Tender

[Manilow fan]

When a ship has to use a tender do we have to book a time to go ashore? When ashore do we have to book a time to return to the ship and if so, what happens if we want to return to the ship earlier than planned?

[CruiserBruce]

Each cruised line has it's own policies. Best to ask on the board for the cruise line involved.

 

In general terms, there will usually be some organizing procedure for getting off the ship, typically in the form of tender tickets, and that ship's shore excursion customers go first. Coming back rarely requires such organization. You will get on the next available tender for your return.

[Manilow fan]

Thanks for your reply!

[Steviewonder1]

As the folks up said, each line has their own rules. Many will tender folks who booked Excursions on the Ships Excursion list first, then those that did Private Excursions (not thru the ship) get to go a little later. Most will tender those in PH Suites whenever they arrive to go ashore. Coming back to the ship from the port is first in first on. Just don't miss the last tender. BTW, the tenders are The Life Boats from the ship.

[kitty9]

Tendering goes like this in most cases. Those with ship tours go first. Then those with priority tender tickets go next. If you aren't in either category, then you report to the designated location to pick up a numbered ticket and then wait there until your number is called. Coming back, just stand in line and board the next tender

[cb at sea]

All lines follow about the same procedures. Tenders are BIG...they hold about 150 or more people.

You may come and go as you wish.

The tenders will try to fill as much as possible before leaving in either direction. Just like a walk-off port, you need to be in the tender line 30 mins. prior to sailaway.

 

The only difference in tendering vs. walk off is the time to/from the ship that tendering takes.

[Manilow fan]

Thank you all for your replies. Useful information. Very much appreciated!

[Sekhmet]

Tendering goes like this in most cases. Those with ship tours go first. Then those with priority tender tickets go next. If you aren't in either category, then you report to the designated location to pick up a numbered ticket and then wait there until your number is called.

Just to add to this and all the other good answers, you should find that, when the ticketed rush to go ashore dies down, there will probably be an announcement along the lines of "Open tendering from now on", which means you don't need to get a ticket, but just go straight to the tender point.

[sparky-elpaso]

Also, depending on the port, they may use the ships lifeboats as tenders or they may contract with a company at the port. Like this one.

 

[Keith1010]

All lines do not do it the same way.

 

Some give priority to those on a ships tour.

 

Others do not.

 

It is always best to ask on the Cruise Line Board for the cruise line that you are going on as CruiserBruce suggested.

 

Keith