Jul 30, 2014
Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook"
provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and http://www.tipsfortravellers.com/cruise-travelers-handbook
Subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio
Disembarkation off a cruise ship at the end of your cruise can
be a long and frustrating experience, especially if you are
travelling on a large ship carrying several thousand other
passengers. Unless you are cruising in a premium suite or have high
status in the cruise line frequent traveller program, you could
find yourself sitting about in public rooms for many hours after
8am, when you have to vacate your cabin, waiting for your turn to
disembark.
Many cruise lines offer a self-disembarkation option where you
carry all your luggage off the ship yourself and can get off the
ship first. You can be off the ship within half an hour to an hour
after docking and being cleared by the local authorities using this
option. I like this as it means less time hanging about, a chance
to miss the crowds and ability to catch earlier transfers and
flights home. When packing plan to take clothes and suitcases that
you can comfortably carry. For example use four-wheel cases and
hand luggage you carry on your back, like a rucksack, as there
could be lot of walking through the ship and port terminal.