Suggestions for What is the best time to book a flight after getting off the cruise?

[Jenner10]

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what time is the best time to book a returning flight home leaving from Tampa? We are going on the Grandeur of The Seas from 9-14 and would like to book a return flight for 11:00 leaving Tampa. Does anyone have any suggestions whether this would be a mistake in trying to leave that early in case the ship would not get cleared? Has that ever happened to anyone?

[WeLuvVacation]

For me 11 would be a little early. I would feel rushed. I personally would shoot for 1 or 2 pm. RCCL recommends 12 noon or later for flights, I think. The one time we flew out of Miami we left around 1 - 2 pm with no snags.

[cb at sea]

Personally, I'd take that 11 am flight! You shouldn't have a problem. There's nothing worse than trying to kill hours and hours waiting to get home after a great cruise.

Just let the purser's desk know that you have an early flight--you will be in one of the 1st groups off the ship!

[zebra36]

The 11AM is certainly doable if all goes well with disembarkation. If you are one that may fret over not getting to the airport on time during your cruise I would opt for a later flight. Good luck with your plans and have a great cruise.

[silentbob007]

Everything should be fine as long as there are no problems for the ship getting to the port. I seem to remember that there used to be delays where ships' entrance may be blocked by fuel ships ... but perhaps those have been taken care of.