Catching a train in San Diego

[imaboo]

Hi all,

Awesome discussion board. I've been glued to it for 3 days now and have learned TONS! I'm sailing Elation to Ensenada on Dec 14th - first time cruiser and a solo.

I live in Cali and will be taking the train south to San Diego. I think I will be ok for embarking (timing-wise) as the train arrives at 12:25 pm. The train station is 2-3 blocks from the docks.

On the way back home however, I have two choices - a 9:30am train and a 4pm train. I really don't want to take the 4pm train because I will be arriving home at nearly 11pm. On the Carnival site, they recommend booking return trips after 11:30am. I read on this board however that there is such a thing as self disembarkation - which potentially could get me off the ship in time for the 9:30 train. What do you think? Is it possible, or should I just stay overnight and catch the 9:30 the next day? I'm staying in a 'V' cabin as well, if that makes any difference....

[Sherman Oaks]

Originally Posted by imaboo

Hi all,

Awesome discussion board. I've been glued to it for 3 days now and have learned TONS! I'm sailing Elation to Ensenada on Dec 14th - first time cruiser and a solo.

I live in Cali and will be taking the train south to San Diego. I think I will be ok for embarking (timing-wise) as the train arrives at 12:25 pm. The train station is 2-3 blocks from the docks.

On the way back home however, I have two choices - a 9:30am train and a 4pm train. I really don't want to take the 4pm train because I will be arriving home at nearly 11pm. On the Carnival site, they recommend booking return trips after 11:30am. I read on this board however that there is such a thing as self disembarkation - which potentially could get me off the ship in time for the 9:30 train. What do you think? Is it possible, or should I just stay overnight and catch the 9:30 the next day? I'm staying in a 'V' cabin as well, if that makes any difference....

I think your big error here is assuming that Amtrak is going to run on time both directions. I've known Amtrak to be late more often than it's on time.

[salty dingo]

I believe the train station is walking distance to the cruise ship. I have cruised out of San Diego once, and I recall how nice of an option Amtrak was at that port.

Flying in was a breeze as well.

[terri910]

In 2005 we took Amtrak from Ventura County to San Diego for our Carnival Spirit cruise out of San Diego. We came down the night before. The return trip was on a Sunday, I think, and there was a train at around 9:30 a.m., but definitely another one before 4 p.m. We were off the ship and at the train station in time to change our reservations from the 2nd northbound train to the earlier one. You would probably make it, but it's up to you whether you want to risk it.

If it were me, I'd be more concerned about getting to the port on time by taking the train the day of sailing. On our southbound trip on above-mentioned trip, our train was stopped dead at least three times while commercial trains were using the tracks (which were owned by the commercial train line and only rented or leased for use by Amtrak), and we arrived at least an hour-and-a-half later than scheduled.

Even if your train was delayed you'd still probably make it in time. And the train IS a really stress-free way to get there...no fighting the traffic!

We are sailing the same itinerary (Spirit's Mexican Riviera cruise) in less than 2 weeks, but hubby has decided he wants to drive and use long-term parking this time.

[JLC@SD]

Originally Posted by imaboo

Hi all,

Awesome discussion board. I've been glued to it for 3 days now and have learned TONS! I'm sailing Elation to Ensenada on Dec 14th - first time cruiser and a solo.

I live in Cali and will be taking the train south to San Diego. I think I will be ok for embarking (timing-wise) as the train arrives at 12:25 pm. The train station is 2-3 blocks from the docks.

On the way back home however, I have two choices - a 9:30am train and a 4pm train. I really don't want to take the 4pm train because I will be arriving home at nearly 11pm. On the Carnival site, they recommend booking return trips after 11:30am. I read on this board however that there is such a thing as self disembarkation - which potentially could get me off the ship in time for the 9:30 train. What do you think? Is it possible, or should I just stay overnight and catch the 9:30 the next day? I'm staying in a 'V' cabin as well, if that makes any difference....

You should have no problem making a 9:30 train departure.

[imaboo]

Originally Posted by Sherman Oaks

I think your big error here is assuming that Amtrak is going to run on time both directions. I've known Amtrak to be late more often than it's on time.

LOL - Yeah, that had occurred to me. Does anybody know what the latest time is that you can embark?

[imaboo]

Originally Posted by terri910

... and there was a train at around 9:30 a.m., but definitely another one before 4 p.m. We were off the ship and at the train station in time to change our reservations from the 2nd northbound train to the earlier one. You would probably make it, but it's up to you whether you want to risk it.

Yes, there are more options if you live further south. I am in Santa Barbara County, and alas - there are only the two options. Actually, there is a train at 6-ish in the morning, but that one is definitely out - LOL.

Originally Posted by terri910

If it were me, I'd be more concerned about getting to the port on time by taking the train the day of sailing. On our southbound trip on above-mentioned trip, our train was stopped dead at least three times while commercial trains were using the tracks (which were owned by the commercial train line and only rented or leased for use by Amtrak), and we arrived at least an hour-and-a-half later than scheduled.

Even if your train was delayed you'd still probably make it in time. And the train IS a really stress-free way to get there...no fighting the traffic!

Yup - stress free is my goal! And I'm hoping that someone will know what the latest time is to embark. I'm ok with the train being late, as long as I can still get on the ship.

Originally Posted by terri910

We are sailing the same itinerary (Spirit's Mexican Riviera cruise) in less than 2 weeks, but hubby has decided he wants to drive and use long-term parking this time.

Awesome! I hope you enjoy your trip (even with the drive )

[imaboo]

Originally Posted by JLC@SD

You should have no problem making a 9:30 train departure.

Thanks. Do you think there is anything additional I could do (like tip the steward extra for instance) to increase my chances of success?

[Aoumd]

FYI, regarding the on-time performance comments, Amtrak publishes the on-time statistics for trains on the route you are riding (as well as any other train they run), on their website. So you know what the chances are of any particular train running on-time or late.

[imaboo]

Originally Posted by Aoumd

FYI, regarding the on-time performance comments, Amtrak publishes the on-time statistics for trains on the route you are riding (as well as any other train they run), on their website. So you know what the chances are of any particular train running on-time or late.

Thanks!

[rjm1cc]

If they offer walk off take that and you should be ok. What is the costs if you miss the train? If their is none then I would try for the 9:30.

[yogi2929]

We were on the Elation last December and we befriended a couple who were able to get off the ship by 9 to make the train. Do self assist and take off all your own luggage. The station is about a 5-10 minute walk.

[Sangela]

We drive in for our cruises, and we are NEVER in a rush to disembark...
We have a leisurely b-fast in the MDR, and lounge around on Lido til our # is called.
We're usually out the door by 9AM, (dragged off the ship kicking and screaming, LOL!) and home by 10 AM.

I know they give priority to pax that need to catch a flight (or train) and give them earlier disembark numbers, so they can make their flights.

I see no reason why you can't make the 9:30 train.

Have fun!!!!

[southbayer]

I've done this cruise before, same thing, solo like you. Leaving Union Station it was on time, but on the way back, train was about almost 2hrs late. You might want to do self assist to get off the ship early if you want - but, there is always a chance the trains will be late.

I hope you will travel light, while the train station "looks" close to the ship, its a trek. Just like vegas, walking from one huge casino to another is not short once you do it. Unless your a lazy arse like me, or you do enjoy the walk, travel light, or take a bicycle taxi like I did Enjoy!

Originally Posted by imaboo

Hi all,

Awesome discussion board. I've been glued to it for 3 days now and have learned TONS! I'm sailing Elation to Ensenada on Dec 14th - first time cruiser and a solo.

I live in Cali and will be taking the train south to San Diego. I think I will be ok for embarking (timing-wise) as the train arrives at 12:25 pm. The train station is 2-3 blocks from the docks.

On the way back home however, I have two choices - a 9:30am train and a 4pm train. I really don't want to take the 4pm train because I will be arriving home at nearly 11pm. On the Carnival site, they recommend booking return trips after 11:30am. I read on this board however that there is such a thing as self disembarkation - which potentially could get me off the ship in time for the 9:30 train. What do you think? Is it possible, or should I just stay overnight and catch the 9:30 the next day? I'm staying in a 'V' cabin as well, if that makes any difference....

[jeshghn]

I just did the Carnival Spirit out of San Diego, they do not have the option of carrying off your luggage yourself! Everyone must put it out at night. But if you bring your train ticket to Customer service they will make sure (without tip or bribe) you get off first (after the VIPs of course). Luggage is taken off in order so you would be cutting it close for a 9:30am train ride but it could work out if everything goes as planned. We were off by 8:30am (we were the first group off due to our own plane tickets) and tons of taxis were waiting

Delays can be getting into port AND immigration has to approve every non-american before anyone can get off the ship. Frustrating thing is they lose track of who they saw and ended up paging people who were already gone through customs.

Have a great cruise

[bright eyes]

Originally Posted by imaboo

Hi all,

Awesome discussion board. I've been glued to it for 3 days now and have learned TONS! I'm sailing Elation to Ensenada on Dec 14th - first time cruiser and a solo.

I live in Cali and will be taking the train south to San Diego. I think I will be ok for embarking (timing-wise) as the train arrives at 12:25 pm. The train station is 2-3 blocks from the docks.

On the way back home however, I have two choices - a 9:30am train and a 4pm train. I really don't want to take the 4pm train because I will be arriving home at nearly 11pm. On the Carnival site, they recommend booking return trips after 11:30am. I read on this board however that there is such a thing as self disembarkation - which potentially could get me off the ship in time for the 9:30 train. What do you think? Is it possible, or should I just stay overnight and catch the 9:30 the next day? I'm staying in a 'V' cabin as well, if that makes any difference....

I do the same thing when I cruise from San Diego. On my last cruise I was careful to only bring 1 small suitcase and I chose to self disembark. It was still pretty slow though but I did make it to the 9:30 train with 10 minutes to spare but I really hurried. Just keep a good eye out when you see lines starting to disembark so you get off as soon as possible. As far as Amtrak being late when you depart,since it is where the train begins its run I don't think they will be running late.

My husband and I have a 5 day cruise on the Spirit next year and we are planning on taking the 9:30 train. We lucked out and got a wrap on the 4th deck which is our favorite. Got the same cabin we did on the Spirit on our 8 day cruise this year.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

[Aoumd]

I should've said this before mentioning the part about the on-time performance, but Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains (the ones that serve San Diego) are unreserved, so your ticket on the 9:30 should also be good on the 4:00.

[pjtulsa]

My TA just did the Spirit a few weeks ago and said they didn't get off the ship until almost 9 am and she is VIP! She also said that they do not offer self disembarkation because of the stairs and that ALL luggage had to be put out the night before.

We were on the Spirit a few years ago and were the 1st passengers off the ship and didn't get off until 9:30 because of the non~residents not showing up for customs on the ship. We almost missed our flight and because we were flying on a small airline would have been stuck!

I would go with the later schedule and hope to be off in time to change to the earlier one... As far as embarkation you should be good to go as they don't even start check in until 11:30 ~ you can't even enter the building until then and they don't even let taxis into the drop off area....

Have a great cruise.

[AQW]

Just off the Elation last Friday and self-debark was definitely an option.

We did not self-debark, we had luggage group number 18, and we got off the ship around 9:45am.

Personally, I would elect to take the 4pm train because I would hate to be stressed out and rushed on my last morning - but you could almost certainly make the 9:30am train. If a previous poster is correct and your 9:30am ticket would also be good at 4pm, then no worries.

[pjtulsa]

Originally Posted by AQW

Just off the Elation last Friday and self-debark was definitely an option.

I wonder what the difference between the Spirit & Elation are? The Spirit seems to have repeat problems with LATE disembarkation... I would be hesitant to say that they would have NO problems making the early train.

We really need to do Self~Debark this time because of flying Stand By but not overly concerned as I am now Platinum but even 30 mins can make the difference at the airport.