Disembarking Time Vs. Itinerary

[jtwind]

Hi all.  If an itinerary says that we will be in port from 9 - 5, what would be the normal time disembarkation would start at a docked port of call?

[memoak]

If you mean when you can leave to go adventuring. Then most likely between 9:00 and 9:40. All aboard would be at 4:30. 2/2 hour before sailing 

[Charles4515]

1 hour ago, jtwind said:

Hi all.  If an itinerary says that we will be in port from 9 - 5, what would be the normal time disembarkation would start at a docked port of call?

It really depends on the port. The local authorities have to clear the ship. They get the passenger manifest to look at. It takes time to set up the gangway. Both the ship and port have to have their people in place. In Mexico they inspect for agriculture. They have a sniffer dog sniffing passengers. Also in Mexico they make you walk through a maze of shops. That can slow down debark.  My experiences have run from 10 minutes to an hour. Cozumel is one of the longest times to get from the gangway to the taxi stand. Sometimes the ship arrives earlier than the published time and passengers debark early.  Other times we have been lined up waiting in the halls to get off. I would say on average about 30 minutes. 

 

 

Edited February 3 by Charles4515

[Rick&Jeannie]

The port time listed is NOT when the ship pulls up to dock.  It will have arrived *at least* an hour prior.  They are going to *try* and honor that listed port time as your actual available time in port.  Whether you get off in time to make full use of the listed time remains to be seen.  Yes, local authorities can sometimes throw a monkey wrench into the works.

[SCX22]

It really depends on the captain.  There are some captains that think the published arrival times are exclusive of docking/clearance formalities.  Won't name names, but was on multiple segments with a particular captain at the helm and the all clear announcement didn't happen until an 1 hour after the published times; the shore excursions team were not pleased.  The majority of captains think the published arrival times are inclusive of docking/clearance formalities and the all clear announcement should be made exactly or a little after the published arrival time.  You also have to remember that you are at the mercy of the security crew members.  They have set schedules to work.  Even if you pull into port hours before the published arrival time, if the security crew isn't scheduled to work yet, you won't be getting off the ship.  All aboard is 1/2 hour before published departure times for when the ship is berthed.  All aboard is usually increased to 1 hour at tender ports so the crew can put away the tenders.

[skynight]

6 hours ago, jtwind said:

Hi all.  If an itinerary says that we will be in port from 9 - 5, what would be the normal time disembarkation would start at a docked port of call?

If you are trying to book a private tour figure around 30 to 45 minutes after the docking time assuming this is not a tender port. The private tour guide will know. Tender ports could take hours to reach shoreside. Latest return to the ship is normally 30 minutes before sailing. There is a sign at the gangplank which shows the latest all aboard time. Don't miss reading it. I have witnessed people running down the pier while the gang planks are being stored, or the ship is moving away from the pier.