Ship time versus port time

[Sigyn]

We are doing a Caribbean cruise in December, over Christmas. How do I know what the time is in port, versus ship time? For instance, we arrive in St. Maarten at 9 am ship time. What time is that in St. Maarten so I know when to tell a tour operator to meet us? 

 

Thanks!

[Schoifmom]

It's been my experience that the tour operators know the conversion.  If you tell them that the ship arrives at 9 am ship's time, then they will know what time that is locally.

[jsglow]

Tour operators know how this works and fully understand the concept of ship time. They are used to dealing with ship pax every day. And they can even accommodate a situation when the ship is slightly delayed.  What they routinely DO ask is that you exit the ship and proceed to the designated meeting spot promptly. Waiting for stragglers delays everyone. 

[crewsweeper]

To answer your question on time.   9 AM shiptime in December will be 10 AM St Maarten time (they do NOT observe DST). Neither does St Thomas, which is usually a stop when going to St Maarten.

[Rollin Tide]

The tour guides typically know, but it wouldn't hurt to confirm prior to setting sail.

Edited September 21, 2022 by Rollin Tide