Allure self disembarking

[cruisebunnies]

OK CRUISE CRITICERS,

We are on the Allure next April and would like to selfdisembark but, I am confused.

Do we just leave the ship whenever we please after all clear?What do the other passengers do as they wait for us to clear?Will the selfdisembarkers create a backlog at the gangway?

Will we beat the rush at the taxi stand?

Any help appreciated.:cool:

[cruisinpips]

When we cruised Allure 2 yrs ago, we did self assist and were were one of the first 20 ppl off the ship and actually beat all the taxis there. No taxis present, but as the line started forming taxis began to show up and we actually caught a van with a few others and were at the airport so early we couldn't check in yet. Each cruise may be different, but this was our experience.

[TBone2K]

If you self-disembark they will give you a time when you are supposed to leave, which is usually first along with the suite guests. However you don't have to leave at that time. When DW and I self-disembark, we usually take the time to go up and have a non-rushed breakfast, go back and get our bags and hang near the exit while waiting for a break in the traffic (just make sure to tell your SA you aren't leaving yet so they can plan to clean your room later).

 

LEaving early is less busy, but my own finding is unless you wait until the very end you are going to get stuck in the customs line anyway. We have never taken a cab, but I never saw a shortage at any time.

 

Others go it on their own because they want to get off the ship ASAP to catch a flight or get an early start on the drive home.

[bilyclub]

Be aware, they have people standing by the escalators that go down to the main level of the terminal. If they decide that a person can not properly control their luggage on the escalator, that person must get into the line for the elevator.

[heartscontent]

I have used Express disembarkation a number of times, with very different results. The process on Oasis and Allure is definitely slower than on the smaller ships. On Oasis, we were among the first to line up to leave at the earliest possible opportunity (6:30ish) because we had very early flights. We managed to disembark within half an hour. On our most recent trip on Allure, we waited until the latter end of the Express walk off window and there was absolutely nothing 'express' about it! We waited in long lines for over an hour as there are so few customs agents available to process people. If you have only one piece of luggage and therefore have one completely free hand, you can speed up the process a bit as they will allow you to use the escalator to descend to the customs hall instead of waiting for an elevator. Once you are through customs, proceed out the doors to the taxi and shuttle stands.

[LuCruise]

I have used Express disembarkation a number of times, with very different results. The process on Oasis and Allure is definitely slower than on the smaller ships. On Oasis, we were among the first to line up to leave at the earliest possible opportunity (6:30ish) because we had very early flights. We managed to disembark within half an hour. On our most recent trip on Allure, we waited until the latter end of the Express walk off window and there was absolutely nothing 'express' about it! We waited in long lines for over an hour as there are so few customs agents available to process people. If you have only one piece of luggage and therefore have one completely free hand, you can speed up the process a bit as they will allow you to use the escalator to descend to the customs hall instead of waiting for an elevator. Once you are through customs, proceed out the doors to the taxi and shuttle stands.

 

 

 

Do you remember the range for express walk off? Sounds like maybe somewhere in the middle would work.

[cb at sea]

You can pretty much leave when you want to....although they ask the self-carry folks to get the hell out ASAP.....no one will stop you if you leave a bit later. They want the ship cleared by 10am at the latest...they try for earlier.

 

We've never carried our own bags off....we tell them we have an early flight (which is true) and we're in one of the 1st groups off...not a hassle...not a big deal!

[heartscontent]

I find it funny that they have changed the name from "Express Walk Off" to "Self Disembarkation" given my earlier comment! I can't remember the exact window; maybe someone else can help out with that detail. My best guess is 6:30 to 7:30. If you have a really early flight I would be waiting by 6:15 with luggage in hand for the doors to open. One other thing I will mention, a taxi should cost you less than $20 from the port to FLL. On our last cruise, rather than waiting for a taxi, we were lured into a waiting shuttle bus with the promise of a $20 ride but once we arrived at the airport, they wanted $20 each so be careful.

Enjoy your cruise!

[mcatmcat]

I don't know about the Allure but I did it once because I have a class that I couldn't miss and the lines were crazy. Everyone was so mad with an upset look that I promised myself never to end a vacation like that.

[Scootch]

I have used Express disembarkation a number of times, with very different results. The process on Oasis and Allure is definitely slower than on the smaller ships. On Oasis, we were among the first to line up to leave at the earliest possible opportunity (6:30ish) because we had very early flights. We managed to disembark within half an hour. On our most recent trip on Allure, we waited until the latter end of the Express walk off window and there was absolutely nothing 'express' about it! We waited in long lines for over an hour as there are so few customs agents available to process people. If you have only one piece of luggage and therefore have one completely free hand, you can speed up the process a bit as they will allow you to use the escalator to descend to the customs hall instead of waiting for an elevator. Once you are through customs, proceed out the doors to the taxi and shuttle stands.

 

Very similar experience.

 

We prefer self disembark because we like early flights home. 2 yrs ago on Allure we waited a while before heading out of our cabin for the disembark process and experienced longer lines. The entire process took a lil over an hour. Last year we headed down as soon as the ship got her all clear, we were escorted into a lounge to sit for about 10-15 min, then the process down the steps and into customs began.

The key to successful disembark is being prepared and being organized; having documents in hand, and being able to handle your own luggage.

 

Happy, safe sailing~