Celebrity Silhouette Disembarkation

[daydreamcruiser]

First, thank you to all who take the time to contribute to this wonderful forum and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us fellow cruisers. I am constantly amazed by and grateful for all the information from each of you.

 

I have read several comments from December posts regarding complications with disembarkation from the Silhouette that has me reaching out to those of you who have disembarked recently. My friend and I will be boarding the Silhouette this Sunday, February 14, and and I'm somewhat concerned with the issues raised related to gathering on Deck 3 while having to disembark on Deck 2 without the use of elevators, long waits, etc.

 

I like to self-disembark with my own luggage and am curious from resent cruisers if these issues remain. If so, do you have any suggestions to those of us who like to self-disembark to make the process easier? What time did you start the disembarkation process? Where would you suggest the best place to wait in order to get off the ship first or close to first?

 

I would appreciate hearing your input to improve this process. Thank you.

[amyr]

We just did self-disembark off Silhouette on Sunday. It went pretty well. We went down about 6:45 and were at the front of Line 2 to roll off. We were on Deck 3, and they did a terrific job of lining all the luggage up so there wasn't mayhem and pushing and shoving. They called for Line 1 at about 7:40, and it went really fast. Our line was moving about 5-10 minutes later. We were in our car and exiting the garage at 8:00.

 

That being said, yes you will have to carry your bags down one flight of stairs to Deck 2, but self disembark requires you to be able to carry your own luggage to participate, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. We did see a lot of people that had too much luggage, and they shouldn't have been there. That can gum up the works.

 

It was about 100 yards from the ship's exit to Immigration, and double that back to the garage after exiting Customs, so make sure your stuff rolls easily.

[dibati2]

We sailed with Silhouette Nov 2015 and Jan 2016.

 

In Nov we chose to self disembark with luggage in tow it. It was very chaotic. We waited ages for an elevator, people we losing their cool and there wasn't enough staff around to direct the people traffic

 

Last weekend was a better experience. we had a later flight and gave Celebrity the luggage the evening before. We had tag #2 so we were off the ship by 8am. This time everything seemed more orderly.

 

Looks like they've worked the bugs out. Enjoy your cruise. Silhouette delivers a great cruise experience

[Tyler80]

I disembarked Silhouette in November. The issue that Silhouette has is it uses two separate buildings for loading and unloading. You embark the ship from it's actual terminal, and when you leave the ship you go to a second building where luggage is laid out. So they call numbers, you find your bags and get in line for customs. When we left, there were 4 CBP agents working for 2,800 guests. This slows things down greatly.

 

My flight wasn't until the next day, so we were 2nd to last number to be called. Our call time was suppose to be 9:15am. But we didn't get off the ship until 10am, and didn't make it to our hotel until 11:30am. It was a long process. That terminal needs to be torn down and rebuilt as 1 building with a separate luggage area.

[az_tchr]

No idea as to anything that can help. Those carrying their own luggage are pushing and shoving trying to make an early flight. If you want to simply walk off with no lines wait till about 9am or later.

 

Customs now accepts Global Entry so if you have one the there is not a line.

[JMG]

We returned from the Silhouette on 1/17.

 

We flew to the port so we were headed to the airport after disembark. We did the Luggage Valet program and it was worth every penny!

 

As part of the Luggage Valet program we could disembark at our leisure. Our flight was not until 2pm so we opted to do a nice breakfast and take out time getting off ship. We decided to leave around 9:30. It took a good hour to get to the Customs/Immigration check point.

 

As described, there are 2 buildings. It is a walk to get to the building, then people claim their luggage and regroup in lines for clear customs. It was something like a Disney line because just when you thought you were close, there was another maze of lines.

 

Then we had to walk around to get a taxi. HAL was on the opposite of the pier and passengers from both ships were being directed to the same taxi area. So, that took a little time as well.

 

It was probably the worst disembarkation we have experienced. But...it part of the process. While we did not look for Global Entry...we did not see a spot where you could jump ahead in the lines and did not see anyone get moved to the front.

 

You will have a great cruise! We absolutely enjoyed our week and would do it again in a heartbeat even with disembarkation lines.

[Nashna]

We returned from the Silhouette on 1/17.

 

We flew to the port so we were headed to the airport after disembark. We did the Luggage Valet program and it was worth every penny!

 

As part of the Luggage Valet program we could disembark at our leisure. Our flight was not until 2pm so we opted to do a nice breakfast and take out time getting off ship. We decided to leave around 9:30. It took a good hour to get to the Customs/Immigration check point.

 

As described, there are 2 buildings. It is a walk to get to the building, then people claim their luggage and regroup in lines for clear customs. It was something like a Disney line because just when you thought you were close, there was another maze of lines.

 

Then we had to walk around to get a taxi. HAL was on the opposite of the pier and passengers from both ships were being directed to the same taxi area. So, that took a little time as well.

 

It was probably the worst disembarkation we have experienced. But...it part of the process. While we did not look for Global Entry...we did not see a spot where you could jump ahead in the lines and did not see anyone get moved to the front.

 

You will have a great cruise! We absolutely enjoyed our week and would do it again in a heartbeat even with disembarkation lines.

 

JMG...Thank you for your post. We are going to be driving to Naples after our March 27th sailing and would like to avoid the lines to disembark. When were you required to vacate your room? Where did you wait? Were you one of the last off the ship?

[Gidget424]

We're first time cruisers and we're arranging for a tour shuttle to pick us up at the port and take us on a day tour of Rome before we check into our hotel in Rome. We have no idea what time to tell them to pick us up. What time are you required to leave your room for check out and debarkation and are we allowed to have breakfast beforehand? Does it make a difference if we're in an Aqua Class cabin? I believe our ship arrives at 5:00am in Rome on Oct 8th. We were thinking telling them to meet us around 9:30, is that too late?

[Hlitner]

We are sometimes surprised by how many folks want to haul their own luggage, get up very early, fight lines, etc. just to end their cruise vacation early. Sometimes we understand that airline situations demand this kind of early disembarkation. But many times it is just the preference of the cruiser. So call us contrarians, but we try to enjoy that last morning on any ship..by not rushing off at the crack of dawn. If possible, and if flying directly after the cruise, we will try to book a flight around noon (or early afternoon) if in Florida ports. On that last morning we will try to sleep as late as possible...but up early enough to get to breakfast (not an issue on HAL where you can get room service breakfast that last morning). After breakfast (towards the end of the lido opening...so that it is no longer very crowded) we stroll back to our cabin and quickly finish packing all our carry-off stuff. While folks are waiting in queues, working up a sweat, worrying about flights, etc...we then head up to the pool deck (if weather permits) where we sit in a deck lounger and relax with some coffee and our kindles. Meanwhile, down below, folks are crowding near the exit...working up a sweat (and tempers), waiting in lines to clear Passport control (where required)...and then trying to find their luggage. Or course the express debarkation folks have already dragged their luggage from their cabins, waited for an elevator (not easy to get on that last morning), dragged their luggage off the ship...etc. All this why we just relax on one of the top decks sipping our coffee and enjoying the lack of crowds.

 

Then, around 9:30 or a bit later, after most folks are long gone, we simply take the elevator down to the appropriate deck, walk off the ship (no lines), retrieve our luggage (easy to find since not much left), and walk outside where we will usually grab a taxi (with no lines) or a shuttle to a rental car place, hotel, etc.

 

Perhaps this comes with being seniors who have spent a lot of our lifetime traveling, but we really work at strategies for queue avoidance. Even on a ship we will seldom wait in line for anything. If folks like up for lunch at 11:45....we will simply not go to lunch until 12:45. On most ships we find that eating a late dinner (usually between 8 - 8:30) avoids most crowds, gets relaxing service (since the waiters are not worried about another sitting) and then we later go to the late shows (which are usually not too crowded) or do the pre-dinner shows intended for the late diners. When it comes to excursions, we seldom take any....since we prefer to do our own thing and avoid the waiting that seems to always happen with bus-size groups (there always seem to be one or two who hold up the entire bus).

 

Different folks for different folks. But we usually return from our trips (and we travel around 7 months a year) rested and relaxed.

 

Hank

[2theship]

We're first time cruisers and we're arranging for a tour shuttle to pick us up at the port and take us on a day tour of Rome before we check into our hotel in Rome. We have no idea what time to tell them to pick us up. What time are you required to leave your room for check out and debarkation and are we allowed to have breakfast beforehand? Does it make a difference if we're in an Aqua Class cabin? I believe our ship arrives at 5:00am in Rome on Oct 8th. We were thinking telling them to meet us around 9:30, is that too late?

 

 

We disembarked the Constellation in Civitavecchia in May. Because we were staying in Rome post-cruise, we were in no hurry but wanted to have plenty of time for our touring. We had a 9:00 a.m. pickup and it worked well. By 9:30, there may not be anyone left on the ship.

 

 

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[jelayne]

We're first time cruisers and we're arranging for a tour shuttle to pick us up at the port and take us on a day tour of Rome before we check into our hotel in Rome. We have no idea what time to tell them to pick us up. What time are you required to leave your room for check out and debarkation and are we allowed to have breakfast beforehand? Does it make a difference if we're in an Aqua Class cabin? I believe our ship arrives at 5:00am in Rome on Oct 8th. We were thinking telling them to meet us around 9:30, is that too late?

 

They want you out of your cabin and in one the waiting areas at 8. They stop serving breakfast at 8 as I recall.

[Madio]

We have Global Entry, but was not aware that it was an option at Port Everglades. Any particular info as to where I find it after next cruise, or maybe I should just find someone to ask?

[Madio]

Enjoyed your post Hlitner. Asking myself now, why rush? We are only catching a shuttle to "Park & Cruise" to retrieve our car, and driving home to Boca Raton. Will take your advice on our cruise in January, if possible. Does anyone know if Celebrity Silhouette will serve room service breakfast on disembarkation day? Or is that only HAL? What time must we vacate cabin? Leave ship? Relaxing on deck till the rat race is over sounds VERY appealing!

[CHEZMARYLOU]

You need to be out of the cabin by 8:00 and off the ship by 9:30 so that they can clear it for the passengers boarding for the next cruise.

 

Celebrity does not have room service on disembarkation day. The buffet and MDR will be open for breakfast, and Blu and Luminae if you are in Aqua Class or a Suite.

[hcat]

Ugh...we booked Silhouette again for 2018..

 

Until reading this, we forgot about the inconvenient disembarkation..certainly is a long walk outdoors with other folks trampling by..But that said, our Equinox disembark this past January was no picnic either..switched terminals and needing a shuttle to get back to our car in the mid port lot.

 

At this point we always do the early walk off...assured at least that our luggage will not go missing and avoiding the back ups from customs that get longer as time gets later. Pack light and get off early.

[Hlitner]

Will deal with two questions. Regarding room service on the last morning, that is not something that is done by Celebrity. The previous CEO was asked about it when he did an interview here on CC and he responded that Celebrity would never do room service on the last morning since the crew is too busy. That being said, HAL does this and somehow the crew can handle it...quite well :).

 

As to Global Entry....the only port that has it is Port Everglades. However, it is nothing like the Kiosks we find at international airports. At Port Everglades there will usually be a separate line (in the terminal) for Global Entry to clear Passport Control. There are no Kiosks, so you do still have to present your Passport to a CBP Officer. The only advantage is that the Global Entry Line is usually a lot shorter (especially for those leaving the ship at prime times).

 

And my "not so private" thoughts for Madio is why in the world are you rushing off the ship to simply drive up to Boca :). You could crawl off the ship at 10am...and still be home in plenty of time for lunch :).

 

Hank

Edited September 1, 2016 by Hlitner

[Madio]

You are SO right! Was asking myself the same question! I feel like Pavlov's Dog! Guess I always felt they want me off ASAP so they can clean for the next trip.

[Hlitner]

You are SO right! Was asking myself the same question! I feel like Pavlov's Dog! Guess I always felt they want me off ASAP so they can clean for the next trip.

 

LOL,,,,cannot wonder where you got that idea :D If you stay aboard long enough, there will eventually be a shipwide annoucement asking all remaining debarking passengers to leave (last call). In Florida ports this usually happens between 9:30 - 10....although we recall one cruise where we stayed aboard (at the pool deck) until around 10:30. In order to be respectful to the crew (especially our room stewards) we do try to get out of our cabin before 9...and plant ourselves in an area where we are out of the way. Our preference to the pool deck is because its very quiet, close to coffee (Lido), has comfy loungers, and we can glance down to the port to see how things are progressing. On one cruise there was another couple on the pool deck who had actually brought up a bottle of Champagne which they enjoyed with their coffee. They were fellow Aqua Class passengers and told us they simply saved their free bottle (in our cabins the first day) for this purpose. Thought that was a great idea :)

 

Hank

 

Hank

[Beancounter.Downunder]

We are sometimes surprised by how many folks want to haul their own luggage, get up very early, fight lines, etc. just to end their cruise vacation early. Sometimes we understand that airline situations demand this kind of early disembarkation. But many times it is just the preference of the cruiser. So call us contrarians, but we try to enjoy that last morning on any ship..by not rushing off at the crack of dawn. If possible, and if flying directly after the cruise, we will try to book a flight around noon (or early afternoon) if in Florida ports. On that last morning we will try to sleep as late as possible...but up early enough to get to breakfast (not an issue on HAL where you can get room service breakfast that last morning). After breakfast (towards the end of the lido opening...so that it is no longer very crowded) we stroll back to our cabin and quickly finish packing all our carry-off stuff. While folks are waiting in queues, working up a sweat, worrying about flights, etc...we then head up to the pool deck (if weather permits) where we sit in a deck lounger and relax with some coffee and our kindles. Meanwhile, down below, folks are crowding near the exit...working up a sweat (and tempers), waiting in lines to clear Passport control (where required)...and then trying to find their luggage. Or course the express debarkation folks have already dragged their luggage from their cabins, waited for an elevator (not easy to get on that last morning), dragged their luggage off the ship...etc. All this why we just relax on one of the top decks sipping our coffee and enjoying the lack of crowds.

 

Then, around 9:30 or a bit later, after most folks are long gone, we simply take the elevator down to the appropriate deck, walk off the ship (no lines), retrieve our luggage (easy to find since not much left), and walk outside where we will usually grab a taxi (with no lines) or a shuttle to a rental car place, hotel, etc.

 

Perhaps this comes with being seniors who have spent a lot of our lifetime traveling, but we really work at strategies for queue avoidance. Even on a ship we will seldom wait in line for anything. If folks like up for lunch at 11:45....we will simply not go to lunch until 12:45. On most ships we find that eating a late dinner (usually between 8 - 8:30) avoids most crowds, gets relaxing service (since the waiters are not worried about another sitting) and then we later go to the late shows (which are usually not too crowded) or do the pre-dinner shows intended for the late diners. When it comes to excursions, we seldom take any....since we prefer to do our own thing and avoid the waiting that seems to always happen with bus-size groups (there always seem to be one or two who hold up the entire bus).

 

Different folks for different folks. But we usually return from our trips (and we travel around 7 months a year) rested and relaxed.

 

Hank

 

Great advice Hank. We have an evening flight at the end of our cruise. We will follow your advice to the letter and more!:

Tareq and Ellen