Rio- disembarking problem on 12-5

[gabbyisadog]

Maybe it was a one time event due to Code Red on HAL Veendam or ????? but ship docked at 4 AM and passengers still getting off at 5 PM. Reported reasons health inspectioin by Brazil because of Code Red which delayed officals from boarding and clearing ship, lack of personnel and equiptment from immigration to clear passengers quickly, political unease between USA and Brazil. Don't know why just know it happened and many peope missed flights. I'd book flight for next day to be safe if travelling soon.

 

We were getting on ship and it was a embarkation nightmare. If boarding in Rio and you require food (diabetes etc) bring some with you.

 

Hope for the best but prepare for the worse.

[Keith1010]

Sorry to hear about what happened. While no one can anticipate this it is a reminder for those who book flights that are very tight. Again it would not have helped in this situation although there are many nightime flights from Satiago, delays can happen. I have seen first hand delays of several hours in ports in NYC and San Pedro (Los Angeles) CA due to insufficient personnel arriving on board to clear the ship and have seen many passengers who missed flights.

 

Keith

[Waynetor]

We just had a similar thing on the Princess Star. Our last port was Buenos Aires. Our captain was a British war vet from the Falkland war. The Argentians seemed to do everything they could to delay our departure. We arrived in Rio on De 22 4.5 hours late. The Brazilains took thier time clearing the ship. Nobody go off before 1pm. I was near the end at 5pm. One gets the impression that despite the economic issues they are having, they really do not want tourism. It should makefor an interesting Olympics in Rio.

Wayne S