Elite De-barkation how does it work?

[califgary]

Ive read that Elite folks have priority De-barkation - how does that work? Can you pick whatever time you want to leave the ship? We just made Elite hooray!

thanks for your info!

[VibeGuy]

By default, you're still assigned to a disembarkation group by cabin category and onward travel/transfer arrangements.

 

Where the benefit comes in is that you're allegedly prioritized for a change in that group to one of your preference, and rather than waiting in the assigned area for your desired group, you're waiting somewhere else, usually more pleasant and possibly less crowded.

 

On elite-heavy sailings, it's not guaranteed that you'll get your requested group, and once you've been assigned to the group you *think* you want, there's no going back and changing it, as on a recent disembarkation in LA, where as an Elite we were still sitting on the ship at 1:00pm with no viable exit strategy.

[Astro Flyer]

Here's the description from the Princess website for the Captain's Circle elite benefits:

 

Priority Disembarkation

 

"If you have independent onward travel you may contact the Circle Host towards the end of your voyage to state your request to disembark with your preferred disembarkation group. If you'd like to linger onboard longer, we'll be more than happy to give you a later disembarkation group. If you'd like to be one of the first groups to disembark, we'll gladly accommodate - the choice is yours!"

 

Instead of going to the area for the group's assignment you get to go to another location such as the Vista Lounge where they have coffee & pastries which is also available to platinum level passengers. I've been told by the Circle Host that when groups are ready to disembark those in the priority disembarkation lounge are allowed to go first before non-priority level (elite, platinum & suite) to get off the ship slightly earlier.

Edited April 15, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[paul929207]

The Priority for debarkation is a separate departure lounge for passengers in Suites, and those who are platinum or elite. There are coffee, tea, juice and some pastries there.

[Astro Flyer]

On elite-heavy sailings, it's not guaranteed that you'll get your requested group, and once you've been assigned to the group you *think* you want, there's no going back and changing it, as on a recent disembarkation in LA, where as an Elite we were still sitting on the ship at 1:00pm with no viable exit strategy.

As soon as I receive our assignment & want to change it I quickly go to the PSD to request a different group. If there's available space in the other group we make the change which has fortunately worked for us each time. There were over 1,200 elites on one of our cruises but by going quickly to the PSD we were able to change our group assignment.

[Happy2cruise]

Here's the description from the Princess website for the Captain's Circle elite benefits:

 

Priority Disembarkation

 

"If you have independent onward travel you may contact the Circle Host towards the end of your voyage to state your request to disembark with your preferred disembarkation group. "

 

We did this when we first turned Elite & the Circle Host looked at us like we had 2 heads each. She informed us she had nothing to do with anything related to disembarkation and we needed to go to Passenger Services :confused:. After that just didn't bother with Circle Host and always go directly to Passenger Services:D

[pris993]

Here's the description from the Princess website for the Captain's Circle elite benefits:

 

Priority Disembarkation

 

"If you have independent onward travel you may contact the Circle Host towards the end of your voyage to state your request to disembark with your preferred disembarkation group. If you'd like to linger onboard longer, we'll be more than happy to give you a later disembarkation group. If you'd like to be one of the first groups to disembark, we'll gladly accommodate - the choice is yours!"

 

Instead of going to the area for the group's assignment you get to go to another location such as the Vista Lounge where they have coffee & pastries which is also available to platinum level passengers. I've been told by the Circle Host that when groups are ready to disembark those in the priority disembarkation lounge are allowed to go first before non-priority level (elite, platinum & suite) to get off the ship slightly earlier.

 

This fits with our experience, we usually have independent arrangements after leaving the ship which we have pre arranged. We simply let that be known and usually get off that the time requested. If they give us something different I simply go to the customers service office and ask for a change. Actually that seems to work on most cruise lines whether elite or not. We cruise Princess, HAL, Cunard and Celebrity. We are elite on Princess and Celebrity only.

[IECalCruiser]

Even if you are in one of the early walk off groups, go to the Platinum/Elite/Suite Lounge. You should be allowed to disembark before other walk offs with your time and in some ports., such as is often the case at San Pedro, you will disembark through a different door and gangway which can get you to immigration quicker.

[Astro Flyer]

We did this when we first turned Elite & the Circle Host looked at us like we had 2 heads each. She informed us she had nothing to do with anything related to disembarkation and we needed to go to Passenger Services :confused:. After that just didn't bother with Circle Host and always go directly to Passenger Services:D

I only did this once because going to the PSD was an easier way for us to make a change. Even if the Circle Host accepts the request they probably just give it to the PSD so I eliminate the middleman unless there is a problem.

 

What? A Princess crewmember is unaware of a Princess policy? That would never happen, right? ;)

[Working 2 Cruise]

Exactly the same as platinum disembarkation!

[triple7tahoe]

PSD is the answer! We are elite and found, as previously stated, CC host will only send request to PSD. PSD is fully equipped and ready to handle. You will not be alone.

[sailaway2joy]

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[caribill]

Here's the description from the Princess website for the Captain's Circle elite benefits:

 

Priority Disembarkation

 

"If you have independent onward travel you may contact the Circle Host towards the end of your voyage to state your request to disembark with your preferred disembarkation group. If you'd like to linger onboard longer, we'll be more than happy to give you a later disembarkation group. If you'd like to be one of the first groups to disembark, we'll gladly accommodate - the choice is yours!"

 

 

Basically this benefit does not exist.

 

Any passenger at any loyalty status level can request a different disembarkation time if the one automatically assigned does not fit their desires.

 

Usually the exchange of times/luggage tags is at the Purser's desk, but it could instead be at the shore excursion desk or even at a special table set up for this purpose.

[fishywood]

Basically this benefit does not exist.

 

Any passenger at any loyalty status level can request a different disembarkation time if the one automatically assigned does not fit their desires.

 

Usually the exchange of times/luggage tags is at the Purser's desk, but it could instead be at the shore excursion desk or even at a special table set up for this purpose.

 

On Emerald earlier this month they used the Circle Host's desk for all inquiries regarding luggage tags. Just as you said, same "benefit" for everyone.

Edited April 16, 2016 by fishywood

[easyboy]

Ive read that Elite folks have priority De-barkation - how does that work? Can you pick whatever time you want to leave the ship? We just made Elite hooray!

thanks for your info!

Just go to the Elite lounge, You can change your color-coded luggage tags for your preferred time with PSD

[wishfulone]

Platinum and Elite are entitled to go to the private disembarkation lounge regardless of the tag on your suitcase. Your choice of group has nothing to do with it. You'll be called to disembark just like all other members of your group but you'll be seated in a less crowded lounge, have access to tea, coffee and pasteries (mini muffins too if you're lucky) and better internet access which will remain until you disembark provided you have some minutes left of course.

[wishfulone]

Ive read that Elite folks have priority De-barkation - how does that work? Can you pick whatever time you want to leave the ship? We just made Elite hooray!

thanks for your info!

Elite have preferred disembarkation at all ports of call. For example, if going ashore independedntly at tender ports, Elite are entitled to board the first available tender.

[Astro Flyer]

Elite have preferred disembarkation at all ports of call. For example, if going ashore independedntly at tender ports, Elite are entitled to board the first available tender.

 

Just a clarification because some passengers are confused about this benefit. Elite are entitled to join the back of the tender line without a tender ticket & wait to board a tender which depending on the length of the line may not be the first available tender.

[paul929207]

The Elite priority only applies to tender ports and then it just gets Elites to the back of the line. They do avoid getting a number and wait for it to be called.

 

In ports where the ship is docked, Elites can get at the end of the line, but every one else can too. :)

[easyboy]

Just a clarification because some passengers are confused about this benefit. Elite are entitled to join the back of the tender line without a tender ticket & wait to board a tender which depending on the length of the line may not be the first available tender.

Right, still no cutting in lne.

[caribill]

Platinum and Elite are entitled to go to the private disembarkation lounge regardless of the tag on your suitcase. Your choice of group has nothing to do with it. You'll be called to disembark just like all other members of your group but you'll be seated in a less crowded lounge, have access to tea, coffee and pastries (mini muffins too if you're lucky) and better internet access which will remain until you disembark provided you have some minutes left of course.

 

Not if there are over 1300 elite and platinum members on the ship.

[JudithLynne]

We did this when we first turned Elite & the Circle Host looked at us like we had 2 heads each. She informed us she had nothing to do with anything related to disembarkation and we needed to go to Passenger Services :confused:. After that just didn't bother with Circle Host and always go directly to Passenger Services:D

 

Was the hostess by any chance named "Chrissy?"

[Happy2cruise]

Was the hostess by any chance named "Chrissy?"

No, but her name did begin with a C....it was something like Celia.

[geoherb]

On our recent cruises disembarking in Port Everglades, we were told to meet at the regular place for walk-off passengers instead of going to the lounge for platinum and elite.

[JudithLynne]

I believe that is because it puts "walk offs" in stations on the disembarkation floor. Imagine a mass of passengers using stairs and elevators to get to the disembarkation floor!