How Quickly Can We Get Off The Ship?

[mzhibbs]

We will be on the Mariner of the Sea 10/16 and would like to dive in Nassua. We are to arrive at 8am and would like to catch the 9am dive boat. How quickly can we get off the ship? We want to be at the dive shop as close to 830am as possible, it's a 5 min. cab ride from the port.

[amonaghan]

How quickly can we get off the ship?

 

Be warned folks, it can take a while to get off, especially on the Voyager-class ships, if it's tendering. Depending on which port the ship sometimes has to use the local tenders and that can back things up quite a bit. Grand Cayman being one example. The ship also tends to take it's excursions off first. Being early is your best bet. After breakfast can take 30-60 minutes to get on a tender.

 

I believe the website specifies which stops are docked versus tenders.

 

My suggestion - find a dive op that won't leave without you or goes out a bit later.

[Sailfish]

We will be on the Mariner of the Sea 10/16 and would like to dive in Nassua. We are to arrive at 8am and would like to catch the 9am dive boat. How quickly can we get off the ship? We want to be at the dive shop as close to 830am as possible, it's a 5 min. cab ride from the port.

 

We were on the same cruise aboard the Mariner in February. The ship docks in Nassau and you simply walk off. But it's a long walk out to where you catch a cab - a good 10 minute brisk walk, so I am going to say that although you will probably arrive before 9am, I doubt you will be there by 8:30.

 

If I remember correctly, we left Nassau very early - I think we had to be back by 2:30. Are you doing only a 1 tank dive? I too checked into diving on our own and found we were cutting it too close when it came to our departure time, so we booked the dive excursion offered the cruise line - only 8 of us went out!

 

I would really think twice about going out at this port on your own. We dove on our own in St. Thomas and had plenty of time, and could have done the same in St. Maarten. But unless the Mariner has changed it's departure time, you may be cutting it very close.

 

Good luck.

[scuba dad]

We will be on the Mariner of the Sea 10/16 and would like to dive in Nassua. We are to arrive at 8am and would like to catch the 9am dive boat. How quickly can we get off the ship? We want to be at the dive shop as close to 830am as possible, it's a 5 min. cab ride from the port.

 

Since Nassua is a "walk off" port you should be okay. I would contact your dive operation and find out what time they will pick you up. Several will pick you up at the port so you don't have to worry about your own transportation. If they know you are coming in a 8:00 am they might give you a little flexibility, that and a cell phone may get you a great dive.