We have all watched social media clips ofcruisetravelers sprinting urgently along the dock while their vessel leaves them behind.
And although some may think that ignorance is the cause of their delay, onecruise experthas indicated that the underlying cause of these “pier running” videos is a “tripwire” that is readily activated — neglecting “ship time.”
This one time zone is in effect throughout the trip and controls all onboard schedules, excursion return times, dining bookings, and performance timings.
Some travelers overlook the fact that their phones automatically adjust the displayed time to the local port time, which may vary.
Donald Bucolo, of the travel companyEat Sleep Cruise, toldThe IndependentThe biggest error travelers often commit regarding being on time is failing to closely monitor the ship’s schedule, which could vary from the local time in a specific port.
We consistently advise individuals to manually adjust their phone’s time to the ship’s schedule prior to departing the vessel, and to maintain this setting throughout their stay on land. This simple practice significantly reduces much of the confusion.
Here are additional measures to prevent unauthorized access:
Opt for early-morning flights
Don’t risk booking end-of-the-day flightsif you intend to fly into your destination port.
Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations for a travel insurance companySquaremouth”Steering clear of flights at the end of the day usually provides you with choices for same-day alternative flights later,” he said.
Arrive at your departure city ahead of time
A one- to two-day buffer before the ship departs is essential, according to Chrissy, particularly when traveling long distances prior.
She stated, “International flights experience more delays compared to domestic ones, and the complexity of multiple segments, along with managing airport operating hours across different time zones, makes it common to arrive later than expected.”
Select lodging near the harbor
As an additional precaution before setting sail, Chrissy recommended choosing a hotel located between 15 and 20 minutes from the cruise terminal, noting: “Ports are usually near the city center, which can lead to morning traffic, regular port congestion as others try to board, and sometimes even strikes or security-related delays.”
Getting closer will give you plenty of choices for being punctual, even if walking with your luggage turns out to be quicker than taking a taxi.
Book shore excursions via the cruise line
Booking tours via the cruise company may cost more, but they offer reassurance, as Donald pointed out: the ship will hold for you if you’re running late.
He stated, “Certain independent companies, such as Shore Excursions Group, provide a guaranteed return-to-ship policy. In ports where the stop is brief, or if you’re planning a full-day excursion and want to make the most of your time on land, this assurance can reduce worries about returning in time.”
Jeremy Clubb, the chief executive officer ofRainforest Cruises and Antarctica Cruises, added: “The pre-cruise tours organized by the cruise company are the most secure, but if you’re looking for something they don’t provide, you might be okay with an early morning tour if the check-in is scheduled for the afternoon. With check-in time set for noon or even 2 p.m., you’re treading a fine line.”
Capture an image of the daily schedule
Signs indicating the end of boarding at the gangway always show the final call to board, so capture a photo of it.
Donald toldThe IndependentPhotographing an event ensures there’s no need to rely on memory or guesswork following a long day of sightseeing.
Also note the ship’s daily schedule. Many of them list the local port address and the ship’s landline number. This is essential information to keep available.
Set alarms
Time often passes quickly when you’re on a trip,” said Chrissy, “so we suggest setting an alarm to remind you when it’s time to return to the ship, and leaving plenty of extra time in case of delays.
- Have you experienced a cruise trip that became a disaster due to missing the ship? Email [email protected]
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