Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 #1 Share Posted October 15, 2015 We are traveling on the Independence from Nov 16-Nov 21. We are also staying in a Junior suite, and this will be our second cruise with RCI. Those who have done this before, what do you think is the earlier time we could be at the airport for our return trip home? We are looking to fly out of Ft. Lauderdale. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted October 15, 2015 #2 Share Posted October 15, 2015 We are traveling on the Independence from Nov 16-Nov 21. We are also staying in a Junior suite, and this will be our second cruise with RCI. Those who have done this before, what do you think is the earlier time we could be at the airport for our return trip home? We are looking to fly out of Ft. Lauderdale. Thank you! It would help to know your scheduled arrival time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted October 15, 2015 For the ship? The Independence will be docked back in Fort Lauderdale by 7 AM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted October 15, 2015 #4 Share Posted October 15, 2015 For the ship? The Independence will be docked back in Fort Lauderdale by 7 AM Then if you are first in line for self-assist disembarkation, and there are no delays, you should be at the FLL airport by 8:30am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 Author #5 Share Posted October 15, 2015 That's good news. I was hoping to be there by 10! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Anyone else have input on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starry Eyes Posted October 15, 2015 #7 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Bob knows his stuff, so many of us see no need to respond after him. But since you want more input, I will point out that Bob said IF you are first in line for self disembarkation and IF there are no delays. Those are, of course, important IF's. On some cruises there can be quite a large number of people wanting early self disembarkation, so you may not be first, especially if self disembarkation becomes a disorganized mess. And while ships are not usually delayed, things happen (weather, medical, mechanical, etc) now and then to delay arrivals. Sometimes customs and immigration may not begin in a timely fashion, delaying even early guests. So, in summary, odds are Bob's estimate is a good one, but, as with all of life, sometimes stuff happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 Author #8 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Gotcha, thank you. So maybe I should play 9:30-9:45 to be safe! There is a 10:50 flight we'd like to make. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toddy709 Posted October 15, 2015 #9 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Just off the IOS October 11. It was almost 11:00 before we disembarked due to some delay with customs. After that, I'll never book a flight out before noon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 15, 2015 Author #10 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Just off the IOS October 11. It was almost 11:00 before we disembarked due to some delay with customs. After that, I'll never book a flight out before noon. Hmm, this is a concern of mine as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starry Eyes Posted October 15, 2015 #11 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Just off the IOS October 11. It was almost 11:00 before we disembarked due to some delay with customs. After that, I'll never book a flight out before noon. Did you do self disembarkation? If so, when did you line up to disembark? Or if you put your luggage out in the hall, did you have an early, middle of late tag number. Sometimes there are customs delays from the get-go, slowing even the first people off the ship. More often though, if there is such a customs delays, it seem to get worse as disembarkation proceeds. op, a 10:50 flight is a calculated risk. If you do self disembarkation, I think the odds are in your favor. Still it is worth considering if (1) the early flight will stress you or your loved ones while on the vacation and (2) is there an easy backup plan if delays keep you from making that flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wants2cruise2 Posted October 16, 2015 #12 Share Posted October 16, 2015 I have had 1.5-2 hour customs delays at Ft Lauderdale. Always have a back up plan if you are before 11:30 I would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc2725 Posted October 16, 2015 Author #13 Share Posted October 16, 2015 Thank you to all who posted. I'm thinking a flight between 11:30-12:30 now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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