Enhanced departure process

[peteukmcr]

We're sailing on FOS in Sept and have read the following from the C&A site:

 

'An enhanced departure process which provides a quicker and more seamless experience for guests at the conclusion of the cruise, while extending access to their staterooms on the morning of departure'

 

As we're travelling to the Orlando area for a post cruise stay (own arrangements) we don't have a flight to catch on the morning of departure, so I just wondered if anyone has experienced this and what it means as we don't have to rush off the ship. Obviously we can't stay on all day (only as a stowaway!) but it would be good to know what it means by having extended access to our stateroom.

 

Thanks in advance.

[nanfromatlanta]

We're sailing on FOS in Sept and have read the following from the C&A site:

 

'An enhanced departure process which provides a quicker and more seamless experience for guests at the conclusion of the cruise, while extending access to their staterooms on the morning of departure'

 

As we're travelling to the Orlando area for a post cruise stay (own arrangements) we don't have a flight to catch on the morning of departure, so I just wondered if anyone has experienced this and what it means as we don't have to rush off the ship. Obviously we can't stay on all day (only as a stowaway!) but it would be good to know what it means by having extended access to our stateroom.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

It has been my experience that all passengers must be off the ship by 10:00 AM. They must turn the ship around for the next group of passengers who will be allowed to board as soon as the previous passengers have cleared customs and/or immigration. We normally board around 11:00 AM.

[peteukmcr]

Thanks for the reply, I understand that everyone should be off by 10. It's just that previously we've been out of the stateroom by about 07:30 even when we've indicated that we don't have a flight to catch. Then we've been hanging around on the Royal Promenade, Studio B or private departure lounge that gets very busy and would appreciate a little more time in the stateroom and perhaps miss the crush.

 

Last time on Freedom we were queuing from near Guest Relations on deck 5 just to get off and I just think letting people like us that don't have to rush to the airport stay in the stateroom a little longer will help the queues and those who have a flight to catch get clear of the ship more easily.

[overcated]

From your point of view, it's logical to stay in the cabin BUT...we tried this once and found it to be a bad idea. Early on, our steward came down the hall with a bag of rubber doorstops. Every door was opened and secured with the door stop. Next, a crew came down the outside of the rooms - opening every balcony divider. From that point on, there is cleaning and vacuuming and noise. You will find that you are in their way and you will not be able to watch TV or hear the PA system for the noise. The crew is no longer smiling - they are seriously working hard to get ready for the next cruise. We gave up and got in line.

[TRadle]

I think the OP is asking a very specific question in regards to a new procedure from the cruise line about extended access to the stateroom on departure day.

 

Pete, was there any other information like a date when this will begin or has it begun already. We are considering FOS or LOS this summer and this would really be nice to know. Not only would it be nice for people who don't need to get off the ship in a hurry to remain in their staterooms longer, it will ease up a congestion and free up those elevators for those in a hurry.

 

Thanks for asking about this!:)

[missbogota]

Been on two RCL cruises this year (Serenade & Monarch). Both times we had breakfast, returned to the cabins and left cabins between 9-9:30.

[quiltsnh]

When we were on the Granduer in NOv. the enhancement seemed to be that they only announced the colors in the area where the departing guests were waiting not ship wide that way there is not a huge rush to the door. Unfortunately we were in the Viking Crown Lounge set aside for Plat and diamond guests.... all the way at the top of the ship and limited elevator service..... But it did work for crowd control getting through customs.

[hotrod1954]

I think the OP is asking a very specific question in regards to a new procedure from the cruise line about extended access to the stateroom on departure day.

 

Pete, was there any other information like a date when this will begin or has it begun already. We are considering FOS or LOS this summer and this would really be nice to know. Not only would it be nice for people who don't need to get off the ship in a hurry to remain in their staterooms longer, it will ease up a congestion and free up those elevators for those in a hurry.

 

Thanks for asking about this!:)

Our expierence was that when you go the proper place for you to disembark they call a crew member on a walkie talkie to take you the gangway . before they anounce it on the pa. system. All goes pretty smoothe. Before this People would flood the stairwells around the exits and when your color was called people would rush the gangway thus long lines and mass confusion. that is what they call enhanced disembarkation

[cruising granddad]

Here are the front and back of the departure sheet we received!

As you depart p1.pdf

As you depart p2.pdf

[CruiseDude_83]

I have to say it was the best...after our color was called we had our bag and in a cab within 30 min in LA off of Mariner last month. I liked that there wan no hurry up to wait.

[JMG]

As Hotrod noted, people are no longer jamming various areas of the ship. As always, you advise the ship during the cruise, of your flight times or method of departure. Your departure order is based upon this information. Suites, shore excursions, diamond and platinum members have priority disembarkation. Waiting areas are assigned based on your departure number. You are to be in your assigned departure area prior to your departure time. They request that guests stay out of the centrum area. As numbers are called, guests are escorted to the departure area by ship personnel. They no longer announce departures throughout the ship. Departures are only announced in order in the departure areas.

Early departure starts at 7am. The remainder of the guests depart between 8:30am and 10:45 am.

This process really is an improvement rather trying to get around people and their baggage.

 

AOS had airline check-in and luggage service at the pier. You paid $15 for the 1st bag and $25 for the second bag. This fee is merely for the privilege of having them take your bags to the airport. You still have to pay any fees ofr baggage that are charged by the airline.

[peteukmcr]

Here are the front and back of the departure sheet we received!

 

Many thanks John, just what I was looking for, very helpful.

 

Thanks for everyone else's input, looks like the new procedure helps a great deal to reduce the scramble for the exit!

[cruising granddad]

Many thanks John, just what I was looking for, very helpful.

 

You are welcome! I am glad to help!

 

I have been on FOS. If you want to get a LOT of time on the flowrider, there is an after dinner session for adults only. Usually, there is a line a mile long! It can take up to 45 minutes between rides. At the adult session, you will get to ride EVERY FEW MINUTES!!! You WILL be tired after the session!:D

Our tablemates talked me into it at dinner. After dinner, go back to your room and put your swim trunks on. Head up to the "rider" and you will have the time of your life! Be sure someone gets pictures or video!

 

Look for the adult session in the Compass. They don't promote it much.

[peteukmcr]

You are welcome! I am glad to help!

 

I have been on FOS. If you want to get a LOT of time on the flowrider, there is an after dinner session for adults only. Usually, there is a line a mile long! It can take up to 45 minutes between rides. At the adult session, you will get to ride EVERY FEW MINUTES!!! You WILL be tired after the session!:D

Our tablemates talked me into it at dinner. After dinner, go back to your room and put your swim trunks on. Head up to the "rider" and you will have the time of your life! Be sure someone gets pictures or video!

 

Look for the adult session in the Compass. They don't promote it much.

 

Thanks for the tip John.

 

Didn't get around to doing the Flowrider last time we were on FOS in 2006, determined to try it this time, but the bones are 3 years older so not sure they'll stand up to the pressure!

[katstoy]

Just off the Mariner about two weeks ago. The biggest change was that U.S. citizens did not have to go through immigration, only customs. Non U.S. citizens had to present themselves on board at a certain location to clear immigration. Once that was done they disembarked by color tags. In the past, in Los Angeles, you had to wait in line for immigration. This was the longest wait. Now you walk off, get your bags and hand your custom form to the agent as you leave.

[cruising granddad]

the bones are 3 years older so not sure they'll stand up to the pressure!

 

I was 55 when I tried it!! You can ALWAYS stop anytime! I tell everyone to try it at least once!:D

 

Have a great time! I would love to go back with you!

 

John