Zaandam Circle Hawaii out of San Diego

[Crusing Bob]

can anyone tell me what their experience has usually been in disembarking at this port. Looking at next April out of S.D.

Bob

[Crusing Bob]

Also, from what I can tell it looks like the airport is fairly close to the cruise terminal-can someone comment on this as well-sorry for leaving this out in the OP.

Bob

[RuthC]

I've disembarked there twice. Both times were normal disembarkations---that is, they were busy, stressful, but basicly organized chaos.
The airport is so close that you can watch the planes land from the Lido, and practically see the pilot in his seat. It's maybe a 10-minute ride from the pier.

[Crusing Bob]

Thank you so much Ruth for both of your comments. Really would like to make this cruise next year. I have been to Hawaii two times(land) but my wife never has and I think this would be a very relaxing way to do it without the long flight to Hawaii.

Bob

[DAllenTCY]

If you think disembarkation was stressful?.....you'll just love it soon when Harbor Drive is being torn up in order to install the plug in electrical system for cruise ships, the new $38 million dollar Broadway pier is under construction, and the parking lot across the street closed and is being converted into two office buildings.
The Navy Complex is due to be demolished and replaced with a hotel or two, also.
Check to see if any other ship will be in port at the same time, as that alone can cause havoc. The "B" St. pier was never intended for use by 5,000+ guests to debark and embark in an 8-9 hour window of time....but somehow it happens....on a good day. Add rain and it really gets dicey.
David

[Crusing Bob]

Ugh, David, that doesn't sound too encouraging.

Bob

[Himself]

I have disembarked three times in San Diego. I thought things were okey. I never found it to be difficult. Once I picked up my luggage I was out on the street grabbing a cab in short order.

[Crusing Bob]

Thanks, Himself. I hope it will be the same for Myself.

Bob

[Himself]

You know Bob, when some find a situation vexing, someone else might say normal. I have had ports where it has been harder to disembark. I am always a bit nervous about Vancouver B.C. I have disembarked at Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, New Orleans, San Diego, Seattle and Vancouver. San Deigo is not too bad, in my humble opinion.

[takemewithyou]

I took the Hawaii cruise in Dec on the Zaandam and disembarkation was, as Ruth described, organized chaos getting off the ship. Once off, we retrieved our luggage quickly and were off. Pretty slick, really, and there were other ships diembarking passengers.

In Feb, I took the Noordam and disembarkation was worse and finding our suitcases in FLL was a mess! A sea of suitcases everywhere- no organization. There were about 10 other cruise ships all disembarking. Huge mass of people outside the terminal fighting for taxis. Long lines to check-in at Southwest or any other airline and long. long security lines at the airport. :eek:

I'll take San Diego any day!

[debshomespun]

We were on the Ryndam 30 night jan cruise and returned to San Diego feb. 3. We didn't have any problems. It was a breeze. Got our luggage, grabbed a taxi and was at the airport. Our flight was at 11:40, and we had plenty of extra time.

[Himself]

That has been my experience. This was my experience in 2000 after a ten day cruise on the STATENDAM. It was my experience on a 15 Day Hawaiian cruise in November 2005 on the STATENDAM. I had the same experience last fall as I did a round trip on the ZAANDAM.

[Crusing Bob]

Thanks everyone for your comments. We have only gone out of Cape Canaveral and FLL which is why I was asking about SD.

Bob

[Pettifogger]

There can be one problem in San Diego, I went to get the car and came back to pick up my wife and the bags. There are two traffic lanes and they are full of taxis for some distance. They didn't want to let me in, but a helpful police officer said to them, "Come on guys; give the gentleman a break." and they did let me in. Without him, I don't know how long I would have been there.