Rhapsody Tendering in Cayman

[Ed R.]

I will be on the Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas this summer and will be tendering in Cayman. I have a couple of questions related to tendering.

 

* How long after the cruise ship arrives does the first tender typically depart?

 

* Is there a set departure time schedule and how frequently to do the tenders depart the ship (every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.)?

 

* From when the tender departs, how long does it take to get off the tender?

 

 

Information and advice is greatly appreciated!

[melandjay]

We sailed on Rhapsody last summer and if I recall correctly, they began tendering very soon after we arrived, with the folks on ship's excursions escorted to tenders and the rest of us waiting in line to board according to the number you were assigned. After a short while, tender tickets are no longer needed. It was really quite painless and not too time consuming. They run sufficient tenders to have one waiting as soon as another leaves. Also, sometimes they use larger tenders from the port. The ride in is only about ten minutes or so. Return is about every 15 or 20 minutes or if the tender becomes full.

 

Celebration,1997

Century,1998

Grandeur, 1999

Inspiration, 2001

Millennium, 06-2002

Celebration, 10-2002

NCL Star, 02-2003

Rhapsody, 06-03

Mariner, 06-04

[brn2crz]

We have done it twice with no problem.Others not so lucky.We were scheduled to be there at 7,got there about 6,so tenders started earlier.

Within the hour of arrival.They are almost non stop,one after the other.You will get different answers on how to accomplish geting off.But basicly,if you have an early excursion,you will be able to get early tender tickets.You are suppose to go get your ticket,then wait your turn.We were never in a big hurry,so didn't worry about it.It is at most a 15 min trip,and that is stretching it.

 

Cathy

NCL-Starward 1982

NCL-Seaward 1986

NCL-Norway 1992

Carnival-Celebration 1996

Carnival-Jubilee 2001

RCI-Rhapsody 1999

RCI-Rhapsody- 2003

Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?

2004

 

 

[Ed R.]

Thanks for the quick responses. How do the tender tickets work? I have read that you can wait in line early in the morning to get a tender ticket. How are the tender tickets numbered?

[brn2crz]

They are simply numbered 1-???.They are handed out first come first serve.You are suppossed to not go get your ticket until you are ready to leave,but I know that many get their tickets,then go have breakfast.But I don't see much sense in that.I mean,if you get an early ticket,you will be first to go.Then you are eating while your number goes,then you go on someone elses...Its really not that big a deal.Just kinda be prepared to go with the flow if you are not in a huge hurry.If so,just be there early to get an early ticket,and be prepared to go when your number is up..

 

Oh,there is a table set up on one of the lower decks near where you exit the ship,where you pick them up.

 

Cathy

NCL-Starward 1982

NCL-Seaward 1986

NCL-Norway 1992

Carnival-Celebration 1996

Carnival-Jubilee 2001

RCI-Rhapsody 1999

RCI-Rhapsody- 2003

Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?

2004

 

 

[tcrowe]

If you have a suite you will also receive tender ticket #1 in your room to use without even asking.

 

Rhapsody 11/24/02

Rhapsody 11/23/03

Rhapsody 11/21/04

[Bookit]

Tcrowe is correct -- finally, this perk for spending the extra $$$ on Rhapsody!!

 

Bookit

 

Carnival Celebration - 09/01

Rhapsody of the Seas - 11/01

Royal Olympia Voyager - 05/02

Rhapsody of the Seas - 09/02

Splendour of the Seas - 04/03

Rhapsody of the Seas - 09/03

(CC Reunion Cruise)

Splendour of the Seas - 04/04

Celebrity Galaxy - 11/04