How much time do I need to allow from getting off our cruise to leaving on our flight?

Question

If our cruise ends at 6:30am in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on a Thursday, would a 9:00am flight leaving Fort Lauderdale's airport be too soon? What time should I be looking for a flight? First time cruising, so I don't know how long it takes to leave and then also the security checks at the airports. Thanks

Answer 1

I used to work on a ship that did it's turnaround in Fort Lauderdale.

Generally we would dock around 6:00 or 6:30 a.m.  But the ship would not be cleared until usually about 8:00 a.m.  The first group off the ship is the Premium Passengers, and then the walk-off passengers, and special needs passengers. Then they start general disembarkation usually around 8:15 a.m.  And usually they disembark based on airline, flight time, whether or not you are on a tour that morning, etc... Disembarkation usually ended around 10:30 a.m.

I would not, any under circumstances schedule a 9:00 a.m. flight out of Fort Lauderdale.  You will not make it.

The earliest I would schedule a flight would be 11:30 a.m.

Answer 2

Although they are very close, I think you may be pushing it.  The customs clearing for boats and cruises is sometimes excellent, often leaves you wondering what just went on for the last few hours.  

So, contact your cruise line, get a verbal answer, or even a possible letter, then set your flight accordingly.  Then I am sure they will do whatever it takes not to be liable for your following flight.

Answer 3

I would pick a flight closer to 11 then 9am. It doesn't take long to get off the ship, but customs can take a while. Also it takes a while to find your luggage at the port in a pool of several thousand bags. I once had a 10am flight and had to get off the ship at 5am. It was in port, but those early hours are a killer. If you wish, you can have your cruise company arrange a flight for you. There flight prices are quit good as they buy them in bulk. So that is also an option for you. That way, the cruise company would not pick too early of a flight.

Answer 4

I would say don't book before noon.  But i think you need to contact the cruise line as they will be the best authoritiy on what the timing might be.

best wishes.

Answer 5

I have cruised out of Ft Lauderdale a few times and also flown in and out of the Ft Lauderdale airport for cruises.  The airport is very close to the cruise port; about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or bus.  However, even though your crusie ship is scheduled to get in at 6:30 AM there will certainly be a lot of thing to do that could delay your heading to the airport.  

Most times the cruise ships get cleared of customs and can start debarkation on schedule.  But occasionally there are problems not only with customs but also with passengers who have not paid their bill.  

Then the departure process goes like this.  People are allowed to depart the ship in categories; usually based on those with the earliest flights.  When they announce that passengers can depart its usually like a madhouse with people rushing from everywhere to get to the gangway.  (Some cruise lines use a process called "Express Walk-off" for people who want to just leave first and carry their own luggage..)

When you luggage tag color is called you proceed from the ship, scanning your cruise card on the way out. Then go claim your luggage which will likely be spread out in a big room, or on a revolving luggage belt.  Sometimes finding luggage can take a while.   Then you get in another line to go through Customs and Immigration, turning in the Custom's card given you the night before. Then you board your bus, or taxi to head to the airport.  Like I said the Ft Laduderdale airport is really close by but when you get there you have to negotiate the check in lines, and get through airport security.

My recommendation, based on the many crusies I have done, is pick a flight closer to noon or later.  There are just too many places where you can or likely will be delayed leaving the ship.

Answer 6

I work for a travel agency and we always recommend that clients not book return flights prior to noon.  Although you will most likely be off the ship sooner, it is not guaranteed and you'd rather be safe than sorry.  Remember that once the ship docks at 6:30, it still needs to clear customs and then all of the passengers need to disembark, which can be lengthy.  My advice is to book a later flight.  You might not end up needing the extra time, but you don't want to ruin a wonderful vacation with being stressed out at the very end.

With that said, if you DO decide to book the early flight, let the purser's desk know.  They can help get you off the ship earlier rather than later if possible.  Enjoy your cruise!

Answer 7

I think that is cutting the time way too short!  First, just because a ship arrives in port at a certain time does NOT mean you can get off then!  The ship has to clear customs before any passengers can leave, and that can take a while, particularly if there are any extremely rude passengers who linger over breakfast or sleep in and don't bother to go through the line. That has happened to me on HALF the cruises I have been on, and it's infuriating, but the bottom line is that nobody can get off the ship until every single person has gone through the line!  The ships will send crew members to the cabins, page people by name, and try to find those folks, but it can be a real problem.  Then you have to get off the ship, walk through immigration, find your luggage, and get to the airport.  Getting through security at Ft. Lauderdale can be a rather lengthy process because of all the ships' passengers, and it's really crowded with long lines on days that ships return to port.  If I were you I would schedule a flight for no earlier than noon, and if that won't work, why not just stay overnight in Ft. Lauderdale and fly home the next day?  The ships try to be very helpful, but they aren't responsible for you making your flight, either.  

Answer 8

That's going to be very "iffy".  Ships are sometimes late coming into port, there can be immigration issues [everyone has to be cleared before anyone can disembark], you might not find your luggage immediately, etc.  Another consideration is how many ships are disembarking at the same time, as that will affect the security lines at FLL.  Hopefully, you aren't doing cruiseline transfers - a cab/shuttle will be much faster.

I wouldn't book a flight before Noon.  If you get to the airport early, you can always try to get on an earlier flight if necessary.

You might want to check CruiseCritic.com for lots of info about cruising.  Click on "Boards", then go to your chosen topic.

Have a great cruise!