excursion question from a new cruiser

[Michigan Mommy]

we are going on the 7 night eastern cruise in january - and this is our first cruise. the excursions we have booked show a departure time earlier than the cruise lists the docking time at the respective islands. the time difference is only about 15-20 minutes but it is concerning.

can anyone tell me if we will be allowed to go on the excursions, meaning is there another way for us to get their early, or is the docking time and estimate? it doesn't make sense to me that they would offer the excursions if the ship does not dock on time, but we are new. i would expect this to work out if the cruise line is allowing the excursions to be booked through them.

Thanks! Michigan Mommy

 

[stampinshauna]

As long as you're booking the excursions through Disney, the time listed is the meeting time, which is done on the ship in a designated area. As soon as they've checked people in and gotten clearance, they will lead you off the ship to your excursion spot.

 

[TnRobin]

Also the time listed is the time you will meet with your group. It takes a little time for the tour guide to get all the information disseminated and everyone thier "Stickers" for the tour. All this has to be done before you leave the ship.

Also like the previous poster stated. If you book it with DCL, you will not have to worry.

 

[castlegazer]

Yup, its your meet time as long as it a DCL sponsored excursion - guess I didn't need to tell you that after the last posts, but sometimes it helps to see that everyone agrees.

 

[Michigan Mommy]

thanks to all who posted. it has made me relax quite a bit since hearing your answers...but let me ask one more question: for excursions that leave later in the morning or early afternoon, do you have to stay on the boat until the excursion, or just meet back at the boat at the alloted time?

 

[MrsMork]

You just have to be at the appointed spot at the excursion time. You can go wherever you choose prior to that. Enjoy your cruise!!