How Quickly Can I Get Off the Ship

[donaldsc]

We are doing a Spain and Portugal cruise.  I am trying to get an idea how close to the theoretical docking time I can get off the ship.  I know that it is a very small ship so we should be able to get off quickly. For example if they say that the arrival time is 10 AM can I assume that I will be off the ship by 10:30 or should I assume 11:00.

 

1. If they say that arrival is 10 AM do they usually dock pretty close to that time.  I know that sometimes stuff happens but are they usually pretty close to to posted arrival time?

 

2. Once they clear the port arrival paperwork how quickly will I be able to get off the ship.  Minutes?  Tens of minutes?

 

Also if I want to grab a quick lunch in the dining room what time do they start serving lunch?

 

Thanks.

 

DON

Edited September 13 by donaldsc

[skiingj]

There are so many variables to docking and getting off the ship.  On our med cruise it was pretty easy to get off soon after and we were always on time docking.  Our tender port was challenging for the captain due to wind, we were a little late.  The tender operation had some lines and they run tenders every so often.  The wait was often 10-20 minutes before getting on a tender.  Sorry don't remember lunch times.  The pantry and room service had great alternatives for quick bites.

[Harrietq]

Sometimes there may be some delays in releasing the ship to allow pax off - security arrangements, paperwork, etc. We tried to disembark early (another line) and dockside passenger security didn’t start until 8:00 and we wanted to leave at 6:00. We had to wait. Check with guest relations and they will have the most up-to-minute info.