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I am familiar with some sailings that do allow for you to downline (join the ship elsewhere along the specific voyage) if a US passport holder. For example, a couple today could join the Zuiderdam in Puerto Vallarta while she sails from San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale. The ship will stop in a distant foreign port (ABC islands or South America). David

It is an option; however, we met about 3 weeks ago and had a nice lunch at 1:30 pm. The Royal Princess was in port that day. "Now Hiring" signs are posted at many, many establishments. If you are not in a rush to cross the street, the portions are large....enough to share. And you'll have a great look to see how the lines are progressing at the terminal. The outside dining area has about 100 seats, and I was not pressured to order anything. Claim Jumper is just one of many options. David

Here are some options for you....places to sit, eat, drink, and relax adjacent to the pier. Hazelwoods and Claim Jumper are across the street. Carnitas is between Broadway Pier and B. St. Pier. Portside Pier (Brigantine, Ketch, Portside Coffee, Miguel's, and Topside Terrace) are just a short walk north along the embarcadero. https://hazelwoodsonthebay.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/hazelwoods-take-out-menu-2021.pdf https://www.claimjumper.com/menus/ https://carnitassnackshack.com/pig-out/embarcadero/daily-menu/ https://www.brigantine.com/locations/portside-pier/ https://ketchgrillandtaps.com/ https://miguels-cocina.com/brunch/ David

Koningsdam Thanksgiving cruise......2,860 expected to board. Please do not arrive prior to your Boarding Pass time slot. Everyone must be present by 3:30 pm. Have your passport along with your Boarding Pass clearly visible (not folded, or in an envelope).... and in your hand when you enter the terminal. David

The later you arrive, the fewer are the challenges. More porters, and shorter lines. Just come 30 minutes after your Boarding Pass slot. My personal opinion. David

San Diego no longer has a VeriFly lane. David

The fall 2023 cruises were only announced a few weeks ago. David

I like to be on the side where I can see the sunset...as many times as possible. David

January 7th and 14th the Jewel will share San Diego port with the HAL Koningsdam. I would advise that any flight departing prior to 11 am would be risky. David

I love my job at a cruise port. I've been doing this for 17 years. The only parts that break my heart are when: The ship has left without you because: 1. You arrived too late 2. You presented insufficient proof of citizenship In either case, are you prepared with a "Plan B"? David

I understand that; however, if you call ....for example the California Department of Motor Vehicles.... they will insist that your Real ID is good for "Travel". No mention of alr vs sea. They had required that every Californian have a Real ID a year ago and have moved that deadline at least twice. My concern is that several guests on Saturday were denied boarding in San Diego for a cruise because of this misunderstanding. David

A state issued "Real ID" is not acceptable for cruises. Did you read this warning! Only an "Enhanced Driver's License" currently only available from 5 states ...New York, Washington, Vermont, Minnesota and Michigan is valid. They are intended for boarder crossing into Canada but do have what info US Customs requires. If you do not have a US passport, and are considering a cruise......get one! Your alternative for a "closed loop" cruise (same port embarking and disembarking) is a government issued United States Birth Certificate, Naturalization document, and a few other things that are very uncommon. A US military ID will usually get you a discount on your cruise fare, but is NOT valid for sailing. David

Embarking this Saturday in San Diego....2,574 expected. David

Hi Ruth ....I hope a San Diego HAL sailing is in your future plans. I'll make this a generic reply; however, I suspect you are 4*(+). Arrive at the terminal, presumably via the parking lot and have your Boarding Pass in hand. Door greeters will evaluate your Mariner status (and needs) and show you to either a designated ADA waiting area just inside, or to the appropriate lineup for security screening. You will be assisted through security by ground staff to another set of chairs where the ship's pushers can take over, aid you through check-in, and up an elevator to the ship. David

There is a small seating area inside the terminal for guests with wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. It is not a priority check-in area. You are to remain seated until your boarding group is announced. David

Not likely you'll find a pedicab in the morning hours. David

If I can upload the link, it will give you some idea as to the cruise port, the amenities within a 3 block walking radius. You will notice plenty of seats available but not just in front of the pier. The first few minutes are walking towards the pier. The more important information is withing one block of the ship. David

I can verify that the first boarding time Group A was 10 am that day in San Diego. It was very unusual and I had pointed it out to my manager days before. It was too late to make any changes. Nevertheless, it won't happen again. Our first Group A November 5th is 11:30 am. There is nowhere to sit at the port entrance; however, a short walk in any direction (except west) will get you shade, food, and an available restroom. David

We have boarded Disney Wonder with 2,450 passengers or more regularly with no issues this season. Disney allows guest to choose their embarkation times, unlike HAL which assigns them. It is much easier to manage the boarding process when guests have selected what works for them. David

I'm unclear of your question regarding policy. Could you please elaborate? Thanks. David

Yesterday's embarkation was 2,264 for the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise on the Koningsdam. November 5th....2,547 embarking. 100% capacity. David

Just to add to my friend's post, within 500 feet south of check in, on the sidewalk, is Carnitas Taco shop (with shaded seating available) and a full bar. There is a public restroom along that route and seats along the waterfront between B.St. and Broadway as well. A gift shop is also open for souvenirs. To the north on the sidewalk is Portside Pier.....about 750 feet away. There are two full bars, plaza level seating area with a fantastic view of the bay, coffee shop, restrooms, and the Brigantine restaurant. Across the street: Hazelwood's Deli (they serve great breakfasts also), The Claim Jumper restaurant, and the Surf Snack Shop. For last minute shopping (wine, champagne, etc.) the Harbor Market is located on the floor level of the Intercontinental Hotel on the Pacific Hwy. side. We want you to have an enjoyable boarding experience. Lately, our disadvantage has been that allowing luggage drop prior to your arrival time has overloaded the longshore workers. California law states that a 30 minute lunch is required before a 5th our of work. So, if that great group of people start at 7 am offloading luggage, before noon they need a break. The accomplish this by using 2 shifts.....resulting in 1/2 of their workforce available between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Please.....abide by your Boarding Pass scheduled time of arrival at the pier. If for some reason you need to arrive early, I suggest that you be dropped off at Portside Pier, Wyndam Resort/Claim Jumper (across the street) or Carnitas just a short walk in any direction. Keep your luggage with you. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, and await your turn to check in for your voyage. Thank you. David

I've been on the Panorama and Horizon, and I know there are some times when they serve slices of yummy cakes. I've missed it on some days. Is there a scheduled time for serving in the Lido Buffet at that station? The cheesecake there is far better that the one at 555 in my opinion. Thanks. David

The future cruises are to be released on October 21st. David

The total eclipse will occur in Mazatlan, Mexico. https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2024-april-8 Duration:2 hours, 40 minutes, 35 seconds Duration of totality:4 minutes, 1 second Partial begins:Apr 8, 2024 at 10:50:52 am Full begins:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:06:56 pm Maximum:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:08:56 pm Full ends:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:10:57 pm Partial ends:Apr 8, 2024 at 1:31:27 pm David