Don’t forget all ships, cruise, cargo, tanker etc, etc, leaving or entering Ports have to adhere to a schedule, if a ship misses its time slot it could be an hour or even longer before a new slot becomes available.
I know from living near the Port of Harwich and from watching sail aways, when a ship is delayed in leaving, they then have to wait until other scheduled incoming vessels have arrived before they can leave. The delay could cost the cruise lines thousands of £s in extra port fees.
I know this from conversations with our daughter, who works for a company in Harwich (not cruise related) which has regular visits of shipping tankers, any delay in turning the tankers around can be extremely expensive for the company.
Cruise company’s have an obligation to wait for passengers who may be delayed arriving back on board, due to delays in the ships own arranged excursions, but do not have the same obligation in regards to those who have chosen to disembark on their own. Although I am sure if the passengers contact the ship and they have a genuine reason for the delay (not just forgot the time) they would be considerate in their decision.
Will the ship wait for you?
Probably not unfortunately.
This is a question we get asked quite often. 99% of the time the answer is no.
If you’re on an organised excursion booked through the cruise line and depending on the circumstances (usually, the amount of time you’ve been delayed for) then they may.
But if you’re sat in a bar after one too many cocktails or have lost track of time whilst out shopping then the ship won’t wait for you.
This is what happens if you’re late. I do have some sympathy for them (not much, but some) and it makes for an uncomfortable watch, but enjoy!
Or this
It’s so important to ensure that you get back to the ship in time if you’re ‘doing your own thing’ rather than an organised excursion otherwise you have to make your own way either to the next port to rejoin the ship or home which can be extremely stressful and expensive.
DON’T BECOME A ‘PIER RUNNER’
‘But why don’t they wait?’ I hear you cry 🙂
DelBoy, one of our forum members, explains:
If you’re extremely lucky though and the ship does wait even though you’re late and have no one but yourself to blame, be prepared for this ‘welcome back’ reception….
Have you witnessed ‘pier runners’ or even caught them on camera? Or have you been one? Let me know 🙂
Lx
About Me
I've worked in the Travel Industry since 1998. I started straight from college after obtaining an Advanced GNVQ Qualification in Travel and Tourism. I specialise in Cruise and Cruise and Stay Holidays so if that's what you're after, you've come to the right place. I have 3 children - Aimee…
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