Flights home on disembarkation day

[Treaclecruiser]

Hi all, I am trying to sort out flights home for our cruise around Iceland next summer. Our ship docks at 5am and it takes around 50 mins to the airport. Would a 10.35am flight be too early? Thanks

[jelayne]

Where are you disembarking?  Do you have to go through immigration/customs?
 

Although the ship is scheduled to dock at 5 the ship has to be cleared by the authorities.  Typically walk off carrying your own luggage can start around 6:45-7:15.  
 

[Water_Baby_]

I wouldn’t book anything earlier than 11 AM. Although ships may dock early, they usually aren’t cleared for disembarkation until 7 at the earliest. 

[Dolebludger]

Actually, we don't want to book a return flight before noon or after. We all know that flights can be, and often are delayed, but ships sometimes are too. 

[chemmo]

54 minutes ago, Treaclecruiser said:

Hi all, I am trying to sort out flights home for our cruise around Iceland next summer. Our ship docks at 5am and it takes around 50 mins to the airport. Would a 10.35am flight be too early? Thanks

What port are you docking in? Never believe ‘around fifty minutes’ to the airport. For example, we have cruised from Southampton when the football team were playing at home with a midday kick off…Things like day of the week can be important.

[bigbenboys]

What port are you disembarking? Boston, Amsterdam or Reykjavik.

[2ndhoney]

If you are disembarking in Reykjavik, it's about an hour to the airport. Are you getting a cab or car hire? Lines were very long for cabs when we got off. Also, this past June NCL wasn't cleared to disembark passengers until close to 7am. Then you had to go find your luggage, then out to transportation. No customs. Once at the airport it depends on which airline. If Iceland Air you can go to a Kiosk and print your luggage tags and self drop them nearby (if Delta you have to wait on a line to check bags). Security wasn't too long, but it's a small airport so if only a few planes arrive/depart at the same time it gets crowded.

[Treaclecruiser]

Thank you for all your feedback. We are disembarking at Reykjavik. We will be booking transfers once we have sorted a flight. We may have stay an extra night as struggling to get a flight home after 11am. Looking at other alternatives.

[Harrisonkid]

Close to airport or not I would say add 3+hours from departure ..just to be safe 

[Treaclecruiser]

Thank you all for your replies, we have decided to stay a couple of extra nights as I don't want a stressful last day. Is it best to book flights via cruise company or separately. 

[Cruise a holic]

Delays happen for a variety of reasons.  I wouldn't pick a flight before noon.   Enjoy your cruise.

[Harrisonkid]

I always do separate..better control of airlines, flight times, and connections 

[horseymike]

I prefer booking our own flights directly with the airlines.

Any changes / delays or cancellations have easier to deal with sans the third party booking agent.