There’s an unusual custom for some frequent cruisers. Around the time the ship is scheduled to leave the cruise port, they locate a comfortable spot on the sundeck. That’s when the “fun” begins. It happens almost indefinitely. “Pier runners” begin to appear in the distance, running as quickly as they can to return to the cruise liner before the gangway is hoisted in.
There are cheers of “You’re so close, you can make it” and an occasional “Run Forrest Run” for those latecomers. The ones who’re running don’t exactly feel that same enthusiasm. It’s do or die for them, especially if they miss the deadline.
How can you ensure that you never miss a cruise? Do you get better cruise transfers to make you reach on time? How can you keep from turning into a “pier runner”? Even though your port of call may seem serene, getting “stuck” abroad without a passport or other transportation options can instantly make your trip a nightmare.
This post can help you ensure that you never miss your ship. Here are some easy guidelines to avoid missing your cruise and being left behind.
Adjust Yourself According To Ship Time Rules
This is most likely the main cause of people being abandoned at a cruise port. They disregard ship time. No matter where you’re docked for a few hours, the timetables in your daily schedule are set according to ship time.
Many people use phones as their watches instead of wearing a wristwatch. You feel like you won’t have to change the timings once you have boarded. Wrong! If your watch is set to local time instead of ship time, you’re bound to miss your ship. People believe they have enough time to return to the ship, but when they arrive at the cruise port, they discover it’s long gone.
Don’t worry; the ships are one step ahead in keeping you synchronized. The current time is prominently displayed at the gangway when you disembark the cruise liner in a port of call. If there are any changes in the timing, someone will place a notice on the bulletin board. Besides this, you can also wear a non-smart watch. This way, you can always set it to ship time without it automatically changing it to the new time zone.
Listen To The “All Aboard” Call
Many cruises don’t mention the set sail time because it might be confusing for some people. The all-aboard time is when you intend to return to the ship. The ship prepares to leave the pier at the set sail time, but by then, the gates have already been shut, and you are expected to be standing on the pool deck saying your goodbyes to the cruise port.
Remember not to put off going back to the pier because of the all-aboard time. Your goal should be to reach at least half an hour before the “all aboard” time. If not, then be within walking distance of the ship by that time. If you’re something of a latecomer, set your watch 15–20 mins ahead so that you’d arrive on time.
Purchase Excursions From The Cruise Line
A lot of people make travel arrangements using third parties. You’ll sometimes get a fantastic deal or a special excursion that the cruise line doesn’t offer. Along with the enticing deals, you won’t miss your ship when you book reservations directly from the cruise line.
Businesses collaborating with the cruise company have direct contact with the ship, so if your activity is delayed, the ship will be aware of this and won’t leave without you. The ship won’t wait for you if you reserve an excursion through a third party and unforeseen circumstances prevent you from returning to the pier on time. Then, your next adventure would be finding the best route to the next cruise port and getting a cruise transfer.
Be Aware Of The Distance Between Your Scheduled Activities And The Ship
If you’re a solo traveller who wants to explore the port of call on your own terms. Try it out. But you should also be aware of the time you have to get back. There are numerous adventures available on the mainland. Maybe there are some ruins that you get to explore or a famous restaurant you have always wanted to try.
However, some of these require a ferry or could be hours away from the ship. These activities need a lot of preparation and time. Here’s a useful tip: the activities that are a little far away from the ship need to be done first, and those closer to the ship can be done later. So, if any activity gets delayed, it won’t significantly impact your return to the cruise port. You wouldn’t want to pay tons of money for a taxi service to rush you back to the ship.
Plan Ahead For Delays
Certain things are out of your control. Recognize that delays can occur due to various factors, including weather, traffic, and even health issues. Allow time between each activity and sight-seeing destination in port. Although, rushing is not the answer. In a hurry, you’re more likely to make careless mistakes that could endanger your safety and lose your wallet.
Do Your Last-Minute Plans Near The Ship
Many stores can be found near the cruise ports. As you return to the ship, proceed to hit these places last. You won’t be tense to return in time as the ship will be a few feet away. Just be careful not to lose track of time while buying those £5 T-shirts. Even though you may tell yourself there is still plenty of time, once you glance down at your watch, you will see that it is too late.
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