Ship Departure time- newbie question(don;t want to get left behind!!)!

[ccsix]

We are trying to decide on a catamaran excursion. We like the Buccaneer 3 stop option but it leaves at 10am for 4 hours. Our itinerary says we are in port from 8- 3pm. Is 3pm the departure time or the last tender time? If our excursion is done at 2 is that cutting it too close - we have no experience with the tender process? Thank you !!!

[caribsun]

The Captain doesn't always go by the cruise line itinerary. You will need to read the daily activity paper to be sure of departure time. Lets say the ship is to leave at 3PM, the Captain will request that you are onboard 30 minutes before departure.

[jaga04]

There are sometimes long lines to wait for the tender in GC. I don't know how unusual this is, but the first time we were there, we were on a long line and didn't get on the first tender that was there. Another came quickly. I've wondered if you're on line at the right time, but aren't able to get on a tender right away, if they'll wait for you.

 

Maybe someone reading this has gone on this particular excursion and knows if it's really 4 hours. I've been on trips that have been both longer and shorter than advertised.

[caribsun]

If you are in the tender line the ship will wait.

[papilliontraveler]

Also, I don't know if your excursion is a Carnival one or not. If it is, they will not leave you.