Wonder out of Miami

[Melissa S]

Can anyone confirm if there was express check off at MIA? We did it NYC and loved it. We had breakfast at the buffet and were off the boat by 7am and DH was on time for work. Although in March we won't have the pressure of being at work that day, it was nice not having to wait for luggage and try to make it through the crowds.

 

[ZoeBell]

Can anyone confirm if there was express check off at MIA? We did it NYC and loved it. We had breakfast at the buffet and were off the boat by 7am and DH was on time for work. Although in March we won't have the pressure of being at work that day, it was nice not having to wait for luggage and try to make it through the crowds.

Yes they had it, BUT because of the weather we didn't get to Miami until around 8:00. Nobody was cleared to leave the ship until maybe 8:30-8:45ish.

 

[neg58]

Can anyone confirm if there was express check off at MIA? We did it NYC and loved it. We had breakfast at the buffet and were off the boat by 7am and DH was on time for work. Although in March we won't have the pressure of being at work that day, it was nice not having to wait for luggage and try to make it through the crowds.

Yes, there were people who toted their own luggage off at 7:15. One thing that is very different than Port Canaveral is that the porter are not as plentiful and not as helpful. In PC, we were asked 10 times in the luggage room if we needed help, and not once in Miami. I had a pocketful of $$1, and no takers. I also thought the customs people were a little slower in Miami.

Nancy

 

[liz4820]

I just got off the Wonder. What would you like to know?

hi just wondering if there's a specific order they let you off to the islands in? Does it get really crazy when you're getting off in Cast Away cay? I have 3 kids and just want to know what to expect.

 

[ZoeBell]

hi just wondering if there's a specific order they let you off to the islands in? Does it get really crazy when you're getting off in Cast Away cay? I have 3 kids and just want to know what to expect.

We didn't go to CC. We went to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. In Grand Cayman you need to go to the BV theatre and get a tender ticket. The tender were leaving with hardly anyone on them. We were in the theatre about 8:30 and waited with about 60 for the next tender. All said about 100 because we're on the tender. The whole process from the time we went to the theatre till we hit land was about 30 minutes.

In Cozumel you left whenever you wanted too. Just walked right off.

 

[cwdefouw]

They use Terminal F, which is near the end closest to downtown Miami and the basketball arena. The luggage/drop off area is a mess, and you just have to find someone to take your bags. You enter and go upstairs, through security, and then down another hall to the check in area. It's like at an airport with the check in stations along the windows on your left and seating areas directly in front. The supervisor's desk is the first window to your left, the castaway club the next 8 or so, and the regular check in all the remaining windows. We got there about 11 and they were letting everyone in. It was rather crowded, but our cruise was full (CHristmas) so lots of kids, strollers, carry on bags. It isn't anywhere near as big as Port Canaveral.

To board the ship, there is another escalator at the far end of the terminal, and then you walk back along a gangway a level above the check in windows, so everyone can see you boarding (characters are often walking up there too). There is a photo area, then another KTTW check in, then another twisting gangway, and finally you board on to the 4th deck of the Wonder.

Nancy

Thanks for this very good description. Now I know exactly what to expect.

 

[neg58]

Thanks for this very good description. Now I know exactly what to expect.

Except that I screwed up - the supervisor's desk is the first on the RIGHT. All the check in windows are on the RIGHT as you walk in from security.

Sorry.

Nancy

 

[RedxPanda]

hi just wondering if there's a specific order they let you off to the islands in? Does it get really crazy when you're getting off in Cast Away cay? I have 3 kids and just want to know what to expect.

When we visited CC on the Magic last year, debark was quick, not what I would consider crazy. The ship docks at CC, so just wait for the all ashore announcement and walk off in line with everyone else. Getting back on is even easier... as they don't have to check you nearly as closely because you are on their island not a foreign port.

 

[Gracies Moms]

For those of you that sailed out of Miami - Did anyone mail anything to the port ahead of time? Any issues? Have any info?

We're thinking we MIGHT have to ship our FE gifts ahead of time.

Thanks!