POH - Kona: How soon on shore?

[77cruiser77]

I am planning to meet some relatives on shore during our stop in Kona on our upcoming POH cruise. My docs show the ship arriving at 7am, I know that this is a port where tendering is required. What is a reasonable time we should expect to be able to get ashore so we can meet people?

 

Thanks!

[Don Haynes]

Tender ports means tendering. Its a slower process and you will likely see ugly human nature as everyone tries to get off at the same time, the dreaded line cutters.

 

Usually those who booked NCL shore excursions are off first, within an hour. Then the vip suites are next off, and then the tender tickets are called out. You can get a free tender ticket earlier that day, the place will be posted in the Freestyle Daily. Then its open call. It takes about two hours to unload the ship's passengers.

 

I would contact the people on the island no earlier than 8:30 and expect them to wait for you, or contact them later at 9:00.