A completely different disembarkation plan - with no lines! It works!

[cruisinfanatic]

What Rccl need to do is let these people get off the ship with self disembarkation at anytime during those hours. Ncl does this and I love it. I just went along the line and bypass the luggage staging area and straight to cba.

 

 

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They can

[Paulette3028]

What Rccl need to do is let these people get off the ship with self disembarkation at anytime during those hours. Ncl does this and I love it. I just went along the line and bypass the luggage staging area and straight to cba.

 

 

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We do self disembarkation and get into line at any time we want....we don't get up at a ridiculous hour in the morning to get our spot in line. We leave our luggage in our cabin and get breakfast, then return to cabin retrieve the luggage and we are on our way off the ship. We don't have a flight to catch, so if someone has a very early flight then they need to be one of the first off the plane -- and that is a different hassle.

[Ocean Boy]

What Rccl need to do is let these people get off the ship with self disembarkation at anytime during those hours. Ncl does this and I love it. I just went along the line and bypass the luggage staging area and straight to cba.

 

 

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On Oasis they asked self assist people to plan on leaving between 6:30 and 8:30. You could walk off any time. I am quite sure if you showed up after 8:30they would keep you from leaving because you happened to have a suit case with you. we left our cabin at 7:40 for the last time and walked off the ship with no line and no waiting.

[pjnj40]

I am not arguing here it just the way it written on paper it only allowed in the wee hours. That what it said on my last cruise. I am not sure how many people follow that written paper anyway.

 

 

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[Biker19]

I am not arguing here it just the way it written on paper it only allowed in the wee hours. That what it said on my last cruise. I am not sure how many people follow that written paper anyway.

About as many as follow the embarkation appointment time.:cool:

[CruisingChick]

About as many as follow the embarkation appointment time.:cool:

 

I think even more don't follow the embarkation appointment time as it's a joke.

[pjnj40]

I agree that appointment time is a joke. I got there when I can. It hard to predict what time you get there. especially the traffic, line coordination, parking etc

 

 

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[island lady]

And if everyone followed that suggested embarkation time, there would be many standing in line after final boarding time has passed. :eek:

Edited February 23, 2016 by island lady

[CruisingChick]

I agree that appointment time is a joke. I got there when I can. It hard to predict what time you get there. especially the traffic, line coordination, parking etc

 

 

Exactly. We always drive to Cape Liberty and we have to leave early or we'd never get there. The traffic on I95, Cross Bronx, George Washington Bridge and Jersey Turnpike are almost always a nightmare. It's taken us as long as 2 and a half hours to go 58 miles. So I am planning on getting there at 10:30 am. I don't care if you say my appointment time is 1 - 1:30 pm.

 

Using the new cruising motto of "It's my vacation", if I can eat and go to shows when I want to, then I should be able to check in when I want to.

Edited February 23, 2016 by CruisingChick

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

That's the key. Happened to us once, someone took one of our bags by mistake. What a pain to get it back. Now we always get off the ship with the lowest luggage tag number we can get.

 

That happened to my sister when debarking Freedom of the Seas. It was a long process to get the bag back. Then the people who had taken her bag by mistake blamed her! I just couldn't figure out their logic. I mean if they had her bag, how could it be her fault? They left the ship well before she did.

[Desert Cruizers]

Our last cruise on the Serenade, we didn't feel rushed as I had set us up to spend one night in FLL and catch an early flight back to Calif. If we had flown home the day of disembarking with a 2 PM flight, it would have been around 10 PM when we got home. We had a nice leisurely day, saw some sights & got our 7 AM flight the next AM and arrived at our airport at 11:30 AM rested. I did find out I can go on a 15 day cruise with a carry on.

[pjnj40]

Exactly especially in that area where there tons of in and off construction.

 

 

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[yuvraj]

My sister does a lot of cruises and takes a similar approach although she might not wait to be the last one off the ship.

 

Does make sense to take your time and get off the ship after the mad rush is over.

 

I prefer to get up early, get organised, avoid the rush for breakfast and get off the ship at a reasonable time.

[grandgeezer]

So many threads about disembarkation, lines, and getting to the airport. Thought I would share how we do it:

 

This only works if you can book a flight that leaves at or after 12:30pm. Put your luggage out the night before (no dragging it through and off the ship with this plan! No packed elevators!). Don't worry about what number you are assigned. Better yet, ask to be assigned to the LAST group!

 

Here's what you do the last day of your cruise:

1) Sleep in! Well, sleep in til 7 or 7:30.

 

2) Head to MDR (if open) or buffet as late as possible for breakfast.

 

3) Linger and enjoy your last breakfast! Watch everyone scrambling around like crazy. Yes, the buffet will be packed- but so what? You're not in a hurry!

 

4) After breakfast, find yourself a cozy spot. A seat up on an outside deck, the promenade is nice, or maybe a soft comfy chair in a lounge somewhere. (Some areas may be off limits the last day, but that's ok- you'll find a spot.)

 

5) When the very last group is called to exit (maybe around 9:30 or so), wait another ten minutes, then begin to make your way out. You'll be among the last hundred or so people off the ship. Lines will be moving along as the bulk of the passengers are gone!

 

6) When you get to the luggage claim area, there will only be a few dozen suitcases left. So EASY to spot your own! Plenty of room to wheel/negotiate. No lines going through customs, either!

 

7) Arrive at the airport AFTER the morning rush. A much better way to end your cruise!

 

Now this won't work for everyone...but it's our preferred method! Just thought I'd share!

 

This is pretty inconsiderate of the people doing B2B cruises. They can't get off, then back on until all the other passengers are off. The two benefits of doing a B2B is not having to pack the night before and getting back on an empty ship. It gives you time to have a quiet relaxing lunch and some quiet time before the madhouse begins. In December we did a B2B on Celebrity Silhouette and the last call was 9:15 and it was after 10 before they got everybody off. We boarded about 20 minutes before the masses. So much for the relaxing lunch and quiet time.

[Clarea]

That happened to my sister when debarking Freedom of the Seas. It was a long process to get the bag back. Then the people who had taken her bag by mistake blamed her! I just couldn't figure out their logic. I mean if they had her bag, how could it be her fault? They left the ship well before she did.

Very similar to our situation. The guy who took our bag was mad at us.

[bouhunter]

""When the very last group is called to exit (maybe around 9:30 or so), wait another ten minutes,""

 

 

Nice way to assure you're labeled as an inconsiderate slacker both here and by the ship employees trying to get things ready....:rolleyes:

Edited February 23, 2016 by bouhunter

[TravelerThom]

This is pretty inconsiderate of the people doing B2B cruises. They can't get off, then back on until all the other passengers are off. The two benefits of doing a B2B is not having to pack the night before and getting back on an empty ship. It gives you time to have a quiet relaxing lunch and some quiet time before the madhouse begins. In December we did a B2B on Celebrity Silhouette and the last call was 9:15 and it was after 10 before they got everybody off. We boarded about 20 minutes before the masses. So much for the relaxing lunch and quiet time.

There is nothing preventing a B2B being the first person off the ship; you can leave and do anything you want for the day. It is true that B2B can't get back on the ship until the ship has cleared, but in all my B2Bs I don't think there has ever been more than 20 minutes between B2B reboarding and new passengers. Your expectation of "a quiet relaxing lunch and some quiet time" is unlikely to EVER be met.

 

The problem with OP's "completely different disembarkation plan" is that it usually doesn't work nearly as well as presented. When I have tried it (more than once [including 2 weeks ago off Oasis], being one of the last to leave the ship), there was still a hold on the pier before they allowed groups of people to enter baggage claim (no, you were not allowed to bypass this), and then still over 1000 people waiting to see a CBP agent.

 

Thom

[tmac04]

We did this on our Oasis trip. We even played a round of mini golf! :D

[Big_G]

We did the luggage valet service for the first time a couple weeks ago. Only one of us had to pay the $20 to have our 2 large cases (Southwest Free) transported. Will never do it another way!

 

It's a beautiful thing isn't it. :D

[Royal2464]

As a frequent back to back cruiser I can tell you it is very frustrating and annoying to have to wait an extended period of time after the last luggage tag has been called. It is not uncommon to have to wait at least 30 minutes until the last stragglers have been found and escorted off the ship. Thinking only of yourself creates a huge inconvenience for the crew and those folks waiting to board for the next cruise. Follow you plan, but when the last number is called GET OFF THE SHIP!

[grandgeezer]

There is nothing preventing a B2B being the first person off the ship; you can leave and do anything you want for the day. It is true that B2B can't get back on the ship until the ship has cleared, but in all my B2Bs I don't think there has ever been more than 20 minutes between B2B reboarding and new passengers. Your expectation of "a quiet relaxing lunch and some quiet time" is unlikely to EVER be met.

 

The problem with OP's "completely different disembarkation plan" is that it usually doesn't work nearly as well as presented. When I have tried it (more than once [including 2 weeks ago off Oasis], being one of the last to leave the ship), there was still a hold on the pier before they allowed groups of people to enter baggage claim (no, you were not allowed to bypass this), and then still over 1000 people waiting to see a CBP agent.

 

Thom

 

Some of us don't want to get off the ship at all on turnaround day. We prefer the half day for rest and relaxation until the mad house begins. Rules are rules and should apply to everybody.

Guess again. We've done 8 B2Bs and until the last one, we've always been back on the ship no later than 9:45. Normally they start boarding between 10:45 and 11am.

[micmacmissy]

As a frequent back to back cruiser I can tell you it is very frustrating and annoying to have to wait an extended period of time after the last luggage tag has been called. It is not uncommon to have to wait at least 30 minutes until the last stragglers have been found and escorted off the ship. Thinking only of yourself creates a huge inconvenience for the crew and those folks waiting to board for the next cruise. Follow you plan, but when the last number is called GET OFF THE SHIP!

 

Thinking only of myself? Not sure how you got that impression...I actually think it's more COURTEOUS to let those with early flights or who are in a rush go first...

 

In no way did I advocate hiding on the ship past the last number to be the last off. Merely suggested that after the last number is called is a good time to go, as the majority of crowds will be gone and there will be no lines to stand in.

 

Getting off the ship and having to wait to reboard in between B2B cruises is definitely a first world problem. :rolleyes:

Edited February 23, 2016 by micmacmissy

[micmacmissy]

""When the very last group is called to exit (maybe around 9:30 or so), wait another ten minutes,""

 

 

Nice way to assure you're labeled as an inconsiderate slacker both here and by the ship employees trying to get things ready....:rolleyes:

 

Clearly you misunderstood, my friend. I exit my stateroom at the appropriate time, do not linger in the restaurant/buffet, and wait in an unobtrusive area for the last number to be called. I simply meant I'm not rushing out.

 

I in no way hinder the ship employees trying to get things ready, nor do I advocate for others to do so. Not sure where you got that idea; each cruise may vary in disembark times...don't take things too literally.

[micmacmissy]

This is pretty inconsiderate of the people doing B2B cruises. They can't get off, then back on until all the other passengers are off. The two benefits of doing a B2B is not having to pack the night before and getting back on an empty ship. It gives you time to have a quiet relaxing lunch and some quiet time before the madhouse begins. In December we did a B2B on Celebrity Silhouette and the last call was 9:15 and it was after 10 before they got everybody off. We boarded about 20 minutes before the masses. So much for the relaxing lunch and quiet time.

 

That's funny...I thought the main benefit of doing a B2B is that you get an extra week of cruising! I stand corrected: now I know most people do B2Bs for that awesome and relaxing quiet time on turnaround day. :o

Edited February 23, 2016 by micmacmissy

[LMaxwell]

As a frequent back to back cruiser I can tell you it is very frustrating and annoying to have to wait an extended period of time after the last luggage tag has been called. It is not uncommon to have to wait at least 30 minutes until the last stragglers have been found and escorted off the ship. Thinking only of yourself creates a huge inconvenience for the crew and those folks waiting to board for the next cruise. Follow you plan, but when the last number is called GET OFF THE SHIP!

 

If you are B2B why can't you be the last off and first back on? :confused: