Concierge - Disembark questions

[vtwep]

Hi - first cruise (of any kind) coming up later this year. What is the process/timing for disembarking?

If we keep our own suitcases (4-wheeled, we can each handle one), does that speed it up? Or is it just as easy (or easier) to have them take our bags the night before?

What time do Concierge guests get to disembark? Is there a difference?

Just trying to get a feel for the process and determine what window to request for our rental car pick up back to Orlando.

Thanks.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi - first cruise (of any kind) coming up later this year. What is the process/timing for disembarking?

If we keep our own suitcases (4-wheeled, we can each handle one), does that speed it up? Or is it just as easy (or easier) to have them take our bags the night before?

What time do Concierge guests get to disembark? Is there a difference?

Just trying to get a feel for the process and determine what window to request for our rental car pick up back to Orlando.

Thanks.

Handling your own bags can be cumbersome with the crowds on debarkation morning. We always let DCL take our bags from the ship into the terminal.

Concierge can debark at whatever time they wish. You will get an escort to the front of the line (that's the line getting off the ship, not the customs/immigration line in the terminal). Once off the ship, you claim your bags and join the customs/immigration line.

Rental cars are not located at Port Canaveral. You must take a shuttle to the specific rental agency office that you are renting the car from.

 

[phinz]

1. It would speed it up in that you wouldn't have to deal with a porter. Other than that, you'll have to get in the same customs line as everybody else. If you're hauling your own luggage you can even get off the boat with the first wave of people.
2. Concierge leaves the same time as everybody else. If you want to be escorted to the front of the disembarkation line you'll have to wait for your concierge host and several other concierge guests, as you'll go down in a group.

Customs moves pretty quickly, especially since they opened up the ability to bring back Cuban products. You don't even get the "alcohol and tobacco" question anymore, at least in my experiences in the past year.

Keep in mind that disembarkation can happen late as well, if customs does not quickly clear the ship for guests to leave. It's rare, but it happens.

I'd just schedule your car for early and if you get there late you get there late. That way your car will at least be waiting for you at the rental office.

 

[vtwep]

Great - thanks for the replies! Sounds like we'll just have them take our suitcases the night before and we'll handle a few carry-ons as we leave the ship. Appreciate the info!