Coastal Cruise - Independent Sightseeing

[rayandshirl]

We will be on the Star in October for a quick 7-day cruise. Many of the ports we are familiar with and want to spend the time on our own.

 

Normally we cruise 14-day trips to new destinations and always book the ship's excursions.

 

If you do not sign up for an excursion, do you have a long wait to deboard?

 

Thank you.:)

[trvlnliz]

We never do ship tours and deboarding is pretty quick. I don't think you'll have a problem.

[Cruisin' Chick]

For tendering ports (Santa Barbara and Catalina are two west coast ports that require anchoring), those with early excursions booked through Princess, those with top status (elite), and those booked in a full suite will have priority for the tenders over others. Everyone else will be told where they can go for tender tickets. At some point, you'll be allowed to go to the line up area.

 

If it's a port where the ship will be docked, you'll just have to wait for the port master to give the okay. There will be undoubtedly a line up if it's early. If you wait a while, you may be able to just go to the gangway, have your cabin card scanned and walk off.

[sunsetbeachgal]

We found the tendering to be very easy for Catalina and Santa Barbara. We did independent activities, and had plenty of time in each port.

[jsiegel]

We had no trouble tendering in Santa Barbara or Catalina because we were ready to leave as soon as they announced the tender service had started. Meant getting up early and being ready early, but worth it, no wait. If you tend to be more leisurely chances are you'll face a crowd and need to get a ticket and wait until your group is called.

 

Jackie

[rayandshirl]

I want to thank everyone for their responses. We're always up early and we'll be ready to deboard first thing!

 

Thank you again.:)