NCL Gem Disembarkation

Quick question for everyone. This is going to be my first time sailing on NCL. How does disembarkation go? I was wondering how long you're allowed to stay on the boat. The itinerary says we arrive in NY at 8:00, but we have someone coming to pick us up (my boyfriend's father is a saint!) and he has a little bit of a drive. Thanks in advance! :)

Quick question for everyone. This is going to be my first time sailing on NCL. How does disembarkation go? I was wondering how long you're allowed to stay on the boat. The itinerary says we arrive in NY at 8:00, but we have someone coming to pick us up (my boyfriend's father is a saint!) and he has a little bit of a drive. Thanks in advance! :)

Yeah, I am there with you. Last two cruises My father in law Picked up us, but seeing as how he's no longer with us...:(

Usually the Ship arrives 1-2 hrs prior to the actuall Disembarkation time, and has to clear Customs/Border offcials via ship personnel. but i'm of the understanding that everyone is off by 10am or so... hope that helps.:)

Bill(DrFootball)

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It really depends upon how you're disembarking. If you're carrying your own luggage off, you're usually off the ship by 8:30 or 9:00. Otherwise, you'll be given colored tags and a time to be ready to go. Once off the ship, you'll have to hunt for your luggage (by tag color) and then proceed through the customs lnes. The best advice I can give is hopefully your ride and yourself have a cell phone. Your not allowed to drive up to the pier and wait, so parking on a side street is essential. Then once through customs, call your ride. Going through customs places you onto the lower deck of the terminal. You'll either have to go up one deck to catch your ride or walk across the street to catch your ride there. That's the way it was a few months ago.

Each time I have been on Gem, the embarkation seemed to go quite quickly. The walk offs left by 8:00 and the stragglers were off by about 10:30.

Ive always been disappointed in how inefficient both the disembarkation and embarkation is at the New York terminal. Even if your walking your own bags off be prepared to just stand in line for an hour. I don't know if its just a coincidence but NCL does seem to be slightly more efficient then Carnival.

Ive always been disappointed in how inefficient both the disembarkation and embarkation is at the New York terminal. Even if your walking your own bags off be prepared to just stand in line for an hour. I don't know if its just a coincidence but NCL does seem to be slightly more efficient then Carnival.

that could caused by the Customs, and not NCL or Carnival

that could caused by the Customs, and not NCL or Carnival

You are probably right but after three cruises out of NYC I'm starting to see a trend. I've only been out of Bayonne once but that was much more efficient. On the same note Port Everglades blew me away with how efficient they are.

We got off the Gem today. We left the ship at 9:30 and were driving on 9A by 10:04 am.

The self-assist were already disembarked for the most part . We were in a suite and had priority disembarkation. However, we were leaving later as we were in no rush and left with passengers whose debarkation colors were called. The colors coincide with the time you want to leave. Do not pick a color and then to decide earlier as your luggage may not be ready for you yet.

It was pouring rain ans a few people failed to fill out their customs cards so they held up the customs line a bit on the pier.

The first time we were on the GEM we were off the ship with not much of a wait. The second time, it seemed to be a little bit more of a mess.

You are probably right but after three cruises out of NYC I'm starting to see a trend. I've only been out of Bayonne once but that was much more efficient...

You must have been lucky when you were in Bayonne. My one trip out of there getting on and off the boat was a mess. Made me swear off leaving from there unless there is some amazing deal.

We've done it twice. The first time, we used the luggage tags, and it was so easy. The next time, we did self embarkment, and it was a living hell. Something was up at customs, and we didn't get off until after 10:30 (after spending an hour in the customs line, and 1 1/2 hours in line on the ship, not moving).

If you see a backup at customs, spend the extra $ (usually $1 per bag, at least), and get a porter to load your luggage onto a cart. This will save time.

What is the latest time you can start to disembark from the ship?

We are staying in a suite and are in no rush to leave...who wants to get back to reality :D

What is the latest time you can start to disembark from the ship?

 

We are staying in a suite and are in no rush to leave...who wants to get back to reality :D

Ana Maria, the Concierge will give you VIP luggage tags and you can be escorted off the ship at 9:00 or 9:30 with her. There was an earlier time for this but I cannot remember. You will receive instructions in your suite to meet her at the Stardust Theater. We chose the 9:30 am time since we were not in a rush. We were in the car driving at 10:04. It would have been sooner than that but a few people in front of us failed to fill out the customs cards and they needed to fill them out at the Customs booth and this held up the line.

Hi, i am first time with NCL, when I put luggege luggage with the colour label before my cabin and I have transport from NCL to airport, will be the luggage taken directly at the bus, or muss I have pick them in the terminal and take them my self to the transport bus? thank you for your help:)

You need to pick up your luggage to go through Customs and then bring them to the bus.

To the OP, everyone is usually off the ship by 9:30 or 10 - remember, all the cabins have to be cleaned and turned over for the next cruise coming on so everyone has to be off as early as possible.

Hi, i am first time with NCL, when I put luggege luggage with the colour label before my cabin and I have transport from NCL to airport, will be the luggage taken directly at the bus, or muss I have pick them in the terminal and take them my self to the transport bus? thank you for your help:)

If I wasn't in a rush, I'd opt for a 9:30 or 10am pickup. This would leave time for a leisurly breakfast in the dining room or buffet.

We have had only one issue debarking in NYC and it was years ago. Usually it's pretty quick and painless. Have all your forms and cruise card handy so you don't have to search for them.

Once when terminal traffic seemed heavy we met up with our ride next door in front of the Intrepid. Then we were quickly to the Lincoln Tunnel.

Have fun!