Disembarkation Woes

[ritaly]

Confused about OP post, are they talking about self disembark passengers or passengers who need assistance in wheelchairs. I did self disembark from BCN not sure if HAL or Princess, kept my own bags and simply walked off with no wait very early carrying all our luggage. Since the ship is overnighting in BCN I am expecting an easy departure to get my early flight in the morning. Do I need to notify I am self disembark and just walk off whenever I choose without ,waiting for numbers or colors to be called? Any advice appreciated since my flight from BCN leaves at 9:30 AM

[rocsailor]

What I don't understand is why some people can go the entire cruise without a wheelchair but all of a sudden they need one to disembark? What am I missing?

It seems you have never traveled with a handicapped person, We had a walker for the entire 28 day cruise and used it to navigate around the ship with may shot stops as She tired very quickly. Knowing the long walk and wait to get through customs it was a given. So please take a minute before you comment on a subject you are not and hope never to have this problem

[3rdGenCunarder]

Confused about OP post, are they talking about self disembark passengers or passengers who need assistance in wheelchairs. I did self disembark from BCN not sure if HAL or Princess, kept my own bags and simply walked off with no wait very early carrying all our luggage. Since the ship is overnighting in BCN I am expecting an easy departure to get my early flight in the morning. Do I need to notify I am self disembark and just walk off whenever I choose without ,waiting for numbers or colors to be called? Any advice appreciated since my flight from BCN leaves at 9:30 AM

 

I believe you have to sign up for self disembark so that you get something to show at the gangway to identify you as a self-disembarker. (Or maybe that's Cunard. I know I've seen paperwork requiring a signup on Cunard or HAL). Requiring an official "get off the ship early" card avoids the problem of too many people just deciding they're ready to go on their own timetable, regardless of the fact that the luggage they left out the night before may not be ready.

 

On some cruises, I've seen an end time for self disembarking. Once the "window" closes, you have to wait for the ship to start calling the regular groups.

[kevingastreich]

I'll use my mom as an example. She has knee and hip problems. She can move around on the ship at her own pace. No one is rushing her and she can plan her walking and give herself extra time to get to and from. When it comes to embarking and disembarking she needs the extra help because the groups of people tend to push and rush and she becomes unstable. She is not dishonest and she is not trying to get to the front of the line. It is not all of a sudden. It's that she needs help because of how rushed everything is coming and going and how pushy people can be coming and going.

 

Thank you for that answer. I WAS missing something! :)

[JudithLynne]

To walk off, one had to show a card that read "EXPEDITE" and you are expected to exit the ship when that group is called. There was a staff person at the exit door checking cards.

[Cruiser Andi]

Thank you for that answer. I WAS missing something! :)

 

 

You're welcome! I was hoping to give a thoughtful answer to your question. [emoji4]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[3rdGenCunarder]

I'll use my mom as an example. She has knee and hip problems. She can move around on the ship at her own pace. No one is rushing her and she can plan her walking and give herself extra time to get to and from. When it comes to embarking and disembarking she needs the extra help because the groups of people tend to push and rush and she becomes unstable. She is not dishonest and she is not trying to get to the front of the line. It is not all of a sudden. It's that she needs help because of how rushed everything is coming and going and how pushy people can be coming and going.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I have seen the "magically cured" passengers on airplanes--fly from Newark to anywhere in Florida, and you'll see it. Sadly, these cheaters cause people to be suspicious of anyone requesting assistance.

 

BUT before anyone flames me, I DO recognize that there are plenty of people who do honestly need help, and you can't tell just by looking at them. And sometimes the route through the terminal is very long.

 

Navigating the ship is comparatively easy, as the floors are level (unless they're going up and down!) and there are elevators to avoid taking stairs. But gangways are sloped, and sometimes rather steep. My elderly aunt did "laps" with her walker around her assisted living facility, no problem. But when I took her to the doctor, the ramp into the building was kind of steep. For a few years, she could manage that OK, but eventually we had to ask for a wheelchair because she just couldn't push uphill, or control her speed going downhill.

Edited July 14, 2016 by 3rdGenCunarder

[kevingastreich]

So please take a minute before you comment on a subject you are not and hope never to have this problem

 

I did take a minute (actually, quite a few minutes) and still couldn't figure it out. Good to know NO ONE is gaming the system. :p

Edited July 14, 2016 by kevingastreich

[kevingastreich]

Wow :eek: I hope you never suffer from a invisible illness. Or a recurring/remitting illness. Or just unpredictable intractable pain....

 

That just happens to crop up when it's time to disembark? Me too! :D

[kevingastreich]

I just love the way these threads bring out the best in people!

 

Hey, it's a slow news day. :p

[3rdGenCunarder]

That just happens to crop up when it's time to disembark? Me too! :D

 

I get it, people do game the system. If there's a way to lie, cheat, or steal, some people will do it. Sad, but there it is. And I get that it makes some people cynical. But please realize that the next time you sneer at a person in a wheelchair, it might be someone who cannot walk at all, rather than a "faker."

[axelskater]

This all sounds extremely chaotic & a recipe for angry people. I guess I will find out when I sail next year!

They should take a lesson from Disney CM's...There are no numbers or colors, no "groups", no waiting. Everyone must be out of their cabin by 8AM. You take your small carry on and you are assigned a breakfast restaurant and time or go to the buffet. Then you leave the ship whenever you want. There may be an occasional short wait but there aren't really people clogging areas and blocking hallways. Perhaps Disney knows small children will not wait patiently in a group while their number is called. People just get up, leave their cabin, eat if they want, and walk off.

 

The best is their concierge (suites). Go to the concierge lounge when you want to leave, they radio ahead, and escort you to the exit where you are walked to the customs area and your luggage is in a separate spot! Service :cool:

[kevingastreich]

I get it, people do game the system. If there's a way to lie, cheat, or steal, some people will do it. Sad, but there it is. And I get that it makes some people cynical. But please realize that the next time you sneer at a person in a wheelchair, it might be someone who cannot walk at all, rather than a "faker."

 

It might be.

[ritaly]

Confused about OP post, are they talking about self disembark passengers or passengers who need assistance in wheelchairs. I did self disembark from BCN not sure if HAL or Princess, kept my own bags and simply walked off with no wait very early carrying all our luggage. Since the ship is overnighting in BCN I am expecting an easy departure to get my early flight in the morning. Do I need to notify I am self disembark and just walk off whenever I choose without ,waiting for numbers or colors to be called? Any advice appreciated since my flight from BCN leaves at 9:30 AM

[Paulinda]

We loved our Alaskan cruise on the Amsterdam until disembarking. It was a total mess. It was our first time on HAL and we were told we would be in an expedited group as our flight was earlier than others. We were docked by 7 am and we were scheduled to be off the ship by 7:30 am.

 

Only trouble was it was so disorganized there were no lines to leave the ship, there were no announcements as to when groups were to leave, there were very few staff members to keep things in order and it was basically a mob of people leaving at will. Also they would not let us off the ship till nearly 8am because they said immigration officials weren't availabe.

 

I noted this on our post cruise questionnaire but doubt anyone is listening. That was the worst part of the entire cruise. There needs to be a better routine to allow passengers off the ship that have reasons to leave earlier.

[Alberta Quilter]

Confused about OP post, are they talking about self disembark passengers or passengers who need assistance in wheelchairs. I did self disembark from BCN not sure if HAL or Princess, kept my own bags and simply walked off with no wait very early carrying all our luggage. Since the ship is overnighting in BCN I am expecting an easy departure to get my early flight in the morning. Do I need to notify I am self disembark and just walk off whenever I choose without ,waiting for numbers or colors to be called? Any advice appreciated since my flight from BCN leaves at 9:30 AM

 

See post #30.

[JimAOk1945]

I agree that some people just do not get it. Not following the clear directions creates problems for everyone, including them!

 

One thing that HAL could clarify on disembarkation is how the color system (after the self-disembark people) works. People who are 4/5 star or in a Neptune/Pinnacle suite think that their "color" will be called first and thus they proceed to the gangway when they hear the first color called, even though it is not theirs. Of course this creates a bit of a problem as the system is not ready for them but they insist on getting off (normally their luggage is not ready anyway).

 

What happens is that the first color called is for the people using the priority luggage program (whatever it is called). These people do not gather their luggage but rather proceed to Customs and onto their buses. Not all ports off this service by the way.

 

So, a word to the wise, wait for your color to be called, even if you are a 4/5 Star or Neptune passenger. Note - I did the above last cruise and learned my lesson!

 

Dave,

 

My wife and I will be onboard the Maasdam for the 14 Day Alaska cruise shortly. This is our first HAL cruise and we will be in a Neptune Suite.

 

I'm interested in the priority luggage program. Is it available in Seattle? Thanks in advance for your answer.

Edited July 14, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[summersigh]

What I don't understand is why some people can go the entire cruise without a wheelchair but all of a sudden they need one to disembark? What am I missing?

 

Long distances, ramps and standing for long periods of time can be very difficult if not impossible for someone with diminished breathing and/or mobility skills. :(

 

If my DH gets the assistance getting on and off the boat he can get around once he's on the ship because he can stop and rest as needed. We book our cabins near the rear elevator so we're near the Sea View Pool and deck and near the MDR. We get a balcony so if he doesn't feel up to a longer walk he can sit and look out from there.

 

We frequently wait an hour or more for DH's turn for a wheelchair and pusher after we check in and again waiting for assistance to disembark. BUT .... Cruising is one vacation we can still enjoy despite DH's health issues because you can do as little or as much as you wish.

Edited July 14, 2016 by summersigh

[DaveOKC]

Dave,

 

My wife and I will be onboard the Maasdam for the 14 Day Alaska cruise shortly. This is our first HAL cruise and we will be in a Neptune Suite.

 

I'm interested in the priority luggage program. Is it available in Seattle? Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

Found this on HAL website:

 

Luggage Direct: Luggage Direct offers you the

opportunity to receive your airline boarding passes and

check your luggage in to your flight while still onboard

your Holland America Line ship. Our TSA-approved

partners will take your luggage directly from the ship and

deliver it to your outbound aircraft. You will claim your

luggage when you arrive at your final airport destination.

If you want to make your trip home even easier, sign up

for Bags VIP luggage delivery and eliminate having to deal

with your luggage completely.* (See section for Bags VIP

Luggage Delivery below for details.)

Luggage Direct offers:

• Ability to enjoy your final hours in port at your leisure

without having to stand in line at the airport.

• Avoid lines at disembarkation as you are invited to be the

first to disembark

• No need to locate your luggage or wait for a porters

assistance in the terminal

• Avoid lines at the airport – with boarding pass in hand

and no luggage to check you can proceed directly to

Security.

• Luggage Direct is available on all or our vessels when

sailing in and out of the following ports:

º Anchorage

º Fort Lauderdale

º Seattle

For more information, or to sign up go to

maketraveleasier.com/Holland or call 1-877-847-0045 to

speak to one of our customer service representatives.

 

Please note the following general information about Luggage

Direct:

• Cost is US$19.95 per person (subject to change)

• Airline-assessed baggage fees will be applied to guest’s

onboard account when applicable as per your airlines

rules.

• Guests may check no more than 3 pieces of luggage per

person.

• Upgrade requests, seat assignment changes, and flight

changes cannot be accommodated onboard.

• Restrictions for each homeport city include participating

airlines, earliest and latest flight times, and citizenship

requirements

[serendipity1499]

We loved our Alaskan cruise on the Amsterdam until disembarking. It was a total mess. It was our first time on HAL and we were told we would be in an expedited group as our flight was earlier than others. We were docked by 7 am and we were scheduled to be off the ship by 7:30 am.

 

Only trouble was it was so disorganized there were no lines to leave the ship, there were no announcements as to when groups were to leave, there were very few staff members to keep things in order and it was basically a mob of people leaving at will. Also they would not let us off the ship till nearly 8am because they said immigration officials weren't availabe. I noted this on our post cruise questionnaire but doubt anyone is listening. That was the worst part of the entire cruise. There needs to be a better routine to allow passengers off the ship that have reasons to leave earlier.

 

I bolded your sentence where you stated HAL would not let you off the ship until 8 a.m. because Immigrations was not available..

 

Don't blame HAL for that.. It is the law of every country.. No one is permitted off any ship until Immigrations gives the OK.. I worked for an International Airline & we occasionally had to delay disembarkation only because Immigrations Officers could not clear our flight at the time.. It only happened a few times & the delays were negligible but we too had complaining Psgrs who were unreasonable.. No One ever leaves the ship/Carrier until it is cleared! If a Psgr. does not make an early flight it is their fault, not HAL's fault as everyone is told not to make a flight reservation before noon..

Edited July 14, 2016 by serendipity1499

[JudithLynne]

Dave,

 

My wife and I will be onboard the Maasdam for the 14 Day Alaska cruise shortly. This is our first HAL cruise and we will be in a Neptune Suite.

 

I'm interested in the priority luggage program. Is it available in Seattle? Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

Luggage Direct is available in Seattle. It is capacity controlled so don't delay signing up.

[Paulinda]

Serendepity - I'm not "BLAMING"' Hal for not letting us off because of no immigration officials however I do "BLAME" HAL for not having enough control over the passengers during the disembarkation process. ie letting expedited passengers off before others. There was a lack of communication during the entire process, there wasn't enough staff to control the situation and it turned into utter chaos.

 

We were actually strolling the promenade a 6:45 when we noticed that people had already gathered in a mob manner to disembark. When we asked the front desk what the process was the reply was "you can leave at your convenience". Not what we were expecting considering the well planned cruise we were enjoying.

 

JimAOK1945 - we used luggage direct in Seattle and it worked perfectly. Our luggage was placed outside our cabin door the evening prior and that was the last we saw of it until we reached our home airport. It was $20 each person (up to 2 pieces per person) well worth the hassle free experience. We were given the necessary paperwork the second last day of our cruise. Use it you'll have less stress. :)

[NMLady]

What I don't understand is why some people can go the entire cruise without a wheelchair but all of a sudden they need one to disembark? What am I missing?

 

My husband is one who does not need a wheelchair or scooter during a cruise but requires one for embarkation and disembarkation. He ordinarily uses a cane, cannot walk distances without sitting to rest and cannot stand very long. The embarkation/disembarkation distances are usually long and require standing for long periods of time in line. So, a wheelchair is needed.

[serendipity1499]

What I don't understand is why some people can go the entire cruise without a wheelchair but all of a sudden they need one to disembark? What am I missing?

 

We are traveling with Friends in Oct. My Friends DH has a difficult time walking & will be taking a cane to use on board & while we are in port ..

 

However, I'm going to suggest to his DW that we order a wheelchair both for embarkation & disembarkation for him, as I believe it will be too difficult a walk for him..

 

I also use a cane, but believe & hope that I'll be able to embark & disembark without a wheelchair.. But if push comes to shove & we find it's too long a walk, I might even consider a wheelchair myself.. Will just have to wait & see..

Edited July 15, 2016 by serendipity1499

[JimAOk1945]

Luggage Direct is available in Seattle. It is capacity controlled so don't delay signing up.

 

JudithLynne and Dave,

 

Thanks for your replies. I don't know how I missed seeing this information on the HAL website. What a wonderful service. I will sign up for it.

 

I'm assuming the luggage tags provided by the ship, for pick up the night before disembarkation, will be different from others.

 

Am I correct?