Equinox eisembarkation and early flight from FFL

[hallasm]

I have posted this problem on both 'Celebrity Cruises' and 'Florida Departures' forums.

 

I've got a problem! I need to be back in Denmark on Saturday morning after I arrive at Port Everglades on Celebrity Equinox, Friday, March 4, 2016!

 

Usually, I never book flight until after noon, but in this case I have to take a risk. Hoping for the best and planning for a positive result.

 

Equinox docks in Port Everglades at 7 am - and I have a United flight out of FLL at 10am bound for Newark (EWR) - from here I will continue to Copenhagen.

I have priority status (Star Alliance Gold) and thus the first-class check-in and fast track in FLL.

 

I will of course try to disembark as early as possible. Anyone having experience? How soon can I expect to disembark and get through immigration and customs (not an US citizen)? and what is the best type of transport from the quay to the airport?

 

I have contingency plans in case of delays or problems, but would very much like to reach UA1985 at 10 am.

 

Hoping to get some good advice for my planning - thank you in advance.

[2theship]

It's a quick taxi ride from Port Everglades to FLL. You should plan to self-disembark, meaning that you keep all of your luggage with you in the cabin and you must carry it all with you from your cabin to the gangway. Your group will be called first so that will hopefully put you near the front of the immigration checkpoint.

 

It's a risk, of course, because things can go wrong with the ship's arrival in port but far more often than not, the chances are you'd be successful. You are wise to have a contingency plan.

[roxievegas]

agree with everything said in the previous response. We kept our luggage with us, found out that they were letting people off near the casino and we lined up by 7:00 - we were off the ship and through customs by 7:30 a.m. - we had a prepaid shuttle and we were at the airport in less than 15 minutes. If all the stars are lined in your favor, you should have no problems.

[hallasm]

Thank you 2theship and roxievegas

You made my day.

Normally I'm the last person to leave the cruise ship.

And yes, as a frequent traveler and with 25 cruises I know something can go wrong. But I do have a much better feeling for success now.

Thank you

[port msp]

It's good to have contingencies in place. Things happen. The travel machine is complex and made up of many parts. Any single part breaking can cause a lot of problems downstream. I've made it to FLL from Port Everglades before 8am, but I've also not (self)disembarked until 1230pm. (On the Eurodam in 2010, they couldn't get the anchor up at Half Moon Cay because of a burned out motor or some such, the ship left hours late, putting us in at Port Everglades around noon) There are a lot of variables, but things usually go smoothly. Checking a port schedule for March 4, there are two ships in port that day, Equinox and Island Princess. The port load for the day is 4826 passengers. That's helpful. March 13 has a port load of 16,409. Yikes!

 

As already stated, you'll need to self-disembark. I'd only take bags I can easily carry and manage on my own. Packing very light should be the rule on this trip. On our last few cruises, I've ended up carrying our bags down steps as opposed to waiting for an elevator. It can take ages. They always seem to be packed with people. Getting a cab to FLL is easy, and it's a short ride.

 

Good luck.

[hallasm]

Thank you port map

With 25 cruises I also have experienced delays - things might happened.

But I cross my fingers - and hope for a smooth transfer.

[dodger1964]

We self disembarked this am on silouette. Very organized.

 

When walking to customs building they were already forklift moving carts with luggage to the building. And we were off in first 10 minutes of opening.

 

So I would say, self disembark is best, but I'll bet if u r in the first group of regular "checked luggage" people u would/should have plenty of time.

 

Plenty of taxis this am.

[hallasm]

dodger1964 - thank you for sharing your recent experience. Made my day even better.

[az_tchr]

The biggest issues are:

 

How many ships are arriving that day. If over 4 then the US Customs staff will be spread thin - read slow. I would speak to customer relations and see if they can assist you in getting off promptly.

 

You obviously have it to carry your bags. The luggage valet is not posible as your flight is too early.

 

Then little you can do about getting through airport security at FLL. Have walked thru and also waiting for an hour. Do you have a priority pass such as Global Entry or are you flying first class. Either would let you go through the TSA pre line which is faster and easier.

[hallasm]

Only two ships that day - Equinox and Island Princess - both ships arriving 7 am

 

I do have priority status (Star Alliance Gold) - Check-in must be completed 09:15

[omeinv]

To add to the good news; I disembarked the Equinox on Dec 11. I used the self-debark, did not particularly rush, and we were on the curb by 8:00 AM. I had booked a 12:25 flight, and was in the terminal, before 9:00 AM, settling in for a long wait. Then the airline called me up and moved me to a 10:30 flight. I still had an hour to wait.

 

Not only does self-debark get you off first, it also precludes a chance for a luggage issue. Barring a major issue, I think you'll be fine.

 

Harris

Denver, CO

[chemmo]

Great advice from all the above! Sincere best wishes that all goes well.

 

Can I suggest you load on your iPad or phone a couple of alternative schedules which may still make your connection and/or a couple of alternative full routes with United and partners so if anything does go wrong you can actually approach the United desk with 'can you get us on the X timed flight with y to Newark?'. Just saves a few minutes, rather than desk staff searching....

 

Also is your ticket transferable or can you pay additional so you can reschedule if necessary?

 

I only suggest these ideas to try and take some of the anxiety off the morning...I always try, like yourself, to book later to prevent the stress of disembarkation meaning by the time I am at the gate I am ready for another holiday!

 

Sincere best wishes, have a great cruise!

[hallasm]

Great advice from all the above!

 

Thank you omeinv and chemmo, and thank you to all for the very useful advise. Now I'm sleeping much better.

 

I'm a Star Alliance frequent traveller and does have an emergence number for my 'home carrier' Scandinavian Airlines. I have always got excellent help in cases of delays or strikes during the past 20 years.

 

I did have cancelled flights due to Lufthansa strike when going for a cruise out of Venice in November - Scandinavian did help me to get a flight with Alitalia which is in SkyTeam alliance.

Many fellow cruisers from Germany or travelling with Lufthansa that day, did not make the cruise.

[wallie5446]

And yes, as a frequent traveler and with 25 cruises I know something can go wrong.

 

You have the history, so know what you have to do, for your flight to be made.

 

We sailed the 11 day route on the Equinox in 2014 and made a Friday 9:35 am flight. The Port Everglades to FLL is the only place we will attempt this.

EW

[dodger1964]

You have the history, so know what you have to do, for your flight to be made.

 

We sailed the 11 day route on the Equinox in 2014 and made a Friday 9:35 am flight. The Port Everglades to FLL is the only place we will attempt this.

EW

 

We also have made early flight in San Juan twice. 930 flight.

 

I add SJU onto FLL for our list. (and consider MIA very doable in most cases....others don't but we do)

[wallie5446]

We also have made early flight in San Juan twice. 930 flight.

 

I add SJU onto FLL for our list. (and consider MIA very doable in most cases....others don't but we do)

 

Now that is hustle at it greatest! :)

[cruiserone]

Can you check in 24hrs preflight? That would help you. Are you TSA approved? That would help.

 

We also are departing the Equinox in March, for a 10AM flight to Philly. Let's all pray we get there:eek:

 

Happy Sailing!

[wendyatpml]

We were on the Infinity in November, It arrived at 7AM. We were waiting to get off at 6:45 because we were told that line gets long. We had our luggage, got through customs and in a taxi and at the airport before 8AM. We also had a 10AM flight to Philly. I would only attempt this at FLL.

[andymattmom]

We just made a 1045am flight off the Equinox on Monday. We did have backup plans knowing there could be glitches. Following advice here we lined up way early, we were in line at 630AM and had maybe 20 people in front of us. Line got long very fast. Debarkation started at 720am. We were through customs and checked in at our gate at 810am. I have never seen airport security like FLL. Not many in front of us but slow, rude workers.

 

Good luck....enjoy the trip and glad to hear you have backup just in case. Know people disagree on early flights but think if you know there could be issues and have backup you are in good shspe.

[hallasm]

Can you check in 24hrs preflight? That would help you. Are you TSA approved? That would help.

 

Yes, I can check in at Unites and also at First Class counter.

Unfortunately not TSA approved - Danes not eligible, yet.

 

We were on the Infinity in November, It arrived at 7AM. We were waiting to get off at 6:45 because we were told that line gets long. We had our luggage, got through customs and in a taxi and at the airport before 8AM. We also had a 10AM flight to Philly. I would only attempt this at FLL.

 

We just made a 1045am flight off the Equinox on Monday. We did have backup plans knowing there could be glitches. Following advice here we lined up way early, we were in line at 630AM and had maybe 20 people in front of us. Line got long very fast. Debarkation started at 720am. We were through customs and checked in at our gate at 810am. I have never seen airport security like FLL. Not many in front of us but slow, rude workers.

 

Thank you wendyatpml and andymattmom - good with some proof statements.

 

 

Thank you andymattmom and

[MarKay525]

I thought I'd heard/read that if you use the services of a Porter once in the luggage barn you get through customs faster.

 

Can anyone confirm?

 

If so, it would probably be worth the cost of the tip if things look slow.

 

Enjoy the Equinox! Hope you have a great New England cruise in the Fall.

Edited January 14, 2016 by MarKay525

[2theship]

I thought I'd heard/read that if you use the services of a Porter once in the luggage barn you get through customs faster.

 

 

 

Can anyone confirm?

 

 

 

If so, it would probably be worth the cost of the tip if things look slow.

 

 

 

Enjoy the Equinox! Hope you have a great New England cruise in the Fall.

 

 

We usually don't use a porter but we shared one once. This teeny-tiny woman kept pushing this large cart of luggage aggressively through the crowd and we suddenly found ourselves at the front. So, yes guess a porter might be a good idea.

[Benthayer Gonbak]

I have posted this problem on both 'Celebrity Cruises' and 'Florida Departures' forums.

 

I've got a problem! I need to be back in Denmark on Saturday morning after I arrive at Port Everglades on Celebrity Equinox, Friday, March 4, 2016!

 

Usually, I never book flight until after noon, but in this case I have to take a risk. Hoping for the best and planning for a positive result.

 

Equinox docks in Port Everglades at 7 am - and I have a United flight out of FLL at 10am bound for Newark (EWR) - from here I will continue to Copenhagen.

I have priority status (Star Alliance Gold) and thus the first-class check-in and fast track in FLL.

 

I will of course try to disembark as early as possible. Anyone having experience? How soon can I expect to disembark and get through immigration and customs (not an US citizen)? and what is the best type of transport from the quay to the airport?

 

I have contingency plans in case of delays or problems, but would very much like to reach UA1985 at 10 am.

 

Hoping to get some good advice for my planning - thank you in advance.

 

I've made that type of connection easily from Port Everglades to FLL. Almost made one from Miami to FLL too. Miami was late with immigrations, including the crew first, it was raining and the luggage was late and a lot of it soaked (not that anyone that had connections was complaining), the taxi got me there at 10 minutes before 10 which isn't a viable connection, but the airline worked with me to get me on another flight.

 

Please remember that things can go wrong, and often do. We were told, while waiting for a back to back reboard, that there had been an incident where another ship had had someone jump from the ship. That pretty much delayed all ships in the area and that one in particular for over 4 hours. And then there was a Norwegian ship that lost power control within sight of the dock in New Jersey. It took over 4 hours for them to get a tug to bring them in. Stuff happens, but if everything goes reasonably well 10am at FLL is doable for domestic. I'm assuming that international may be a bit tighter connection. By all means use a cab though!!!

[Benthayer Gonbak]

Thank you omeinv and chemmo, and thank you to all for the very useful advise. Now I'm sleeping much better.

 

I'm a Star Alliance frequent traveller and does have an emergence number for my 'home carrier' Scandinavian Airlines. I have always got excellent help in cases of delays or strikes during the past 20 years.

 

I did have cancelled flights due to Lufthansa strike when going for a cruise out of Venice in November - Scandinavian did help me to get a flight with Alitalia which is in SkyTeam alliance.

Many fellow cruisers from Germany or travelling with Lufthansa that day, did not make the cruise.

 

 

I cruised out of Lisbon in November and also was booked on Lufthansa. My travel agent's consolidator did the negotiating and had me rerouted before I knew I had a problem! Not the best replacement flight but it got me there in time! My airline notes said that I was connecting with a cruise which my agent said helped!

 

I wanted to mention, after reading some other posts, I did the connection at 10 am Port Everglades to FLL without a walk off, and still had plenty of time! Nevertheless, if at all possible I'd go with the walk off if you can! I have the advantage in customs that I have a walker and that gets me through faster. I noticed in New Jersey that having a baggage handler can sometimes to the same thing! I think we caught a cab at 8:30am which was plenty of time for the short ride to the airport!

[Benthayer Gonbak]

Yes, I can check in at Unites and also at First Class counter.

Unfortunately not TSA approved - Danes not eligible, yet.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you wendyatpml and andymattmom - good with some proof statements.

 

 

Thank you andymattmom and

 

 

I was surprised to find a pre-TSA on my last two SWA tickets. The last one my husband wasn't included for some odd reason! I found the TSA group in December very cordial but they weren't particularly busy either. Since I now set off the alarms, always, and I cannot stand in the x-ray machine I know I'm in for the checking. it was more thorough that usual, but still also nicer. The best I've seen was in Nice right after the Paris "incident"! They were smiling and allowed me help to find what they were looking for!