Port destination priorities

[KVH]

Is the disembarking procedure for port activities at all different based on the port (my focus is San Fran for now)? Or do paid ShoreEx cruisers ALWAYS get the option to leave first while the rest twiddle our thumbs? I've honestly never worried too much about this before. We usually just get off at our leisure when we're not doing an activity.

I'm going to sign up for the Disney-sponsored activity we want just in case. But we'd prefer to just get off quickly and Uber ourselves to the same location (with pre-purchased tickets). But not if we end up getting to the location 30 minutes (or more) after everyone in the paid DCL groups.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is the disembarking procedure for port activities at all different based on the port (my focus is San Fran for now)? Or do paid ShoreEx cruisers ALWAYS get the option to leave first while the rest twiddle our thumbs? I've honestly never worried too much about this before. We usually just get off at our leisure when we're not doing an activity.

I'm going to sign up for the Disney-sponsored activity we want just in case. But we'd prefer to just get off quickly and Uber ourselves to the same location (with pre-purchased tickets). But not if we end up getting to the location 30 minutes (or more) after everyone in the paid DCL groups.

Typically, one of the gangways is used for the first debarkations for any DCL sponsored excursions, while another is for just anyone wishing to get off. Once the DCL excursions are off, then the excursion gangway is opened.

Now, that may be different in the future (especially if the only way passengers will be allowed to debark is on a ship's sponsored excursion).

 

[jane01jp]

I like it when the closest one is available coming off of a hot day at Castaway Cay!

 

[Cheburashka]

I've done Disney excursions where we waited on the stairs for the gangway to open up, right next to other cruisers who weren't in an excursion, so no.

 

[KVH]

Thanks, y'all!

 

[Quellman]

At tender ports, DCL excursion guests typically have priority. After they are off, then it is open for everyone. My experience in the Caymans was a little different. There were more tenders available then scheduled DCL groups, so they allowed us to mingle together as there weren't lines of DCL excursion guests waiting to get off all at once.

 

[KVH]

At tender ports, DCL excursion guests typically have priority. After they are off, then it is open for everyone. My experience in the Caymans was a little different. There were more tenders available then scheduled DCL groups, so they allowed us to mingle together as there weren't lines of DCL excursion guests waiting to get off all at once.

That was my experience last year at GC as well. But i was not aware of the tenders > groups issue. Which is why I had to get confirmation. Makes total sense in a tendered port (Cabo or GC).