longer if you’re upstairs having coffee. Sometimes the customs officers also want the ship cleared by a certain time and unlike the larger ships, youll need to go retrieve your passport. 
 

We usually go over to the Holland House hotel on the boardwalk area (short cab ride or a good walk). They’ll hold your bags snd you can enjoy the bar, restaurant or rent a couple of beach chairs to pass the time. This is a popular option with many as you’ll likely see other pax there. With Covid times, might want to call ahead and ask if they’re by reservation only. 

Edited April 24, 2021 by minidonuts85

[Pudgesmom]

We go to Holland House too for a late flight. Beach service is good, there is a shower to clean up and we like the food. 

We were in the airport Dec, 2018 and they still had a very long way to go to finish construction on a permanent building. Surely they’ve made some progress but it is not a place where you would want to wait for several hours.
 

Our experience had been that they want everyone off around 8:30 to prepare the ship for the next group of guests. That could become earlier if they have additional cleaning protocols now.

Edited April 24, 2021 by Pudgesmom

[Snow cat]

Minidonuts85 suggestion sounds great.  Last time we disembarked there we took a Windstar tour of the island that ended at the airport which we enjoyed very much.

 

[wesport]

Good suggestions. Our original flight was 2pm, but of course is got changed to 3 pm.  

[milepig]

I’m our experience they start to urge you to leave. Almost vacuuming under your feet. The feeling is “thanks, but it’s time to say good bye now.”