Info Please re Tender Experiences

[Stevesan]

I've yet to tender at belize, always took a ship's tour.

Next time I want to take a tour with a local operator.

Magic's dock time is 8:00AM. Approximately how much time should I allow to reach the cruise ship terminal?

Thank You.:)

P.S. Magic will be the only ship in port that day, September 21.

[cruisergrandma]

What time is your tour? We have done independent tours at Belize and had to be among the first off ship. Just go to the lounge where the early ship tours gather and tell them that you have an early independent tour and you need to be on the first (or second) tender. Normally they will work with you.

 

Are you by chance Platinum? If so, you can be escorted to the front of the line for tender.

[CENTEX CRUISER]

Tender ride itself, about 20 min

[crewsweeper]

Based on past experiences tendering in Belize off Carnival ships, the first tender may not depart the ship until 8:30A ship time, which will be 7:30A local time (Belize does NOT observe daylight savings time so it's still one hour behind in September) Most local excursions depart around 9A local. But clarify that with the tour operator. If the Magic is indeed the only ship in that day, tours might start earlier, depending on the activity. There will be information in the Magic's Fun Times the night before that will tell you where to go to catch a tender if you are not n a Carnival excursion. I would recommend you be at that lounge or area about 5 minutes before the opening time to be able to sign up and get an early number. Make sure everyone with you is present as well, everyone needs a tender number/ticket. You can't just "pick them up". Once you've got your ticket/number, you are somewhat free to roam around a bit, go to the bathroom, get a coffee at the specialty coffee bar, etc. But probably not to wander up to the Lido buffet for breakfast (eat early). If you're the only ship in there'll be several large tenders ready to roll. These hold 200+ people so chances of you getting over to the tender pier early are very good. Your local tour operator will tell you where to meet.

[Stevesan]

Based on past experiences tendering in Belize off Carnival ships, the first tender may not depart the ship until 8:30A ship time, which will be 7:30A local time (Belize does NOT observe daylight savings time so it's still one hour behind in September) Most local excursions depart around 9A local. But clarify that with the tour operator. If the Magic is indeed the only ship in that day, tours might start earlier, depending on the activity. There will be information in the Magic's Fun Times the night before that will tell you where to go to catch a tender if you are not n a Carnival excursion. I would recommend you be at that lounge or area about 5 minutes before the opening time to be able to sign up and get an early number. Make sure everyone with you is present as well, everyone needs a tender number/ticket. You can't just "pick them up". Once you've got your ticket/number, you are somewhat free to roam around a bit, go to the bathroom, get a coffee at the specialty coffee bar, etc. But probably not to wander up to the Lido buffet for breakfast (eat early). If you're the only ship in there'll be several large tenders ready to roll. These hold 200+ people so chances of you getting over to the tender pier early are very good. Your local tour operator will tell you where to meet.

 

Thanks for the detailed reply. Sounds like it's not very different from other tender ports like Grand Cayman.

I'm surprised your ship's time was different from local. I'll stay alert for that. I mostly sail Princess and their ships always change to local times.

[jules1121]

Carnival ships stay on ship time (time of home port in US).

 

The process is about the same for belize and grand cayman. It's just a longer tender ride. I would plan for a meet up no earlier than 9am or check the schedule to see if any other ships will be in port. Occasionally they have had tender issues in Belize.

[Stevesan]

Carnival ships stay on ship time (time of home port in US).

 

The process is about the same for belize and grand cayman. It's just a longer tender ride. I would plan for a meet up no earlier than 9am or check the schedule to see if any other ships will be in port. Occasionally they have had tender issues in Belize.

 

That's actually an advantage during DST. The tour I selected http://www.coralbreezetours.com/current_category.15/Product.2/tours_add.html?t_product=2 meets in the cruise terminal at 9AM local time, 10AM ship's time. The return time has a two hour cushion.:)

 

Thanks everyone. Your responses have relieved me of any worries I had.