Is there a general rule re when the tendering process starts with Mediterranean ports? Help with tendering info please

[tusconcam]

Hi there. I was wondering how the tendering process/order of departure/timing works with Celebrity in Mediterranean ports. Frankly I have not tendered on previous cruises and on my (and DW's) May 1st 12 day Spain, France, Italy cruise, we will be tendering at a few ports.

 

With some ports we have accredited Celebrity tours booked, one other a Viator Tour and for a few just on our own.

I realize that weather can play a factor etc.; just wondering if some savvy cruisers have some answers as what to expect and the time to board part is important.

(I know: calm down.....you will get ashore ; but I would like to do a few things outside of afternoon booked tours and wonder when I may be able to start my day  and it would help greatly wrt booking train tickets or at least planning the day.

 

Any information is appreciated.

 

Thanks very much

 

 

 

[Texed]

22 minutes ago, tusconcam said:

 I was wondering how the tendering process/order of departure/timing works with Celebrity in

They distribute tender tickets on a first come first go basis.  They will announce the time you can receive the tickets.

 

There are some priority tendering for suites and Captain's Club members. 😊

 

If you are on a Celebrity excursion, you will tender at a appointed time.

Edited March 24, 2023 by Texed

[gold1953]

There is a pecking order for tenders. Ship tours are first and you go in groups. Next are suites and then Elite and up have priority. You will also be notified as to when and where the rest pick up tender ticket numbers

[tusconcam]

Thanks; so  does it matter if I am in an Oceanview cabin with a Tour booked vs those who do not have anything booked? or by that time; does it really matter? lol

 

Can I expect a general amount of time  from pulling into shore to a quite late tender disembarkation? rough idea for Joe casual cruiser  to get on the tender?

 

[Jeremiah1212]

If you have a ship excursion you will have priority (sort of). If you have a private tour booked you are in the group with everyone else. It can take a while, that's the best answer. We recently waited ~2 hours in Santorini. Just keep in mind everyone wants to be first for their own unique circumstance, so bring your patience. 

[CaribbeanBound]

Hints if you booked a private tour (that's what we usually book) and really want to get off the boat for an early start:

1.  Be alert to when tender tickets are being distributed (if that is the process for that day) and go get in line early.  It's usually the day or night before.

2.  Go down to the exit early.  It's not uncommon for the boat to start tendering before the official announcement is made.  Even if they are ready an hour early, they will NOT make an early announcement.  (This also applies when they are docked).

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Which ports. Are you asking about ? 

[terrydtx]

7 hours ago, Texed said:

They distribute tender tickets on a first come first go basis.  They will announce the time you can receive the tickets.

 

There are some priority tendering for suites and Captain's Club members. 😊

 

If you are on a Celebrity excursion, you will tender at a appointed time.

Very accurate information. If you are on a Celebrity sponsored excursion you will meet in the theater and be escorted to your tender by a crew member when it is time to depart. I would not recommend private tours on tender ports that leave very early as you will have no priority on being tendered unless in a suite or high CC status.

[tusconcam]

Thanks for the replies re the tendering process. Airbender,  we are tendering in Villefrance (ship arrives at 7am) and hope to have enough time to catch a train to Monacco/Monte-Carlo in enough time to get an overview and get back to Villefrance terminal building for 1pm for a Celebrity Nice/Eze tour. 

Do you think this is feasible?

We are tendering in Santa Margherita for a Celebrity tour in Cinque Terre. Arrive at 7am, meet at 7:15 am at a ship's location

 

 

[CaribbeanBound]

Here is our experience to Monico from 5 years ago...

Villefrance (Nice), France & Monte Carlo, Monaco (7:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Villefrance (Nice) was the only port on this cruise where every ship has to tender. We got in line for the tender about 7:15 am and just missed catching the first boat to shore. Other than the time spent loading the boat, it was a quick 10-15 minute trip to shore. We exited the tender, walked through a small cruise terminal and found ourselves on the street. Citadelle Saint-Elme, a 16th Century fort with museums and gardens, is to your left.

Lots of folks explored Villefrance and many went to Nice. We set our sights on Monte Carlo, Monaco; the second smallest country in the world, after The Vatican. We visited #1 while we were in Rome. How could we pass up a bucketlist opportunity to visit #2 on the same trip?

The original plan was to simply walk to our right about 10 minutes to the Villefrance train station and catch a quick 10-15 minute train (€3 Euros) to Monte Carlo, Monaco. What could be easier? Well, we were thwarted by a rail strike which cancelled most, but not all, trains in France. It was announced well in advance so, not to be deterred, we went with plan B.
 

We took the bus (just €1,50 pp each way, pay when you get on). The only problem in taking the bus is you have to walk up a hill. Everyone will tell you how horribly difficult this task is and look at you like you're crazy to attempt it. Ignore them. From the port, you walk uphill and slightly to the left and follow the bus stop signs to the Octroi bus stop. When going to Monte Carlo, simply wait at the covered bus stop on the sea side of the street (Avenue Du Marechal Foch) in front of a small park (Jardin François Binon Community Garden). There is a tourist information booth, open odd hours, on one corner of the park.

Your return stop is across the street by the stores. Buses run about every 15 minutes and it's normally a 20-minute ride.  Take the #100 or #100X eastbound "Menton" bus to Monte Carlo. The road was more congested today due to the train strike and it took 45 minutes to get to Monte Carlo.

 

It's easy to miss the border crossing. It's a non-event, no different from driving from one town into another. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the palace stop. It's the second stop in Monaco. Get off and follow the sidewalk to the right and up the ramp to the Prince's Palace.
 

There is lots to do up here. In no particular order: we enjoyed the great views of the mountains, sea, spectacular marinas, and surrounding areas (You can easily see the stands and the street barrier preparations for The Grand Prix which runs here in late May); walked the gardens; watched the changing of the guards (11:55 am); visited the Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace (Kelly) and Prince Rainer are buried; and two blocks later, explored the Oceanographic Museum (aquarium downstairs/museum upstairs).
 

It only takes about an hour to explore Oceanographic Museum (€14, opens at 10:00 am). Buy your tickets outside the museum to the left. The self-guided tour starts in the aquarium and leads you upstairs into the museum. Both halves were equally interesting, though kids are more likely to enjoy the aquarium. The Museum has more than 6,000 specimens on display. It's worth the visit.
 

After departing the museum we shared a sandwich from one of the shops and wandered the streets near the palace until the changing of the guard ceremony. These never get old. While we were practically alone when we arrived around 9:00 am, the palace ground was crowded for the 11:55 am event. Following the guard ceremony, we walked back down the ramp and checked out the shops and farmers market at the bottom of the hill.

We thought about visiting Jardin Exotique which features beautiful cactus gardens and city views high above Monte Carlo as well as a neat cave with stalactites and stalagmites. We opted to return to Villefrance and explore there instead.

Returning, we walked around the traffic circle and waited for the #100 or #100X westbound "Nice" bus across the street (Boulevard Charles III) from where the original bus dropped us off. The return trip took just 25 minutes.
 

At this point it was about 1:30 pm. We walked down to Citadelle Saint-Elme (Saint Elmo), located literally on the other side of the park where we got off the bus. The entrance faces the cruise terminal. While not an awesome "castle" experience, it's still worth a visit. It hosts 1 large and 3 small museums, nice gardens, statues, great views (including of the ship) and photo opportunities, has public restrooms, and it's free! We spent a leisurely hour exploring the site.
 

We intended to go swimming in Villefrance. This is, after all, the French Riviera! They have a great sandy beach here, just in front of the train station, not more than an easy 15 minute walk from the terminal. Had we taken the train we would have also brought our swimsuits and gone swimming upon our return from Monte Carlo. But we didn't, so we explored the town instead.

We wandered the narrow streets and climbed many sets of stairs in the main section of Villefrance just above the port. We enjoyed an awesome homemade blackberry gelato (€3,80 for 2 scoops) at Solea. This was easily the best gelato we enjoyed during our entire trip. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Come late afternoon we headed back to the cruise terminal. Finding free wi-fi, we sat down on one of the many public benches when we got through the security checkpoint and spent maybe 30 minutes checking email and sending pictures before boarding the tender to head back to the ship.

[cruisestitch]

On 3/25/2023 at 4:33 AM, tusconcam said:

Hi there. I was wondering how the tendering process/order of departure/timing works with Celebrity in Mediterranean ports. Frankly I have not tendered on previous cruises and on my (and DW's) May 1st 12 day Spain, France, Italy cruise, we will be tendering at a few ports.

 

With some ports we have accredited Celebrity tours booked, one other a Viator Tour and for a few just on our own.

I realize that weather can play a factor etc.; just wondering if some savvy cruisers have some answers as what to expect and the time to board part is important.

(I know: calm down.....you will get ashore ; but I would like to do a few things outside of afternoon booked tours and wonder when I may be able to start my day  and it would help greatly wrt booking train tickets or at least planning the day.

 

Any information is appreciated.

 

Thanks very much

 

 

 

The general rule is that  Suites and zeniths go before all other staterooms and those with Celebrity tours will go before those without.

[CaribbeanBound]

That's true to a point.   For clarity...

1. Elite and Elite+ have the same early tender privilege as Zenith.

2. Celebrity tours don't all depart first thing in the morning.  If you're not on one of the earliest tours, then you'll still sit around in the theatre waiting for your number to be called, all the while other folks are departing the ship.

Edited March 26, 2023 by CaribbeanBound

[tusconcam]

Thank you so much all. CarribeanBound, your detailed and terrific pictures are especially appreciated.  This is the real strength of these forums when helpful, kind fellow travellers share their experiences, knowledge and advice.  Big time kudos!

Edited March 30, 2023 by tusconcam

[CruiseloverfromGA]

We will be sailing the Med in August on the Edge.

 

I noticed that Portofino and Cannes are Tender ports.  We are in a suite but there was a caveat that priority tendering for suites is NOT in all ports.  Does anyone know if there is priority tendering for those ports?

[Alanr204]

On 3/25/2023 at 1:31 PM, tusconcam said:

We are tendering in Santa Margherita for a Celebrity tour in Cinque Terre. Arrive at 7am, meet at 7:15 am at a ship's location

Are you sure you’re still stopping at Santa Margherita?  My understanding was that Celebrity has substituted Genoa instead. 

[Bluebunny123]

On 3/25/2023 at 9:28 PM, CaribbeanBound said:

Here is our experience to Monico from 5 years ago...

Villefrance (Nice), France & Monte Carlo, Monaco (7:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Villefrance (Nice) was the only port on this cruise where every ship has to tender. We got in line for the tender about 7:15 am and just missed catching the first boat to shore. Other than the time spent loading the boat, it was a quick 10-15 minute trip to shore. We exited the tender, walked through a small cruise terminal and found ourselves on the street. Citadelle Saint-Elme, a 16th Century fort with museums and gardens, is to your left.

Lots of folks explored Villefrance and many went to Nice. We set our sights on Monte Carlo, Monaco; the second smallest country in the world, after The Vatican. We visited #1 while we were in Rome. How could we pass up a bucketlist opportunity to visit #2 on the same trip?

The original plan was to simply walk to our right about 10 minutes to the Villefrance train station and catch a quick 10-15 minute train (€3 Euros) to Monte Carlo, Monaco. What could be easier? Well, we were thwarted by a rail strike which cancelled most, but not all, trains in France. It was announced well in advance so, not to be deterred, we went with plan B.
 

We took the bus (just €1,50 pp each way, pay when you get on). The only problem in taking the bus is you have to walk up a hill. Everyone will tell you how horribly difficult this task is and look at you like you're crazy to attempt it. Ignore them. From the port, you walk uphill and slightly to the left and follow the bus stop signs to the Octroi bus stop. When going to Monte Carlo, simply wait at the covered bus stop on the sea side of the street (Avenue Du Marechal Foch) in front of a small park (Jardin François Binon Community Garden). There is a tourist information booth, open odd hours, on one corner of the park.

Your return stop is across the street by the stores. Buses run about every 15 minutes and it's normally a 20-minute ride.  Take the #100 or #100X eastbound "Menton" bus to Monte Carlo. The road was more congested today due to the train strike and it took 45 minutes to get to Monte Carlo.

 

It's easy to miss the border crossing. It's a non-event, no different from driving from one town into another. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the palace stop. It's the second stop in Monaco. Get off and follow the sidewalk to the right and up the ramp to the Prince's Palace.
 

There is lots to do up here. In no particular order: we enjoyed the great views of the mountains, sea, spectacular marinas, and surrounding areas (You can easily see the stands and the street barrier preparations for The Grand Prix which runs here in late May); walked the gardens; watched the changing of the guards (11:55 am); visited the Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace (Kelly) and Prince Rainer are buried; and two blocks later, explored the Oceanographic Museum (aquarium downstairs/museum upstairs).
 

It only takes about an hour to explore Oceanographic Museum (€14, opens at 10:00 am). Buy your tickets outside the museum to the left. The self-guided tour starts in the aquarium and leads you upstairs into the museum. Both halves were equally interesting, though kids are more likely to enjoy the aquarium. The Museum has more than 6,000 specimens on display. It's worth the visit.
 

After departing the museum we shared a sandwich from one of the shops and wandered the streets near the palace until the changing of the guard ceremony. These never get old. While we were practically alone when we arrived around 9:00 am, the palace ground was crowded for the 11:55 am event. Following the guard ceremony, we walked back down the ramp and checked out the shops and farmers market at the bottom of the hill.

We thought about visiting Jardin Exotique which features beautiful cactus gardens and city views high above Monte Carlo as well as a neat cave with stalactites and stalagmites. We opted to return to Villefrance and explore there instead.

Returning, we walked around the traffic circle and waited for the #100 or #100X westbound "Nice" bus across the street (Boulevard Charles III) from where the original bus dropped us off. The return trip took just 25 minutes.
 

At this point it was about 1:30 pm. We walked down to Citadelle Saint-Elme (Saint Elmo), located literally on the other side of the park where we got off the bus. The entrance faces the cruise terminal. While not an awesome "castle" experience, it's still worth a visit. It hosts 1 large and 3 small museums, nice gardens, statues, great views (including of the ship) and photo opportunities, has public restrooms, and it's free! We spent a leisurely hour exploring the site.
 

We intended to go swimming in Villefrance. This is, after all, the French Riviera! They have a great sandy beach here, just in front of the train station, not more than an easy 15 minute walk from the terminal. Had we taken the train we would have also brought our swimsuits and gone swimming upon our return from Monte Carlo. But we didn't, so we explored the town instead.

We wandered the narrow streets and climbed many sets of stairs in the main section of Villefrance just above the port. We enjoyed an awesome homemade blackberry gelato (€3,80 for 2 scoops) at Solea. This was easily the best gelato we enjoyed during our entire trip. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Come late afternoon we headed back to the cruise terminal. Finding free wi-fi, we sat down on one of the many public benches when we got through the security checkpoint and spent maybe 30 minutes checking email and sending pictures before boarding the tender to head back to the ship.

Thank you so much for sharing your day, it gave me lots of good ideas!