Getting to shore at Villefranche

[Jesse6]

We have to take a tender at this port and we dont want to be late for our shore excursion.Any tips on getting off the Oosterdam quicky?

[Hlitner]

You will get instructions in the daily program (and possibly through an announcement and port talk) about where (and when) to go to get a tender ticket.  This will be a public area (such as a lounge or the main theater).  Go early, wait in line, and try to get a low number  Also be ready (with your entire party) to go ashore.  Depending on the cruise director, you will likely be told to wait in any pulbic area (so you can hear announcements) or in a specific place until your tender ticket number is called.  

 

Like most cruise lines, HAL does use a priority system for tendering.  Folks with HAL excursions will always get priority and there are others (4-5* Mariners and those in large suites) who also get tender priority.  Nothing you can do about that, so the best you can do is to get a low tender number.  You and your party can get tender priority if you all book "Club Orange" for the cruise.

 

As to how fast you get ashore, it really varies depending on the efficiency of the ship's tender operation and other issues such as the weather and tides.  If it is windy and a bit rough, this can really add to the time to get ashore.  And keep in mind that we are talking about HAL, where there are many cruisers who move very slow (especially when getting on and off tenders).

 

Hank