First time cruiser out of Miami logistics?

Question

Well i'm thinking about one at least. And to save work days and money i would like to fly in same day as deporting and flying home the same day as arriving back to port. My main question is, How early can you board the ship prior to departure? And how long does it take to get off the ship once you return to Miami? I don't want to book a flight out of miami too early and miss it, and i don't want to be too early and wait around the airport for HOURS!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Depending on what port and how mayn people they ahve working at the port they wont let you board until around noon some even later depending on when the ship got in and or etc so I would have a flight arrive around 10 or 11 and as for the way back I wouldnt book anything earlier then noon as they color code you by what time your flight leaves so you get out depending on when your flight leaves but something after noon would probably be your best bet.. I wouldnt do anything like you were talking about but odnt forget travel insurance!!

Answer 2

When I went on my cruise last year, we checked the cruise website for our cruise on what time to be at the port for check-in, customs, etc.  If the cruise is scheduled for an afternoon departure, they usually start checking people in at noon or a little before.  Since cruise lines from Miami sometimes board multiple boats at once, check the MyCruise section on the website for which port/gate and what time you will need to be there.  As for departing the ship, the time varies.  Ships disembark passengers in an orderly manner, based on which cabin/deck they stayed in.  Once you put your checked luggage outside your door, you take your carry-on luggage with you to a disembarking area on the ship and wait with your fellow passengers for your area to be called.  It usually takes 2 hours or less once disembarkation begins.  If your ship is in port by the time you wake up, disembarkation begins after breakfast (between 9-10 am).  Your best bet for coordinating air travel would be to book it with your cruise.  There are usually several arrival/departure times to choose from when booking with the cruise.  

The good thing about cruise lines is that they have arrival and departure schedules down to the minute (at least, it seems like it).  When you book a cruise, they will tell you when to be at the port and what to have with you.  The day before departure, they will tell you when to have your checked luggage outside your door and when to be in your disembarkation area.  

I hope you decide to take a cruise, it's a wonderful vacation!!!  Good luck!