newbie cruiser port arrival question

[livetotan]

This is our families first cruise. If the ship is scheduled to arrive at port at 8am what time can actually get off the ship? just trying to plan our day touring. Can you sometimes get off before port arrival time as the ship is there early. we are going on Splendor of the Seas to Europe. Thanks.

[TEXASMUNK]

The arrival times are pretty close to accurate. It is a matter of timing with the Pilot that works the harbor and the pier crew for tie-up.

 

The first folks off are usually those that book a ship's tour are are scheduled off first. BUT! That does not mean that you cannot quickly disembark if you are on your own schedule. You will find that no matter what the ship tells you, people will JAM the stairwells, the elevators will be nightmare and the people making the most negative noise are those that have no pre-planned tour...they tend to find their lives come first and they seek to make as many people as possible miserable around them.

[yogimax]

Actual debarkation time will depend on a number of factors including the local immigration authorities. If you're not in a hurry, relax, have breakfast and avoid the initial surge!