8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

From making a flight to avoiding lines, here is why you should get off your cruise ship as early as you can on disembarkation day.
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[@kathryncashner3294]

On our last 2 cruises, we have taken the opposite approach. Our cruise line offered a sit down breakfast on disembarkation morning. As we had later flights, we opted for the last possible breakfast seating and late disembarkation time. No rush, no crowds, and plenty of time to get to the airport. For our next cruise, I'm considering staying at a hotel on disembarkation day. 2 plane seats home are currently going for total $700. I can do a 6 am flight the next day for total $270 and get a nice hotel for under $200 including evening reception with food and airport transfers. Still in decision mode on this one.....hoping for cheaper flights!

[@tsykes92]

Self disembarkation is the way to go if you only have 1 bag. No having to wait for bags in the luggage hall. No worry of your bag being taken or mixed up with the other thousands of bags. Plus I find it more relaxing as it feels like you have more control of your stuff

[@ctlt-pg4tm]

In 28 cruises never once have we had to wait for our bags. Find them and go

[@Becky6638]

As a crew member who has assisted with debark, please be patient and listen to crew. We're telling you to go to a certain place or queue a certain way for a reason, don't complain, just follow our directions. And please understand, it doesn't matter if you're Pinnacale, Key or even the captain, if we don't have clearance, you're not getting off the ship, complaining to me is not going to get you off the ship any quicker. Also, once the queue starts moving it can only go so quick so you likely will have to wait, you're not magically going to teleport to the termial. It should be common sense but some people seem to leave that at home when on vacation.

[@jeannearc9879]

Agree, and why would ppl be in a hurry anyway? Just plan ahead and be smart about it. I just don't understand how other ppl think 😅😂.

[@Messup7654]

@@jeannearc9879 sometimes things happen like a funeral being at that time lol you should know how different people lives can be understand that

[@Messup7654]

What if I just run off the ship I’m pretty fast I don’t think anybody can catch me what crime would that be

[@christinedelrossi2819]

I'm just not a morning person so I do the opposite. I eat a nice breakfast in the Main Dining Room and try to be one of the last off the ship when the lines have died down. Very easy and relaxed. I usually schedule my pick up for 9:30.

[@gunndygaming]

I'm pretty much the same way. I get up early every morning for work, so when I'm on vacation, I usually sleep in until 9am or later. Also, I am a night owl, so it's almost a guarantee that I am at the Casino until 1am or later on the final night of the cruise, and if I have 5-8 hours of travel back home, I don't want to be miserable tired the entire time. So I typically leave my stateroom just before 8am, grab a breakfast on the ship, and then find a comfortable spot on the ship to sit down and pull out my e-reader or just people watch for an hour. No reason to get back to the every-day hustle and bustle of a normal week any earlier than I have to.

[@janelayman2745]

@@gunndygaming I TOTALLY agree!!! There is nothing worse than waiting in a long line or at the airport when you KNOW your flight doesn't leave until later in the day. In addition, I want my SUN, SUN, SUN if I am cruising in the winter or summer shoulder months. So sorry, Matt, this is one time when I really disagree with you. Make it relaxing, not taxing!

[@LM-zc4up]

So do you take your own luggage when you late leave off ship or check it then pick it up on your way off ship?

[@christinedelrossi2819]

@@LM-zc4up I put my luggage out the night before and pick it up on my way out.

[@gunndygaming]

@L M I let the stewards take my main luggage off ship and pick it up in terminal. I only keep my backpack that I use as my carry-on for flights (holds extra shorts/shirt and all my electronics and medicines).

[@SoullesGinger]

I like going to the dining room and having one last family breakfast and leaving from there, I'm in no rush.

[@jeannearc9879]

Same.. why are they promoting to leave as early as possible ? 😅 we're all adults here we know what to do..

[@tammifitzgerald9285]

If I live close to the port then I always get off at the latest time I can so I can leave the earlier times for people who do need to catch a plane or have a long drive to get off first. Also I usually get picked up by family and they don't want to get up that early. If I fly into a port I would definitely take these recommendations

[@waynebrowne1063]

Self disembarkation is absolutely the best option. We did it last year and it was so much easier than the other way. We were off the ship and at the curb getting on our Uber so fast we were speechless.

[@nichtsistkostenlos6565]

When my wife and I cruise with the kids, we always take a flight the next day and do assisted debarkation. My kids are young, so they can't really help with the bags, so self debarkation is quite difficult. I usually just book a hotel that will get us transportation from the cruise port back to the hotel and to the airport the following morning and it makes the process much smoother for us and reduces the stress. It's nice to spend another day to relax a little bit at the hotel and get everything organized for the flight home, and sometimes we can find something fun to do in the evening the night before we leave.

[@marleew6455]

This is exactly what I was thinking of doing, thank you! By any chance have you done this in Miami, and if so, so you recommend a hotel you stayed at? I am wondering what to do with our bags between disembarking the cruise and hotel check in at 3pm? I’d love any and all advice you can give.

[@dchenkin02]

Both my cruises on other lines, waiting until last call meant having no line getting off the ship and going through customs. I pack carry on and a backpack so I self disembark. I agree with you on getting off early means shorter waits to get an UBER or Lyft at the terminal, still prefer to not rush off on an empty stomach. Also, flights sometimes are cheaper if you wait until the evening or next day to fly home; great to relax and enjoy the city before going home.

[@ohboy2592]

We had 7:40 and 8:00 am time to leave even though we were one family. We sat down for breakfast and finally left breakfast at 8:15. Hit the gangway at 8:25, walked to our luggage line and we were the only bags left. Very easy to find and no lines. We also just walked through a machine that looked at our face for disembarkation. We hit the car at 8:45 and were on the road. 30 minutes from solarium to vehicles in the parking lot. We will stay and eat breakfast

[@davidhoffman8122]

We have cruised many. many times and your info is spot on. First time cruisers will be more than happy to take your information to heart.

[@athlestanthefirst1275]

All depends if I'm driving or flying. When I'm driving, I'm not in a hurry. We will have a nice breakfast first then go.

[@travelinhawk4584]

I tend to go for last call when leaving, simply because there’s always the lines of people rushing to get off first. I let my bags go down and I grab breakfast. I like to people watch anyway, so grabbing a coffee in my tumbler cup and sitting in a common area on the lanai works for me.

[@laurieh5489]

I did self disembarkation on my recent cruise to Alaska. I had an early flight and wanted to give my self ample time to get through security as I had an international flight back to the US. I highly recommend this but much easier if you have less luggage so as to be able to easily manage your luggage disembarking. Everyone on the ship is working on getting off as the only thing to do is grab a breakfast and/or coffee and get going to disembark. Earlier is better as you beat the crowds and long lines that quickly form.

[@mikewest5796]

Here’s a tip for Royal when it comes to the parking garage. Pay as you enter not as you exit. My last RC (Mariner out of Canaveral) was pay as you exit and it was the biggest cruise cluster I’ve ever experienced.

[@clbert7460]

In Tampa, my home port, the garage associated with the port/cruise lines only allows for prepaid or pay as enter. The gates are open to exit the day the cruise ends. Very easy if I chose to park.

[@mikewest5796]

@@clbert7460 I sailed on the Paradise last November. Easy peasy.

[@ohboy2592]

Park across the street from the garage at port canaveral for terminal 1. Pay as you enter only and you pack up and drive off. I’m not sure if the other terminals for RCCL

[@clbert7460]

@@ohboy2592 I think it might be different because the Tampa cruise ship port is in downtown tampa. They use the one garage exclusively for cruisers. But if the garage wasn’t full with prepaid, then perhaps you might be able to drive up and pay. I’ve never asked.

[@ohboy2592]

@@clbert7460 oh ok. We’ve never sailed from Tampa.

[@cynthiadowling6783]

We live about an hour away from Bayonne NJ. I had my son drop us off the day of the cruise and pick us up after the cruise. We did self debarkation and waited outside for him less than 30 minutes. We were home by 10:40 am. It was a good plan.

[@daynaal-shammary5141]

I am one of those that wait as long as possible. Mostly because my husband likes to sleep in. Knowing this we do handle our luggage ourself. That is really the hardest part for me. Sometimes the wheels just don’t want to cooperate when there are bumps or obstacles in the way. Either way it really hate the last day. Cruiser for life.

[@tduck828]

You need to get out of your room so they can be cleaned for next set of guests. Its rude to stay or linger in room past 8am.

[@LucieInChicoCA]

Luggage is critical when trying to travel with carryon only and to manhandle it oneself, as I learned a couple years ago. I have an E-bag spinner featuring a hard back with soft front and a Samsonite backpack. The spinner is a game changer, as are compression packing cubes and a runner’s belt for essential docs and cards. Happy travels!

[@jasonjones8450]

Meh. It all depends on when my flight takes off.

[@williamlayton1827]

Just got home from freedom of the seas out of Miami and I live in Broward county. We got off ASAP and I was home via Uber at 815am. Self disembarking is a must, Uber was 50$ for a 45min ride. Will do again.

[@OneidaMM]

Hello! At what time did you start to wait in line?

[@aliciah8041]

The Key was great. Nice breakfast. Walked off, grabbed our luggage which was waiting and made a quick exit.

[@Garth_T]

I'll be in the Main Dining Room enjoying my breakfast with 2 or 3 final mimosas on the Deluxe Beverage Package.

[@clbert7460]

If you are using a ride share service like Uber or Lyft, then definitely embark 1st or last. Trying to get an Uber when you embark is nigh on impossible, and in Tampa there is a surge in prices because of the demand. You can usually request an earlier departure from Guest Services.

[@bryanitz8401]

Self disembarkation is the way to go! We have rolling bags and head out as soon as the gangway opens. We grab transportation and head to the airport.

[@DawnofFab]

We had breakfast at the buffet and did self-disembarkation and was in my car heading home by 7:30 am. I didn't have to wait in lines at all. Over a great experience!

[@hollishan]

My brother is always first to get off the ship. In fact, for the last family cruise he was literally at the doors before they opened. I like to at least get a nice breakfast, then head out. Since we're driving to our next port, we definitely want to get an earlier start for sure. I-95 traffic can be brutal!

[@jeannearc9879]

Dang!! Those ppl type of ppl don't really enjoy cruises. My dad was more excited when we're coming home than the time he spent on the cruise .

[@john.margiecheck2471]

The comment about the lines getting out of the parking garage hit home. We're driving to our cruise port in January so that tip will be a great help!!

[@subzippo]

I disagree. On my last cruise my wife and I had a late flight. We closed the windjammer and got as many drinks from our package as possible. It beat the heck out of waiting at the airport.

[@jeannearc9879]

Agree ....

[@michaelc754]

U can still get drinks from the drink package in the morning?

[@Toohot2handle758]

@@michaelc754 no LOL there are no bars open on disembarkation morning

[@CruisingWithDee]

I usually end up with a later in the day flight, so the last thing I want to do is get off a cruise super early. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I avoid hauling all my luggage myself. Nope, I’ll be the person having the leisurely breakfast until my very late boarding number is called. This also works well for catching an Uber for the airport, as I’ll be able to grab one of the Uber’s dropping the early boarding passengers.

[@brianstevens3963]

There is no hurry to get off the cruise ship I live in st augustine not very far from cruise ports ! port Canaveral is about 90 minutes and Tampa is about 3 hours if we don't stop in Orlando and have dinner at a restaurant we are very fond of so just enjoy some coffee and wait for the mad rush to be over

[@pmontgomery3263]

I don’t linger but I don’t rush. I get out of the cabin in time and take my time at breakfast then one last walk around. Then we go.

[@nami141]

I could only kind of agree with one of these. The day after I get home it's a public holiday, so I've got no reason to get home early, the cruise terminal is 300 meters away from a train station (Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay Train station), so I don't need to fight over an Uber. Also (If it's not obvious by the last comment), I'm not driving, so no problems exiting a big car park. Since the cruise terminal is 1.5 hours by train, I obviously am not catching a plane, so all the airport points are moot. Finally, even if there's no entertainment, I still have my book, so I'm still not going to get bored. I think I'll be quite happy waiting until the line is short and jumping on towards the end. That way I'm not getting in the way of people who do need to catch a flight.

[@jameswilson5165]

In getting to a cruise and at its end, really, your whole world revolves around the airlines if you are flying. Early at an Airport beats late and missing your flight every time.

[@franklee538]

I’ve never been on a cruise but I’m trying to plan one. I think it’s crazy disembarkation day counts as a “day” or the cruise. It’s like a morning and the embarkation day is a late afternoon and night. Both count as separate “days” but it’s really just one day split into two! Anyway this is good to know. Eat and leave as soon as possible

[@justinhardeman472]

Hence why a 9 day cruise. Is technically 10 days.

[@_LostAndFound_]

On a non-RC cruise this past April (2023) we were scheduled off at 930am. We got held up with customs, we went to Columbia and Central America, we didn't walk off until 123ppm... we were in line.... standing for almost 3 hours... we had changed our tag from 8 to 930 because of our flight time.

[@julieDJTFP]

We try to get off as late as possible.. Let everyone else get off and then we'll go.

[@DailyOrah]

The longer you stay the more chance of a free cruise!! 😅

[@jameswilson5165]

Forget hiding in a lifeboat. Those suckers are locked up tight! 🤣

[@robertb7864]

We will be doing a side 2 side cruise and to waste time. So, I think hanging out until the last minute will work best.

[@tobiebrave]

ALWAYS carry off. We pack as light as possible and carry it off as soon as we are done with breakfast. Easy to get a taxi and generally can be at the airport for a late morning flight. Also I HATE looking for my luggage in the terminal. The down side is that it is tough to get an elevator so you have to be prepared to wrestle the luggage down the stairs.

[@mamamia6425]

Disagree! We'll have to wait at the airport for 5 hours (RC scheduled a late afternoon fight). I'd rather wait in Windjammer.

[@rubypersha5881]

I have not gone yet but I agree with you i will for sure be getting of the ship by 7:30am no later than 8 am you can book your Lyft Earl as well

[@warmyfung5561]

What time was your disembarking ? I need to catch the flight back. I only have about 3.5 hours

[@philliplibertone7948]

Agreed

[@Merlinda107]

We've had a couple of delayed disembarkations. One due to customs not being in gear with the first international ship into Sydney, they other due to weather keeping us out of the Harbour for a few hours. We do the same as from a hotel, pack the morning of departure and then head to a leisurely breakfast. We're usually one of the last off the ship and the lines have dissipated by then. If we're at our home port, we're home by 10am and in Sydney we take a mid afternoon flight. We've even gone later when the 5pm flight is much cheaper than 2 or 3pm. We treat it like part of our holiday. We were doing self-disembarkation before we knew it was an option. BTW on the departural delays, it was a great opportunity for pizza morning tea and using all our diamond vouchers before we disembarked. I'm not saying pizza is normally open but in the case of several hour delays it has been.

[@gabrielleroux2333]

The first reason you give is very circumstantial…. Where it’s true that a lot of cruises have a set embarcation and disembarkation days for every passengers, there’s are a non negligible number of cruises that have passengers embark and disembark on every port they stop at. And in that’s crises , there are always something to do as the party never really stops for a turnaround. In those cases I’d say to stay on board as long as possible , except if your ghosts make to the airport at a specific time obviously

[@rigobertobautistaperez3245]

En mi agenda presente conocer Royal Carribean excelente crucero

[@LM-zc4up]

Wow NEVER knew you could keep your luggage in your room and just take it all off your self! Great to know.

[@Dtownbaddest]

I’m gonna hide in the restroom next time to get a free B2B sailing.

[@clbert7460]

😂😂😂 Believe me they will find you…the last time a couple fell asleep in the theater and they delayed boarding for the next cruise for 4 hours until they were found.

[@andreepeters2967]

Agree

[@SwayPromo]

Can you have drinks on the final day? They are charging ya for It… if you have the drinking packadge

[@nami141]

Carnival says you can have a maximum of 15 drinks per day. Last day you're off by 10am... Challenge accepted.

[@pagrant]

we always go on cruises which included transfer to the airport, the best one was back in 2020, as we were cruising in Asia, away at 8.30am into airport, got through very quickly and straight onto the plane, we had our temperature taken, but we had breakfast on board the cruise ship, airplane sorted out everyone to pre snacks as there were no time to stop to get a bite to eat in the airport. they wanted us in and out quickly as possible.

[@dianariggs8604]

i made a 930am flight from Los Angeles cruise port to Long beach airport. Hope we make it on time

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You're playing with fire

[@terrifromm5085]

I agree with you. Hanging around the ship just postpones the inevitable. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave.

[@randyyoung5770]

When does the gangplank normally go down? Around what time?

[@dcnole]

I have a 1:45 pm flight out of MIA on my next cruise. I'm doing a ground transfer provided by RC to the airport. I assume this means a shuttle bus. I'm travelling with 2 kids, so the chance of all 3 of us making standby on an earlier flight seems extremely remote. Given all of this, I'm not seeing much reason to hurry off the ship. My plan had been to exit the state room just before 8, and head to get breakfast (we're doing The Key so we have some sort of special ala carte breakfast in the MDH). After taking our time there, I figure we'll take our time and wander off at 9 or 9:30. Not really seeing the value in scrambling to be off the ship by 7;45 or something like that. Am I missing an important consideration?

[@icedteamama176]

I think that’s the smart way to do it! My flight was at 2 P.M. in December 2022 and my friend and I had a nice relaxing breakfast in main dining room, then took Uber at Miami port and still got on earlier flight. 👍 No point in rushing to get off unless you have an early flight.

[@Cory69]

@@icedteamama176 my flight was departing at 12:48 and we took the 45min shuttle from canaveral and we took the 8:30 shuttlke got there with 2-3 hours to spare

[@dannyj9577]

Star Class on Oasis/Quantum ships: Breakfast at Coastal Kitchen, let the Genie know when you want to be escorted off the ship, RC bellman takes your luggage while you’re escorted off, hands off luggage to port guy, which escorts you though the shorter Suite passenger line at customs and takes your bags all the to your car. I know Star Class is super expensive. We got a great price during COVID and we’ve recently booked another shorter Star Class cruise. It was the opposite of every other disembarkation day. We literally felt like our cruise didn’t end until we got in the car at the port. It was a very relaxing last day on board. This is just one of the many Star Class benefits. We’ve also done a Sky Class cruise. Your bags at the port are in a separate section which makes them easier to find.

[@jameswilson5165]

Well, Thurston, I'm sure you and Lovy had a great time. I hope Gilligan didn't lose the luggage.

[@Kay-Kay56]

How is RC's Miami Airport Transfer service? I hear you get tags numbered 1 for your luggage and you dont have worry about uber or lyft

[@paradonym]

you can spende like 100 USD on security lines to get through faster.

[@theresabuford9680]

Get off asap!!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I’m disabled so debarkation is different for me

[@popeye4533]

You state the obvious!

[@subtlelifestyle]

We have a cruise that disembarks in Sydney. Our flight is at 10.30am on disembarkment day. Will we make the flight?!

[@papigrande1971]

I always play nice and seek. They gotta find a d throw me off.

[@jeannearc9879]

Why ? Need to get off early? Just chill, no need to be in a hurry c'mon whos with me? Hoping for more ? Lol 😆 Anyways ill say it depends i always get a late flight home cuz u know i do not wanna be 1 of those ppl. Hahaha just plan ahead and be smart about it. Plus whats up with this ? Y they're recommending to leave early as possible? Recommending this ppl gonna start stressing about getting off the 🚢. N who knows maybe next thing u know ppl fighting about getting off the ships 🚢 too.. 😅😅😅😂

[@jackmortimer329]

Agree. Time to move on.

[@foecartel]

Speaking of security at the airport, is there any security process on the way out of the cruise terminal?

[@satashasawyer4097]

What’s the absolute earliest one can get off? Is 7am doable?

[@estelgarcia-og8qp]

the muse arg.thats we you cant go on the cruz

[@douglascohen2521]

7:15 am

[@helciobmello]

Nice video, Matt. I have cruised only once, and I departed the ship as soon as I was done with my breakfast. I wanted to brush my teeth before heading off, but I was afraid I could be fined if I took to long to disembark and hence decided not to. If my stateroom is empty, what is the latest time I am allowed to stay on board?

[@dchenkin02]

Cruise director will announce last call and staff will check you are leaving in time, usually about 9:30am. No need to panic and skip brushing your teeth in a common restroom.

[@marleew6455]

Any of the viewers here have any advice for what to do with your luggage after you disembark and check in at the hotel is 3pm? We will be getting a flight home the next day, and I’m not sure what people do. If you have done this in Miami, pls let me know your recommendations, this has been the most confusing part of trip planning so far for me.

[@amandakraus5527]

Most hotels will let you drop your bags off and store them until you are able to check in.

[@marleew6455]

@@amandakraus5527 thank you! You are absolutely right, I found some that do that!

[@GentlemanMcmike]

Royal Caribbean has just rejected transportation scheduling for my party of 12. They say that new changes require flights leaving after 1:00. My original depart time was 3:30 but recently changed by Southwest to 12:20. Furthermore my travel agency has refused to handle transportation, flights, or hotels. What do you all think of that scenario?

[@tanyajames1082]

I handle all of those as a travel agent, but understand why others don't. Flights are a headache (as you just said) and they don't pay commission 99% of the time. I just do it for my customer's experience.

[@whome4642]

We’re disembarking on a Friday and our flight back isn’t until Saturday night so we’re going down to the keys for the night.

[@evanhartman8602]

1,000th like let’s goooo

[@johnlupo3919]

SLOWLY PRONOUNCE: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

[@Toohot2handle758]

Nope. I do the opposite.

[@Nishkid641]

Hm. Some people always try to find a way to criticize, so here I am. You should be more specific on the title and the contents, as this is only about North America. There are also cruise trips in South America, Europe and Asia. If you don't have a small-minded way of thinking, you need to include those locations as well. Otherwise, plz add this to the video's title, something like "North America only."

[@Messup7654]

Don’t listen to this guys he’s secretly a free worker and just wants more time to work without people on the ship doing things

[@kristenmoon4405]

Really sucks. I finally got enough money to go on a cruise, and because of the political climate in Florida right now, it’s not safe for me to be in the state. -_- . So I guess I’m off the ship for a long time. :(

[@JoseRios-ci6bk]

What a depressing video 😳