Disembark Time at Ports

[CruiseMom88]

Hi Everyone!

 

If cruise ship is scheduled to arrive at a port at "x" time, how long usually before passengers can disembark at the port?

 

Example:  Ship arrives at port at 11 am.  Do passengers start leaving the cruise ship at 11 am or is there a wait before passengers can start leaving.  How long is the wait usually?

 

Thanks a lot for your help!

[1025cruise]

Once docked, there are certain immigration activities that must be completed. Usually you can leave the ship within half an hour after docking.

[Rick&Jeannie]

Nothing more that can be added here!  @1025cruise has nailed it! 

[chrysalis]

48 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Once docked, there are certain immigration activities that must be completed. Usually you can leave the ship within half an hour after docking.

Not always....there are ports where no immigration activities are required.

 

If the OP was to be more precise, a more accurate answer can be given.

[karatemom2]

Generally your ship will arrive at the port slightly ahead of the posted time to allow some leeway for the clearance process. In our experience with Princess, unless it has been announced we are arriving at a port late which sometimes happens, you are generally cleared to begin disembarking fairly promptly related to your stated arrival time - often we have experienced if clearance goes very quickly they allow passengers to start leaving the ship even prior to the scheduled time - so it really varies. 

 

What does not vary is that people will line up early to be among the first off the ship, no matter how many times they are requested via the overhead announcements not to line up and clog the stairs and gangway exit routes. It is inevitable!

[Firefly74]

1 hour ago, 1025cruise said:

Once docked, there are certain immigration activities that must be completed. Usually you can leave the ship within half an hour after docking.

When US immigration is involved (as in Portland), it can take substantially longer. Also,  be aware that it can take substantially longer with ports where you must tender even without immigration issues. How long may depend on whether you are on a Princess excursion and whether you are elite. If you have no priority, be prepared for the possibility that it can be a few hours.

[CruiseMom88]

Thanks everyone for your information! 

 

@ Chrysalis here's more specific information regarding my ports.  Thanks!

 

Juneau:  docking at CT (Cruiseship Terminal)

 

Skagway:  docking at BRD (Broadway Dock)

 

Ketchikan:  docking at Berth 4

 

*  Don't believe any of the above require boat tendering?

 

*  These are good docking locations? (ie. meaning close to main activities of the port?)

 

Thanks!

[skynight]

There will be an announcement as to when gang planks are open. There will be no immigration procedures at these ports. It's just a matter of setting the gangplanks and port security in place. So maybe half hour, 45 minutes after the ship actually ties up. 

[Rick&Jeannie]

On 7/30/2024 at 4:23 PM, CruiseMom88 said:

Thanks everyone for your information! 

 

@ Chrysalis here's more specific information regarding my ports.  Thanks!

 

Juneau:  docking at CT (Cruiseship Terminal)

 

Skagway:  docking at BRD (Broadway Dock)

 

Ketchikan:  docking at Berth 4

 

*  Don't believe any of the above require boat tendering?

 

*  These are good docking locations? (ie. meaning close to main activities of the port?)

 

Thanks!

No tendering and you are fairly close to many activities...especially in Ketchikan.  Skagway involves a bit of walking to get into the town proper unless you are planning on taking the White Pass Railroad.  It leaves right from the cruise ship dock!  Not really a whole lot at the Juneau port (in my opinion) other than restaurants and the usual tourist trap gift shops.  My favorite is Ketchikan; try to get into the Lumberjack Show.  Very entertaining and crazy close to the dock.

https://alaskanlumberjackshow.com/

 

 

Edited August 3 by Rick&Jeannie

[CruiseMom88]

Thanks again everyone for your help!