Is this a GOOD idea or a BAD idea??

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Should my DH get off the ship when we return to port, take the shuttle to Budget, then return for us with the car? That way, only 1 needs to make the shuttle, and the other four can take our time in customs getting luggage and taking one last look around the ship.
I am weighing the option, but we had no problems all getting on the shuttle together the last time we cruised.
If he does go get the car, is the pick up at the port easy?
Can someone who has done this let me know what your experience was like? TIA!

 

[scrapperjill]

I've never done that...but it dose sound like a wonderful idea. It seems like it would make it easer for EVERYONE in your group. (no hasle for your DH with the luggage and all...when going over to get the car...the kids won't have to be rushed through inorder to gather everything and get through customs...not to mention the trouble lugging EVERYTHING onto the shuttle causes.) The only problem I could see is the pick up....and you getting all the luggage and the kids out to the pick up area....of course if you had a handy porter to give you a hand it would be EASY.

I'd love to hear what others think of your idea...I'm thinking it could work very SMOOTH!!!

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

It's up to you depending on how much luggage you have to get in the shuttle whether you send your DH ahead to get the rental car. You must go through customs together as a family so staying on board is not an option.

 

[homrjay]

My dh just did that last week. He was back for us at the port within 20 minutes. The shuttle was readily available and it isn't far from the port at all. Hope that helps.

 

[momof6innc]

We just got off on Saturday. The CM on the phone gave the impression that we had to be off DCL property by 9 am, and that we couldn't wait for anyone. However, that was untrue. Once you all clear customs, DH can go to the Budget shuttle, and you can sit out at the #4 area (reserved for private cars and taxis, I think). We waited there for the Cocoa Beach shuttle to take our whole family back to the hotel where we kept the cars.

 

[tvguy]

My dh just did that last week. He was back for us at the port within 20 minutes. The shuttle was readily available and it isn't far from the port at all. Hope that helps.

I think you need to clarify. You waited on the ship, or in the cruise terminal past customs and immigration after you went through as a family? Because I think the other poster is correct, families must clear customs and immigration all at once.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

It's up to you depending on how much luggage you have to get in the shuttle whether you send your DH ahead to get the rental car. You must go through customs together as a family so staying on board is not an option.

Why do we have to go through as a family? Not a big deal, but just wondering...

 

[PorterBob]

It's a Customs regulation. They are also there to make sure you declare how much you spent and make sure your family didn't go over it's allowed declaration limit. This prevents both groups from going out with the max allowed. They can regulate that better. I'm sure they have many other reasons. If there is a long line for the shuttle I would suggest sending just one for the car. If there isn't it doesn't make much sense for him to have to come back around to the curb

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

That makes sense. Thanks for the info!

 

[DISJen]

We all went through custom and luggage together and then my husband booked out and got in line for the shuttle as quick as possible. It sometimes waits until it has enough people before it takes off though, so you may be out at the curb when he's still sitting on the bus.
However, I highly recommend doing this just because it saves a lot of hassle of hauling everyone and their luggage. Plus, since he doesn't have luggage, he can easily hop off the shuttle and get in line at the car rental too. (there is sometimes a short line there too).

 

[pandamom]

We did that after our 11/11 cruise and it worked out great. After customs, he jumped on the Budget shuttle and we had a porter take our luggage to the waiting area. He was back in less than 20 minutes and we were on our way.

Also, before the cruise he dropped us off at the terminal (I had his passport) and he returned the car while we checked in at port.

 

[kcashner]

We always do the reverse--one person drops off rest of the gang and the luggage, then goes to return the rental car and shuttle back. THe advantage is getting on the shuttle. THey may not be able to take a family and all the luggage, but they can almost always fit in one person with no luggage. Also, the other adult can be checking in.

On the way home, you are out of your room when you leave for breakfast, and are not supposed to return. THere are essentially no ship services operating other than Shutters (limited hours) and the dining rooms. DCL asks that everyone be off the ship by 9, however we have been on a cruise when the big doors didn't open till after 9....so it is a request and an attempt, not an order.

You do have to go thru Customs as a family because the allowances are per family. It is quick and easy. THen, it would be a great idea for DH to go and get the car--again, one person can easily hop on a shuttle that may not have room for 4 people and luggage. It should take no more than 30 minutes to get back, and you will be waiting with the luggage, etc. THere's little for you to do, but it makes more sense than dragging the bags around.

 

[Frye7127]

We got a porter and we were going to wait while my husband went to get the car at Budget. Our porter practically loaded us all up into the shuttle and said, "GO!!!!" His reasoning was that the Carnival ship had not cleared yet and once they were able to get off it was pure pandemonium at the curb. He said my husband would have a hard time getting back and load us up, so we took him on it - luggage, carry-ons and all! We were out in about ten minutes and on our way to Budget. completely pain-free. BTW, our breakfast was at 8:15 and we didn't eat. We left our room about that time. We were at SeaWorld no later than 10:00.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

We got a porter and we were going to wait while my husband went to get the car at Budget. Our porter practically loaded us all up into the shuttle and said, "GO!!!!" His reasoning was that the Carnival ship had not cleared yet and once they were able to get off it was pure pandemonium at the curb. He said my husband would have a hard time getting back and load us up, so we took him on it - luggage, carry-ons and all! We were out in about ten minutes and on our way to Budget. completely pain-free. BTW, our breakfast was at 8:15 and we didn't eat. We left our room about that time. We were at SeaWorld no later than 10:00.

That's a good point... I guess we'll play it by ear. If we can all get on, we will. If only DH, then just him. If it's way too long of a wait, we'll take a cab. We have a 12:50 flight, so I want to get going ASAP