Debarkation Poll

[DarthGrady]

With the exception of a few, we try to stay on until the "last call". We usually drive to the pier, so theres never really a time issue.

[KenMo]

Speaking of debarkation... First let me say I will be a first time cruiser in December on the Destiny. The port of call is Miami but we are looking to fly in and out of Ft. Lauderdale bc it is much less expensive. My question is, can we make a 10:50 am flight leaving Ft Lauderdale if the the ship arrives in Miami at 8am or will that be cutting it too close?:confused: I have noooo idea how debarkation even works so any advice is welcome. I know this isnt an answer to the original thread but I thought I might get some answers here. Please help!

 

I always fly in and out of FLL when sailing out of POM.

 

I would never book a flight that early.

[Azure Moon]

Lately we've been doing self-assist but staying on the ship as long as we can since our flights have been late ones.

[Lady_Jag]

I didn't see the "option" of - "leave the ship...WHEN my luggage tag is called...whatever that happens to be...early or late." I tend to try and work with the system...and do what I'm supposed to do!

 

This is a typical reaction I often have with the CC Polls...I usually have a thought or opinion on the question...but my answer isn't an available option to choose!

 

Sorry. I sort of thought the "leave when my luggage tag is called" option qualified as "you don't care one way or the other," since the question is about personal preference.

[sungoddess28]

well, if your FLIGHT LEAVES at 1050...they recommend being @ airport 2 hours early...which is 850. 50 mins after the ship is "supposed" to dock. The ship will not dock then immediately dump folks off, customs needs to be cleared first, that takes time. Not to mention the 40 minute drive .....

 

way too close, imo.

 

The Earliest flight I'd take out of there is 2pm. at the ABSOLUTE earliest.

 

Thanks! I think I will find a later flight! :D

[sungoddess28]

I always fly in and out of FLL when sailing out of POM.

 

I would never book a flight that early.

 

Thanks, I will take your advice! :p

[JaniceB]

I am taking a Carnival Cruise next week, my first in 10 years. I remember the days of sitting in a certain area waiting for your number to be called with a ton of people. It is not a pleasant memory. It sounds like things have changed. My most recent cruise was on Holland America. We ordered room service (full breakfast) and waited in on our balcony to be called, a very nice experience. I think I will take the advice of some on this thread and have a nice breakfast and watch everyone else stand in line until I am asked to leave.

 

Janice

[okgirl]

Speaking of debarkation... First let me say I will be a first time cruiser in December on the Destiny. The port of call is Miami but we are looking to fly in and out of Ft. Lauderdale bc it is much less expensive. My question is, can we make a 10:50 am flight leaving Ft Lauderdale if the the ship arrives in Miami at 8am or will that be cutting it too close?:confused: I have noooo idea how debarkation even works so any advice is welcome. I know this isnt an answer to the original thread but I thought I might get some answers here. Please help!

 

The last time I debarked in Miami with a 2:30 flight, there were gangway and customs issues and we didn't get off the ship until 1:15 and even then we practically had to force the issue.

 

It's a good thing we were flying out of Miami and had used luggage express, cause by the time we got off the ship got a taxi we went straight through security and right onto the boarding plane.

 

Personally, weather flying out of FtL or MIA I wouldn't ever have a flight before noon.

[kikipug]

When the cruise is over, its over.

 

Exactly! In fact, because we return on a Thursday this time, and I'm an hour from the port, I'm going to go directly to the office and save a vacation day to use another time!! Should be there by 10! The hubby and kids can go home, unpack, do laundry, cook dinner!

[Fire LT]

I like to stay on to the bitter end. To me the cruise isn't over until I get off the ship ;). Our last cruise we relaxed up on the Lido buffet until we realized there was no one else there and they were cleaning like mad (oops). We then went down to the main deck until the line was greatly diminished. We ended up being the next to last party off the ship. It was great...strolled off the ship...showed our customs form and went to get our luggage which was VERY easy to find by that point ;)...got the car out of the parking garage and had a leasurely drive home. A great non-stressful way to end a great vacation.

[notawordok]

I went with other because none of the rwest fit. We start when our # is called but don't get in a big hurry there is going to be a line so does it really matter when you get in it? Last cruise out of tampa we were a very high # and we did not get in a hurry. We waited vin line starting in the casino to get off. Once we got off into the terminal it moved quickly and once we were at our luggage it was easy to find. We put our things in it that we had kept in our room and no wait at customs. On to the air port to wait on our 1 o'clock flight.

[Earthworm Jim]

I leave the ship when my number is called...

 

Me too. I'd have thought that would be one of the choices, since that what you are really supposed to do.

[Vanessa L]

For me, I get out of cruising mode when I feel the ship dock back at the home port. I am ready to get off the ship ASAP at that point and head home. For me, it is more torture to my psyche to sit around and have to mentally drag myself off the ship. Once back at the home port, in my mind, I am done.

[Carolin]

They have to kick me off of the ship. I'll bask on the Lido deck as long as possible.

[indiaksue]

I chose "other" because each cruise is different. Since we have to get a flight home we have several options. If it is an early flight we do self-assist early debarkation. If it is a late flight we would either get off as late as possible or take a a ship excursion ending at the airport. There are pros and cons to self-assist and leaving your luggage out. Personally I like to be able to take my time that morning and get off late.