NY Disembark Pick-up Time

[Brancine]

What time should we arrange for car service to pick us up at the end of our cruise? Since we live locally we won't be in any rush, so what would be the latest? Thanks.

[Betsy's Mom]

WE always use our cell phone and call our service as we are leaving the ship. You do not say which ship or which port and that would make a difference as the Manhattan piers are crowded and very different than the Brooklyn pier. It also differs as to cruise line, some allow you to stay on later, others more or less rush you off. In general everyone must be off at least by 10 and you usually must leave when your "color" is called. Hope this helps.

B.

[Brancine]

The ship is the HAL Veendam, Manhattan Cruise Terminal. In the past we've cruised from Brooklyn and left our car at the port, however it will be easier, and less expensive, to use a car service for this cruise. Thanks.

[Got2Cruise]

Most car services tell you to call once you are ready to disembark the ship. Also, every once in a while there might be a delay with U.S. immigrations or customs. This happened to us once in Manhattan and once in San Juan. Then disembarkation is very delayed. As previously stated, bring your cell phone, and there will be no problems.:)

[njhorseman]

Most car services tell you to call once you are ready to disembark the ship. Also, every once in a while there might be a delay with U.S. immigrations or customs. This happened to us once in Manhattan and once in San Juan. Then disembarkation is very delayed. As previously stated, bring your cell phone, and there will be no problems.:)

 

Yes, that is what some car services tell you to do. The car service we usually use wants us to call after we've cleared customs and immigration.

 

If you're using a suburban-based car service you will need to give them an approximate pick up time when you make reservations prior to departure, and I believe that is the essence of the OP's question.

 

OP...I usually tell the car service to pick us up 1 1/2 hours after scheduled docking time...but that answer is dependent on how you plan to disembark. If you are using self disembarkation, or have some sort of priority disembarkation privileges with the cruise line, 1 1/2 hours is usually OK . Otherwise 2 hours after docking might be a better choice. As others have said, there can be delays you can't control. The latest time you can get off the ship is going to vary by cruise line, but it will probably be no later than 2 1/2 to 3 hours after docking.