OBX2Maui

Thats unfortunate. The cruise terminal should be treated like a business investment and income source. If the city is prioritizing the expenses cited over income sources, they missed a chapter in basic business and municipal operations. We spent 2 days ahead of the cruise and saw first hand the examples you cited. Walking through downtown smelled awful in places and the smell of weed was prevalent even at 10am. We visited 2 CVS's that had locked up basic personal needs items for theft prevention. At one we waited for 10 minutes before we left as no one would open the locked shelf (just needed eye drops). We had planned to spend a few days after the cruise in San Diego. But after that experience, we canceled our hotel and changed to the earliest flight we could get the same day we docked. If we return we will definitely stay somewhere else. Many cities are in similar situations, and ignore how they got to where they are.

I'm guessing most know this... but might be worth mentioning. San Diego TSA security (Terminal 2) was odd... the TSA-Pre line at 10am had ONE agent working it AND also had Clear customers being injected into it. I swear the nearby regular line looked the same length and faster. Also, keep in mind flights board 30-45 minutes prior to scheduled departure. When you cut it close you need to factor that in. Curbside luggage checkin is a savior as well. As BermudaBound mentioned... the lines were harder for folks in wheel chairs (and walkers) and anyone more elderly for that matter. I can only hope that in 10-20 years I am as strong willed and determined as some people I met on this trip. We were inspired by them as much as anything.

Yes, and to be clear... there was only one long line leading to World Stage. Once side, and half way down the World Stage stairs, non-US citizens formed a separate line just before the immigration/customs officers. Our Canadian friend exited from World Stage a few minutes after us. There was no separate line for actual ship debarkation.

Customs/immigration came onboard our ship and they were located in the World Stage. Even if you were self-assist, they did not allow any luggage at all in the World Stage area, even small bags were not allowed (those were customs/immigration rules). You were to leave it everything in your cabin, and once you completed immigration/customs, you go back to your cabin, collect your luggage. Then proceed to the gangway where they scan your card, check you have the little sticker signifying you completed customs/immigration, and away you go. I never heard of, or saw any "line" at the actual debarkation gangway area. BTW... the amount of time with a customs officer was also less than 5 seconds, kinda funny really. Lot's taxi's out front, not sure about Uber.

We got in line for immigartion.customs at 8:15 (designated time) and were back in our room before 9:00. I can't imagine HA trying to check colors for the Immigration/customs line. Yes, it was very long but it moved fast. Saw several people complaining along the way, but most were pretty much just going through the motions and chatting with folks in line which passed the time. After we picked up of carry on luggage in the room and walked off with no wait. Luggage was waiting in the tent (we were Red Group 3), took the HA transfer bus (never checked the ticket we purchased) to the airport, maybe 20 minute ride. Note - They did have transfer buses going to EITHER Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Dropped off luggage outside the terminal (United) and were through aircraft security by 10:15. 1:00PM flight boarded at 12:15PM and the flight to IAD landed 23 minutes early. Never saw anyone checking disembarkation colors or any priority for 4 or 5 Start, or Orange Club through the entire process. I can't imagine the HA employees scanning your room card telling anyone with a sticker from customs that they couldn't get off. Anyone could claim "self-assist", as that meant they didn't want luggage picked up outside your room. If one had an early flight I'd say, bad plan, roll the dice if you wish. This was our first cruise ever, and we found the whole experience EPIC. No complaints. Would do it again in a heartbeat.