How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

Ashley Kosciolek

The procedures for getting off a cruise ship, as well as cruise ship disembarkation times, can be confusing to first-time cruisers. How long does it take to disembark a ship, and can you just walk straight onto the pier? Perhaps you're wondering how quickly you'll be able to go ashore during a port call so you can soak up every second of sunshine. Or, maybe you're just trying to figure out what time to book your flight home when your cruise ends.

Either way, I'm here to walk you through the logistics and tell you all you need to know about cruise ship disembarkation.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How long does cruise disembarkation take?

costa cruises disembarkation time

The length of disembarkation varies, based on several factors, but typically the process takes a few hours to get everyone ashore. The larger the ship, the longer it takes. The timing also depends on whether we're talking about disembarkation in a port of call or disembarkation at the end of a voyage.

In both cases, an officer from the bridge will make an announcement over the ship's public address system to let passengers know when they can begin leaving.

On a port-visit day, there's often no set order for disembarking, meaning that it can be a free-for-all. In those cases, I tend to wait an hour or so to let things calm down before proceeding to the gangway. Not everyone gets off the ship at the same time (or at all), so once the initial rush has passed, it doesn't take long to swipe your cruise card and head ashore.

On some ships, port-day disembarkation is more structured. On larger vessels, passengers might have to report ahead of time to pick up a color-coded ticket that tells them when they can exit. Cruisers who have booked shore excursions through the ship also get priority.

It's worth noting that disembarkation wait times are often longer when tendering is necessary, as tender boats are limited in the number of passengers they can transport from ship to shore at one time.

The specific length of disembarkation depends largely on how long the vessel is due to be in port. It begins when the ship is cleared by local authorities, usually about an hour or so after it docks. The gangway remains open throughout the day; passengers can disembark on a rolling basis, at their leisure. Cruisers don't have to be back on the ship until "all aboard," which is usually about 30 minutes prior to the ship's scheduled departure time.

Disembarkation at the conclusion of a sailing is almost always more organized, though it can feel chaotic. Passengers carrying their own luggage ashore are allowed to leave as early as they wish, once the ship is cleared to begin the disembarkation process.

Anyone who has their bags offloaded by the ship's porters will be called to leave the vessel according to their designated luggage tag color or number; the tags are usually distributed a couple of days before the end of the voyage. In those cases, passengers can disembark any time after their color or number is called but not before. From start to finish, the process usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the size of the ship.

Related: How to disembark from your cruise ship before everyone else

Is there a set cruise ship disembarkation time?

costa cruises disembarkation time

Every ship has scheduled a time that it's due to be in each port it visits. Anything from weather to mechanical issues can affect the actual arrival time. Assuming a ship remains punctual, the time at which passengers can disembark depends on how long it takes for local authorities to clear the vessel.

Most cruise ships are cleared for passengers to debark between 7 and 9 a.m., depending on their arrival time. If a ship arrives later — whether a late arrival is scheduled ahead of time or due to a delay — a general rule of thumb is that it will be cleared about an hour after it docks or anchors, assuming there are no regulatory snags. This tends to apply on both port days and final disembarkation days.

If it's a port day and you've booked a ship-sponsored shore excursion, your meeting time and place will be marked on your ticket. Sometimes you'll meet as a group in a designated public area on board and disembark together shortly thereafter; other times, you'll be asked to disembark on your own at a given time and meet your group on the pier.

On voyage-conclusion days, also called turnaround days, passengers are usually asked to vacate their cabins between 8 and 8:30 a.m. so stewards can begin cleaning them for the next round of cruisers. Everyone from the cruise that's ending must be off the ship between 9 and 10 a.m. in most cases.

Note: Times listed are approximate and will vary by sailing and disembarkation location.

What else should I know about cruise disembarkation?

costa cruises disembarkation time

Here are a few key pieces of advice to help you avoid mistakes when disembarking a cruise ship.

Keep your keycard with you. You will need to scan it any time you exit the ship (and also when you return).

Book a later flight. If you're flying home after your sailing, book a flight that gives you a buffer so you're not rushed in the event disembarkation is delayed. Although I have known people who disembarked their ships at 7 a.m. for a 9 a.m. international flight, I highly discourage risking it. I recommend nothing earlier than 11 a.m. for most sailings — later if you're flying internationally. Another option is to extend your trip by a day or two in your disembarkation port city before flying back.

Score priority disembarkation. If being the first off your ship is important to you, there are several ways to ensure you won't have to wait around for too long. You can carry your own bags off the ship at the end of your voyage, work your way up to elite status in your cruise line's loyalty program , pay for an add-on package (such as Carnival's Faster to the Fun or Norwegian 's Priority Access) that gives you the privilege, or purchase a ship-sponsored shore excursion with an early departure time. (The last one is particularly helpful in ports where tendering is required.)

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

  • More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
  • Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
  • What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
  • What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
  • What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
  • What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
  • What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
  • What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
  • What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

21 cruise disembarkation tips cruisers need to know

Sharing is caring!

What cruise passengers need to know about cruise disembarkation, also known as debarkation day

The process of “checking out” of your cruise ship is very different from checking out of a hotel. If you’re a new cruiser, or even if it’s been a few years since you’ve cruised, it’s good to be aware of the debarkation procedures and what to expect.

In this post, I’ll go through some common questions and things you need to know about cruise disembarkation.

Disembarkation Day: The saddest day of the cruise

disembarking at the cruise port last day of cruise

Cruise disembarkation (or debarkation) is something we cruisers don’t really want to think about. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather get to the fun stuff like planning excursions and making cruise packing lists , and NOT think about getting off the ship!

What to expect from the cruise disembarkation process

Cruise lines have small differences in their disembarkation procedures, but overall they’re pretty similar. The last morning of your cruise, you’ll have to disembark and leave what had become your very comfortable home away from home.

In this post, I’ll go through all the basics, so that you can know what to expect and plan for on the last day of your cruise.

Regular Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation

There are two types of disembarkation, regular disembarkation  and self-disembarkation (unfortunately both require you leaving the ship).

The disembarkation process is almost the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your own luggage off the ship. I’ll go over the pros and cons of both at the end of this post.

Cruise Disembarkation Tips

21 things to know when disembarking from your cruise ship

1. what time will you be able to debark the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.

There’s no set time when cruisers can disembark and this will vary by cruise ship itinerary, cruise port and things that are actually beyond anyone’s control the last morning of the cruise.

However, something important to know, is that the scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will not be the time that you get off the cruise ship. This is because the ship needs to be cleared by customs , and given permission for passengers to debark.

For instance, if your cruise itinerary states that your ship will be back at port at 6:00 am the last morning of your cruise, you won’t be able to disembark until an announcement is made that the ship has been cleared.

This process can be an hour or two, and sometimes longer. The reality is that it’s not something the cruise line can control.

As a general rule most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am, however your cruise line can give you more specific information.

2. Avoid booking an early flight home

costa cruises disembarkation time

Since it’s difficult to predict the exact time you can get off your ship, don’t book an early flight home.

You have to account for time to disembark from your ship, getting your luggage, going through customs and then travel time to the airport.

My best tip is to simply call the cruise line before you book your flight , or ask your travel agent to do so. Cruise lines have recommended flight times for each cruise port. Keep in mind if you’re an International traveler, you may need more time at the airport.

Another reason not to book a very early flight, is that even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. For instance, cruise ships in Galveston have been known to be late due to fog.

3. Cruise ship debarkation instructions

disembarkation instructions carnival cruise

While on your cruise, your cabin attendant will give you some printed disembarkation instructions which will include what to do with your luggage as well as some basic custom information.

On the second to last day of your cruise, you’ll also notice that you can find the disembarkation information on one of the TV channels in your cabin. For new cruisers, your ship may offer an assembly to go over information, so you can check for that.

I’ll tell you what usually happens to me. I see this around day 5 on a 7 day cruise, and I don’t like it. The fact is that I don’t want anyone reminding me that this cruise will end, while I’m fully immersed in enjoying my cruise vacation. But, do take a look as there’s information to know. Then, as quickly as possible, get back to enjoying your day!

4. Luggage tags and debarkation times

cruise debarkation luggage tags

Along with the printed disembarkation information,  you’ll also receive special luggage tags.

As you can imagine, debarking thousands of passengers almost all at the same time is quite a process. So, cruise lines keep things organized and moving along by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times.

Red 5 = 8:20 am

Purple 3 = 9:10 am…. and so on.

These assigned times, are really approximate and what the cruise line is hoping for, if all goes as planned.

5. Can I change my luggage tags if I don’t like the assigned time?

You may be wondering, “what can I do if I don’t really want the time the cruise line gave me?” .

Maybe you’re staying an extra day or two in port and you’d rather take things a bit slower in the morning, so you prefer a later time.

Maybe you’re driving straight home from the port and you’ve got 10 hours of road ahead of you, and an earlier time would be better.

For whatever your reason, if you’re given a time doesn’t work well for you, simply bring your luggage tags to guest services and ask if you can get an alternative time. Most of the time they can accommodate you.

If you need extra luggage tags, they can help with that too.

21 Cruise Disembarkation tips

6. What do I do with my luggage*?

*This only applies to those doing regular disembarkation.

On the last night of your cruise, you’ll be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin door by a certain time in the evening (you’ll see the time on the instructions). The ship’s crew will be working hard that night taking the luggage to a holding area, so that it can be move off the ship quickly the next morning.

Just like when you got on the ship on embarkation day , remember it’s better not to pack valuables in your suitcase, but rather to leave them in your cruise carry on bag.

Put your cruise assigned luggage tags on all your suitcases before you put them in the hallway.

Tip: Either keep a luggage tag, or a tab, or even take a photo to remember your color and number.

7. Remember to keep out clothes and toiletries for disembarkation day

backpack cruise debarkation tips

I’m sure there are a few people who forget this on every cruise! You don’t want to disembark in a cocktail dress, right?

Remember to keep a carry on bag for the last night and morning of your cruise. Things to think about include night clothes, morning clothes, toiletries, valuables, tech stuff like laptops and phone chargers and personal ID and documentation.

8. Verify your cruise account BEFORE you leave the ship

My husband and I like to keep an eye on our cruise account throughout the cruise, looking at it once every couple of days, just to make sure all is as it should be. It also keeps us a bit more cautious with our spending than we might be otherwise.

You can usually check this on your cruise app (for cruise lines that have one) or you can get a printed copy from a machine or at guest services. We always print one up the last full day of our cruise (not disembarkation morning), and go through it line by line, just to make sure.

Many people have their account linked to their credit card, so no need to settle your account. If you do want to pay off your account in cash, try and do this early in the day as the lines get long as the evening wears on.

If you notice a discrepancy, bring it to the attention of guest services as soon as possible. The fact is that once you leave the cruise ship, you are accepting the statement and it’s extremely difficult to go back and dispute any charges.

disembarking from your cruise

9. Fill out cruise staff appreciation cards

As a cruise passenger, simply filling out a comment card highlighting the good work of some favorite crew members, is one of the easiest things you can do. However, it makes a huge difference to those who work so hard so that we all have these incredible cruise vacation experiences.

I’ve been told that these comment cards help to earn crew members privileges and possibly even promotions. I also know the ship’s staff really treasure these positive comment cards, and it truly impacts them.

10. Purchase your favorite cruise photos

cruise photo memories

The photo studio is like a zoo on the last evening of the cruise, with people deciding now to buy their cruise photos and packages. It really gets hectic, so if you can go earlier in the day, or even earlier during the cruise, it will be better for you.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake I read about the other day in a cruise Facebook group. A woman was very upset as she found the packages on the cruise ship to be too expensive. She explained that she thought she would get home and contact the cruise line to complain about this and purchase them at that point.

Of course, she found out that this was not possible, and was very disappointed. Her photos were gone.

You can only purchase your cruise photos on your cruise. To my knowledge, they are not stored.

So, if you want them and they are a great memory – buy the photos. You won’t regret it!

11. Book a future cruise on-board

One way to help with future cruise blues , is to have an upcoming cruise to look forward to. Cruise lines offer several advantages to planning a future cruise onboard. In some cases, you can even buy a Future Cruise Deposit on an open booking, and choose your cruise once you get home.

Tip: Do this as early as possible in your cruise an don’t wait until the last night, as it will be very busy.

12. Disembarkation morning reality

On the morning of the last day of your cruise, you’ll notice that everyone (crew and passengers alike), are a wee bit stressed and that happy go lucky atmosphere you had, is starting to wane. The reality is, that the crew needs to clean and turn over that ship in a few short hours, so that new passengers can board. .

Hopefully, you’ve had a wonderful cruise and will be back to do it all again in the near future!

Recommended Post:  How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression

debarkation day tips for cruisers

13. Breakfast on the last day of the cruise

There will be a few options open for breakfast including the buffet, the cafe and in some cases the main dining room. Room service may or may not be available. Once you’re on your cruise ship, you’ll be informed of the options.

Since you’ll be leaving your cabin, this may mean bringing your carry on or other items with you to the buffet. Keep in mind it will likely be quite crowded.

We are often pretty tired the last morning, so the last few cruises we’ve just gone down to the cafe and picked up a coffee and muffin or one last delicious pastry to go. We bring it back to out cabin while we do some final things before we leave the cruise ship.

14. Check your cabin for any “forgotten” items

We actually do 2 checks, just to make sure.

After we pack up, on the last night of our cruise, we gather things together, and this includes all items that were in our cabin safe. I put chargers together and do a quick pack of our toiletry bag. We open all our drawers and check the shelves.

In the morning, do one last check. Make sure you’ve got your sunglasses, reading glasses (this happened to my friend), umbrellas etc. Parents, if you have children, go through their drawers and under their beds to make sure you’re all packed up and nothing is forgotten.

*Keep your cruise card on you – you will need it.

Tip: If you get home and realize that you did forget something, cruise lines have a toll free number that you can call to report lost items. There’s a chance that you may find it, however I haven’t heard of many success stories.

Cruise Debarkation Tips PIN image

15. Getting off your cruise ship

Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, you’ll be asked to wait in designated public areas until your luggage tag number is called. Keep your cruise card in hand, as you’ll be scanned as you leave the ship.

A couple of the ship’s activities staff or officers may be near the exits to say goodbye and wish you a safe trip home. On a couple of occasions the Captain and/or Cruise Director have been there and it’s been a nice final opportunity for us to say a big thanks!

16. Getting your luggage

debarkation luggage and luggage area cruise port

Once you get off the gangway, you’ll head into the cruise port and in a great big room (sort of like a hangar), you’ll find rows of luggage, grouped according to color and number.

This procedure is so much better than when we first cruised years ago. It used to be really hectic, but the last few cruises it’s been a fairly easy process.

There will be porters that can help you with your bags, if needed.

Tip: Keep a few small bills handy to tip the porters.

17. Going through customs after your cruise

Whether you’re American, Canadian or from any other country, you’ll be going through customs as a final step of your cruise disembarkation. It’s usually not too long a process – we’ve gone through this in 10-15 minutes.

During your cruise, keep track of your purchases including alcohol, cigarettes, and any large purchases. Be aware of the allowances for each in your home country. We keep our bills together during our trip to make it easier.

Tip: Keep your receipts together during your cruise by placing them in an envelope as you go. Small magnetic clips can also help to keep all your cabin items organized.

18. Heading home after your cruise

luggage and luggage tags

You’re all done! Hopefully it’s been a great cruise vacation and you’ve got dreams of future cruises in your head.

Getting to the airport

Most people get to the airport by taking a cab or by purchasing transfers with the cruise line. You can do this before your cruise with the cruise line or with help from your travel agent. You can often also add these on during your cruise at the guest services desk, but do verify.

Getting your car from cruise parking

Usually you’re ship will return to the same pier as when you departed on your cruise, and you’ll be able to get your car, load it up with your luggage and pay as your leave the cruise port.

In the rare case that your ship comes back to a different pier, if it’s not close walking distance, you’ll have a shuttle to bring you over to the original parking lot. This happened to us once a few years ago.

Last Day Cruise Tips for disembarkation

19. What to do if you have a late flight

If you have a late flight, you’ve got options. Consider booking a cruise excursion tour on the last day of your cruise.

You can store your bags in the luggage compartment of the coach bus, and you won’t have to sit around in the airport. Since the excursion included transportation to the airport, this can also be a good value.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Disembarkation

Here’s a quick explanation of the advantages and disadvantages self-embarkation, so you can know if this is the right thing for you and your party, at the end of your cruise.

self disembarkation tips - luggage

20. Benefits if Self-Disembarkation

*Earliest to get off the ship

*No need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise

*Leaving the cruise port as early as possible

21. Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation

*You will not receive any help with your luggage

*You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full

*You need to be up very early to vacate your cabin and get off the ship

This is only a good option for your party, if everyone is able bodied and can handle the luggage. If you need assistance, or happen to have a lot of luggage, this isn’t for you.

We’ve done both and there isn’t a right or wrong way to disembark. The choice will be yours, and you can decide what works best once on the cruise ship.

cruise check out - cruise disembarkation

Recap: 21 cruise disembarkation tips you need to know

Cruising is so much fun, that it’s hard to think about the last day of your cruise and debarking from your cruise! I hope these tips have been helpful and in giving you the information you need for when you are getting off of your cruise ship for the last time.

If you’ve cruised before, do you prefer regular or self-disembarkation? What advice do you have for future cruisers? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you’ve found this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it on Facebook or save it for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top of the post). Thank you!

Recommended posts:

15 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips (for a great start of your cruise)

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks (to keep your cabin organized)

Let’s connect:

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

12 Comments

' src=

I liken the idea of being able to get some help with disembarking the ship. I feel like having someone to help you get through customs, as well as make sure that you get all your luggage there safely would be nice. I’ll have to consider getting someone to help me do that sort of thing if I decide to go on a cruise.

' src=

Once on the ship, you can definitely ask someone at guest services to help guide you through this. If you choose standard debarkation, the luggage will be taken off the ship for you, so not to worry.

We were also confused about custom documents on our first cruise, and were assisted with he expectations.

' src=

IF YOU ARE HEALTHY AND MOBILE, SELF DISEMBARKATION IS THE BEST WAY. NO ONE IS GONNA HELP YOU SO BE PREPARED TO WAG YOUR OWN BAGS. YOU WILL BE IN THE PARKING LOT, AT YOUR CAR IN NO TIME.WE SKIP B’FAST ON THE SHIP AND GRAB SOMETHING AT MICKEY D”s AS WE LEAVE THE PORT AREA. WORKS GREAT FOR US.

Sounds like our disembarkation mornings too Bob. Thanks for the great tips!

' src=

My wife And I started to back to back cruises. Last time we went to guest services. They gave us a new card for the coming week. Had us go to the wine bar. NCL asked us what we wanted to eat and drink. Ordered 6 wings and a Port wine. Few hours later the dozen of us were back in our old new clean rooms. Though you are only delaying getting off. Always been jealous of those who live on cruise ship. Meet a couple from England they were on 136 cruise. Were going to a hotel for three days. Followed by another 10 day cruise. I wish I could do that. Thanks for what you do!!! You are awesome!!!

That sounds amazing! We did one B2B and we definitely enjoyed the feeling of not having to disembark and pack up! I agree, life on a cruise ship almost full time sounds pretty good!

Thanks for taking the time to comment Russell! I hope you can get back on a cruise soon.

' src=

Let’s be a little more clear on regular disembarkation:

– You must put your suitcase outside your cabin door the night before by 11:00 or midnight. Your cabin steward will take it away. – You’ll be assigned a time to leave the ship. Let’s pretend you get 10:00 – 10:30 am. – When you leave the ship the next day — you and all the other 10:00 – 10:30 people — you will be ushered into a big room where all your suitcases are lined up — remember that about 95% of suitcases are plain black, so you should tie a bandana or something to yours. – Once you have found your suitcase, you’ll be able to join the line for customs. You will need to be able to haul your suitcase through customs by yourself. – Once you are through customs, if you need help getting your luggage to your car, porters are available. (Have tip money ready.)

In contrast, if you do self-disembarkation: – You do not put your suitcase out the night before. – You leave whenever you want, but you must carry your own suitcases. You might have to carry them up/down stairs, as the elevators will be slam-packed full. – You will bypass the big room full of suitcases and go straight to customs.

Thanks for sharing

' src=

My concern: how safe is it to put your luggage outside of your room the night before? Anyone walking by could get into your suitcase? Granted I would not leave valuables in there, but my clothes….🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️⚓️⚓️ Thank you! I will be a First timer in November on WOTS! I have been reading all of your articles and have signed up fo our emails! They are very helpful!

I have never heard of an issue and the luggage is removed by the crew on a fairly regular basis. Truthfully, people are so busy getting their own packing together and it has always seemed safe for me. I would not put your valuables and if this includes your clothing, it’s something for you to decide.

Have a great cruise,

' src=

If you self disembark, do you have to leave at a certain time still? Loved your post!

Great quesion. Yes, you usually disembark first before the others with luggage tags are called

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Costa Cruises

disembarking procedure

By CountessP , February 14, 2014 in Costa Cruises

Recommended Posts

Cool Cruiser

I'm not sure what they call it, but does anyone know if Costa offers "early or self disembarkation" for those willing to carry their own luggage. Many companies allow you to leave whenever you want once the ship has cleared customs if you carry all your own luggage. Am hoping we can do this on the Costa Luminosa. Anyone know?

Thx in advance!

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Salve

I'm not sure what they call it, but does anyone know if Costa offers "early or self disembarkation" for those willing to carry their own luggage. Many companies allow you to leave whenever you want once the ship has cleared customs if you carry all your own luggage. Am hoping we can do this on the Costa Luminosa. Anyone know?   Thx in advance!

Yes, they offer it. Register with Guest Services as soon as possible.

Yes, this is explained at the disembarkation meeting which is held usually on the penultimate day.

You won't need to pick up coloured labels or put your cases out by 1.00 am the night before.

Depends on citizenship, the OP didn't mention hers.
Good Catch!! All American girl! My plan is to go directly to work that day, hoping to get there by 10AM, Ft Lauderdale area. Think I can make ???

If it was me I could make it!

It depends on US CBP (your tax dollars at work) but it's normally allowed for US/Canada, you're off the ship by 8 AM.

Fred&Lily

Fred&Lily

We just got back from the Luminosa and the process of getting through US Customs was pretty slow - not because of anything the Costa staff could do but because the US Customs agents were under-manned and it was slow dealing with all the in-transit aliens from Europe plus the Canadians are in the alien line as well. Blue and Brown tags were still trying to get off after 11:30 a.m but the taxi ride to MIA is only 15 minutes... here is the next catch.... TSA lines at the Delta terminal were a further 30 to 40 minutes...

But there were five big cruise ships being turned around on Saturday morning!

We just got back from the Luminosa and the process of getting through US Customs was pretty slow - not because of anything the Costa staff could do but because the US Customs agents were under-manned and it was slow dealing with all the in-transit aliens from Europe plus the Canadians are in the alien line as well. Blue and Brown tags were still trying to get off after 11:30 a.m but the taxi ride to MIA is only 15 minutes... here is the next catch.... TSA lines at the Delta terminal were a further 30 to 40 minutes...       But there were five big cruise ships being turned around on Saturday morning!

What time did you disembark? OP wants early disembarkation.

Our flight was 3 pm so being in the brown tag section wasn't an issue. We left around noon and got to the airport just after 12:20 pm then stood in TSA line for about 40 minutes - no panic there. But friends who had earlier flights at 1 p.m. said that getting off the ship in the early green tag - 9:30 am group was half an hour delayed.

Pink and Red luggage tags - 7:15 am - 8:15 am

White Luggage Label - 8:30 am

Yellow Luggage Label - 9:00 am

Green Luggage Label - 9:30 am

Purple Luggage Label - 10:00 am

Orange Luggage Label - 10:30 am

Blue Luggage Label - 11:00 am

Brown Labels - 11:30 am

Most of the Italians returning to Rome on Alitalia flight 631 which leaves MIA at 9 pm in the evening were crowding to get off early - likely for Evergaldes tours.

We just got back from the Luminosa and the process of getting through US Customs was pretty slow - not because of anything the Costa staff could do but because the US Customs agents were under-manned and it was slow dealing with all the in-transit aliens from Europe plus the Canadians are in the alien line as well. Blue and Brown tags were still trying to get off after 11:30 a.m but the taxi ride to MIA is only 15 minutes... here is the next catch.... TSA lines at the Delta terminal were a further 30 to 40 minutes...   But there were five big cruise ships being turned around on Saturday morning!

Yes, I do think there is a difference if you take care of your own luggage and disembark early.

As for your trip, did you file a trip report? We will be on the Luminosa in about 2 weeks and would love to hear about your cruise experience.

Wrote long review in which I try to counter all the negative reviews.

I rate the ship and itinerary at 5 stars.

A first-cruise newbie couple who came with us loved it. Lily rated it as one of the best ever - and she's cruised on 12 different ships.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

  • Welcome to Cruise Critic
  • New Cruisers
  • Cruise Lines “A – O”
  • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
  • River Cruising
  • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
  • Special Interest Cruising
  • Cruise Discussion Topics
  • UK Cruising
  • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
  • Canadian Cruisers
  • North American Homeports
  • Ports of Call
  • Cruise Conversations

Announcements

  • New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Features & News

LauraS

LauraS · Started 4 hours ago

LauraS · Started 18 hours ago

LauraS · Started 20 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 12:26 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 11:27 AM

GTVCRUISERPships156 cruises.jpg

  • Existing user? Sign In
  • Find Your Roll Call
  • Meet & Mingle
  • Community Help Center
  • All Activity
  • Member Photo Albums
  • Meet & Mingle Photos
  • Favorite Cruise Memories
  • Cruise Food Photos
  • Cruise Ship Photos
  • Ports of Call Photos
  • Towel Animal Photos
  • Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
  • Write a Review
  • Live Cruise Reports
  • Member Cruise Reviews
  • Create New...
  • MSC Cruises

MSC Seaside disembarkation times

By Estjali , February 10, 2018 in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

Cool Cruiser

This is my first ever post on CC, let’s see how this goes.

Sorry if this has been posted before, but attached is a picture of the departure schedule for Miami for the Feb 3-10 cruise, which we were on. Not sure if it will be the same for all cruises, but I would assume so.

We took advantage of the Express walk off, which worked out great for us.

It was our first cruise and we had an awesome time, will post a review shortly. :)

1525084E-9D9B-4DE7-96EC-662DF79CBE92.thumb.jpeg.be5dbccfb6b26d1132ad7ffae59928b1.jpeg

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

riclop

Thanks for posting.

js

Thank you so much for this information. Ive been trying to find all this out. I am Black status and sailing in YC. I am usually one of the first off on cruises, but this trip my dh is flying into FLL and landing ar 9:15 am. He has pick up rental car and then drive to POM to pick up my mom and me before we drive to Orlando to watch my son play college ball. So, is this correct that 10:30 am I can walk off. It seems so late to me especially since in August Ill be sailing Allure And on a plane 30 minutes later lol

If I can really walk off at 10:30 am Im thinking about just walking out, finding a bench for my mom and waiting for my dh. I was also thinking taking an Uber to the InterContinental lobby but now rethinking if I can really start heading out at 1030 am.

Thanks so much.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you so much for this information. Ive been trying to find all this out. I am Black status and sailing in YC. I am usually one of the first off on cruises, but this trip my dh is flying into FLL and landing ar 9:15 am. He has pick up rental car and then drive to POM to pick up my mom and me before we drive to Orlando to watch my son play college ball. So, is this correct that 10:30 am I can walk off. It seems so late to me especially since in August Ill be sailing Allure And on a plane 30 minutes later lol   If I can really walk off at 10:30 am Im thinking about just walking out, finding a bench for my mom and waiting for my dh. I was also thinking taking an Uber to the InterContinental lobby but now rethinking if I can really start heading out at 1030 am.   Thanks so much.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you for the message. I’m not sure if the attached image included YC schedule, but it seems that the disembarkation lasts at least until 10:30am. When leaving the ship today (using the Express walk off), we noticed some YC guests being escorted in front of one of the lines. Seems there is more flexibility there. Hopefully you can figure things out and make it work for you.

steamboats

YC bags are available by 7:30 am.

We left by 9 am (not using the YC butler) and were at the curb by 9:30 am.

No custom forms anymore.

  • 3 months later...

Humphries711

Humphries711

Can anyone take advantage of the express walk off? What time did you get off the ship? I am trying to plan how to time my return flight. Thanks so much!

On our cruise Express Walk Off was 6:45 am til 7:30 am.

On our cruise Express Walk Off was 6:45 am til 7:30 am.     steamboats

Thanks for the info! Can anyone choose the walk off option? We are booked with the Fantastica experience.

Can I leave the ship anytime between 6:45 AM and 10:30 AM regardless of type of accomodation

I’m with JS, just for a different reason. I would LOVE to be able to stay on board until 10:30 AM since my flight doesn’t leave MIA until 2 PM.

Sure hope I have that opportunity - expect being on board is better than at the airport.

It´s not the ship but US Immigration which wants everybody onshore by a certain time. Noone can board for the following cruise until all prior guests have disembarked. All B2B guests have to disembark and go through immigration as well. So it´s not up to the cruise line to let you stay longer.

I can check my papers what the latest option was for disembarkation. But I´m at work right now.

I checked my papers and individual guests disembarked by deck. So the last ones were deck 15 at 10:30 am. First ones were deck 5 at 8:45 am.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

  • Welcome to Cruise Critic
  • New Cruisers
  • Cruise Lines “A – O”
  • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
  • River Cruising
  • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
  • Special Interest Cruising
  • Cruise Discussion Topics
  • UK Cruising
  • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
  • Canadian Cruisers
  • North American Homeports
  • Ports of Call
  • Cruise Conversations

Announcements

  • New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Features & News

LauraS

LauraS · Started 4 hours ago

LauraS · Started 18 hours ago

LauraS · Started 20 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 12:26 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 11:27 AM

GTVCRUISERPships156 cruises.jpg

  • Existing user? Sign In
  • Find Your Roll Call
  • Meet & Mingle
  • Community Help Center
  • All Activity
  • Member Photo Albums
  • Meet & Mingle Photos
  • Favorite Cruise Memories
  • Cruise Food Photos
  • Cruise Ship Photos
  • Ports of Call Photos
  • Towel Animal Photos
  • Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
  • Write a Review
  • Live Cruise Reports
  • Member Cruise Reviews
  • Create New...

IMAGES

  1. Cruise Disembarkation Process

    costa cruises disembarkation time

  2. Cruise Ship 101: Your Guide To Disembarkation

    costa cruises disembarkation time

  3. 21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

    costa cruises disembarkation time

  4. Cruise Ship 101: Your Guide To Disembarkation

    costa cruises disembarkation time

  5. 21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

    costa cruises disembarkation time

  6. 5 Cruise Disembarkation Tips

    costa cruises disembarkation time

VIDEO

  1. MSC'S ABSURD DRINKING PACKAGE UPDATE 5/2023. IS IT STILL ABSURD?

COMMENTS

  1. How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

    Assuming a ship remains punctual, the time at which passengers can disembark depends on how long it takes for local authorities to clear the vessel. Most cruise ships are cleared for passengers to debark between 7 and 9 a.m., depending on their arrival time. If a ship arrives later — whether a late arrival is scheduled ahead of time or due to ...

  2. View and print useful information

    Useful Information Costa Cruises has created this "Useful Information" page for our guests to ensure that they have access to important information that will guide them confidently through their cruise, from the time of booking to when they return home.

  3. FAQs

    How does the delivery of luggage work during boarding and disembarking? How can I book the drinks packages or other products available online? page 1 of 7 Browse the frequently asked questions about the cruise experience in the FAQ section and book your next vacation with Costa Cruises.

  4. Disembarkation timing

    June 15, 2007 Oregon #1 Posted January 8, 2018 We are looking forward to our upcoming sailing of the Costa Fascinosa on the 29JAN....this will be our first time sailing with Costa so have a...

  5. What to Expect on a Cruise: How to Disembark the Ship

    Jun 30, 2023 Read time 10 min read The 24 hours before you disembark your cruise -- the point at which you get off the ship -- comes with a flurry of instructions. That includes everything...

  6. Cruise Disembarkation: A Guide to a Pain-Free Disembarkation Day

    Home Advice 6 Disembarkation Tips to Make Getting off the Ship a Breeze 6 Disembarkation Tips to Make Getting off the Ship a Breeze By Cruiseline.com Avoid crowds and stress with these simple strategies. - Photo by Anetlanda / Thinkstock

  7. 21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

    As a general rule most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am, however your cruise line can give you more specific information. 2. Avoid booking an early flight home Since it's difficult to predict the exact time you can get off your ship, don't book an early flight home.

  8. Please help! Where do I find the time for boarding?

    Posted January 19, 2010. Unless the ship arrived late for whatever reasons that morning, the boarding time will be earlier than the stated one. If the ship leaves at 7:00 pm, the last boarding call is 1.5 hours prior to that, so you can't arrive after 5:30 pm (officially at least). We went through security screening in the terminal at 11:30 am ...

  9. disembarking procedure

    #1 Posted February 14, 2014 I'm not sure what they call it, but does anyone know if Costa offers "early or self disembarkation" for those willing to carry their own luggage. Many companies...

  10. Costa Club regulation

    The disembarkation order may vary from cruise to cruise depending one departure and arrival times provided for the ship, Costa transfers and in compliance with safety regulations and Members may not ask for it to be revised. 8.37 Choice of disembarkation time. Platinum Members (Cabin privilege)

  11. Disembark time

    #1 Posted September 21, 2015 Hi all I've booked Costa Fortuna Dubai cruise for 29 January next year. The itinerary shows we return to dubai on 4 Feb but don't leave the ship until 5 Feb at...

  12. All You Need to Know About Cruise Embarkation and Disembarkation

    This is your guide to embarking and disembarking your cruise ship is below. Embarkation Day When the day of departure finally arrives, you will head to your ship's homeport, the place where you will board the vessel. Oftentimes, the disembarkation port is the same, unless you booked a one-way cruise itinerary.

  13. View and print useful information

    All special and important travel requests must be communicated at the time of booking. Costa Cruises does not guarantee their fulfilment. Find out more on our website. Guests with special needs. Costa Cruises wants to best serve people with special needs who wish to cruise but have a physical, visual or other disability.

  14. FAQs

    To obtain the boarding form, each guest over the age of 18 must personally complete the online check-in and satisfy all criteria in the self-certification form regarding medical conditions. Online check-in will open starting from 10 days before departure on MyCosta. How do I access online check-in?

  15. Disembarkation > Airport

    Cruise Critic Feature: MSC Formula 1 Partnership. LauraS · Started Friday at 06:00 PM. 0. Cruise Critic Feature: Cruise Critic Editors Pick Their Cruise Resolutions for 2024. LauraS · Started Friday at 04:06 PM. 0. Cruise Critic Feature: Cruise Critic Editors Pick Their Favorite Cruise Moments of 2023. LauraS · Started Friday at 03:35 PM.

  16. Early Disembarkation on Costa Pacifica

    Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Early Disembarkation on Costa Pacifica. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Hi All, Six of us will be taking the 11 nights cruise on 11/28 r/t from Rome-Rome. Does anyone know if early disembarkation is available and what time does it start?

  17. Disembarkation in Dubai

    Costa Cruises ; Disembarkation in Dubai Disembarkation in Dubai. By deadzone1003, January 27, 2015 in Costa Cruises. Share More sharing options... Followers 1. ... You just had to put your luggage out by the time they said and vacate your cabin my the time they said. They had a facility to store hand luggage as well.

  18. MSC Seaside disembarkation times

    Cruise Lines "A - O". MSC Cruises. MSC Seaside disembarkation times. This is my first ever post on CC, let's see how this goes. Sorry if this has been posted before, but attached is a picture of the departure schedule for Miami for the Feb 3-10 cruise, which we were on. Not sure if it will be the same for all cruises, but I would assume so.