Question re Joy to Bermuda…

[Nosleepatall]

This will be our first time to Bermuda and I’m wondering how difficult it is for non-Haven pax to make that first ferry to St George the morning we dock?  TIA to anyone who has experienced this first-hand in the last couple years. 

[vacation44]

Just took the first ferry last week as non-Haven passengers.   No issue at all.   We got on line about 30 minutes before departure time and at departure time, more passengers were boarding as the ferry was not filled.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Nosleepatall]

Thanks. I just thought that there would be a lot of antsy pax ready to get off the ship en masse and head right to the ferry. Good to hear it’s not so crazy. 

[1025cruise]

Being in Haven has nothing to do with it. 

[figment9999]

We were on in May; the ship docked at 8 and the ferry left at 9 so I understand your concern.

 

The ferry was very busy but the ferry is pretty big so 30 min will do. If you want to be on the top deck I'd go down when the ship is clears customs since that area fills fast. It's a  good morning for a room service breakfast to compensate for "slow movers" in your party.

Edited June 14 by figment9999

[vacation44]

2 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Being in Haven has nothing to do with it. 

I am pretty sure Haven passengers get escorted and go to the front of the line.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Being in Haven has nothing to do with it. 

There are special Haven lines at the Royal Navy Dockyard and in St. George. 

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, Nosleepatall said:

Thanks. I just thought that there would be a lot of antsy pax ready to get off the ship en masse and head right to the ferry. Good to hear it’s not so crazy. 

If you want to get on the first ferry, there is no issue if you make an effort and be there early. If you stroll up 5 minutes before departure time, you may find your self walking to the public ferry and paying. 

 

Also consider that there are NCL Shore Excursions that have "reserved" a number of seats on the ferry, so while you may peer in and see open seats, the ferry crew are holding some for Shore Ex. 

[psuboater]

12 hours ago, Nosleepatall said:

Thanks. I just thought that there would be a lot of antsy pax ready to get off the ship en masse and head right to the ferry. Good to hear it’s not so crazy. 

The wonderful thing about this cruise is with 2.5 days in Bermuda, you rarely see bottle necking all week. There’s a lot of repeat cruisers (like us) who don’t need to rush off the ship first thing. We tend to get off around 11am or so the first day.  It’s the best of both worlds- you get a cruise without the stress of getting back to the port every day. Enjoy! We’re on the Joy right now and sad to leave her. 

[BirdTravels]

4 hours ago, psuboater said:

The wonderful thing about this cruise is with 2.5 days in Bermuda, you rarely see bottle necking all week. There’s a lot of repeat cruisers (like us) who don’t need to rush off the ship first thing. We tend to get off around 11am or so the first day.  It’s the best of both worlds- you get a cruise without the stress of getting back to the port every day. Enjoy! We’re on the Joy right now and sad to leave her. 

While very true, there is only one “good” ferry in the morning that will allow you to spend the day in St George. 
 

[Nosleepatall]

Thanks everyone. It sounds as if being ready early and prepared to leave on time is probably the best course for the first morning but it won’t be unmanageably crazy. We picked this cruise specifically for the itinerary and do plan to “take our time” for the three days.