Jump to content

What's the earliest we can walk off the Escape?


happybeachbum
 Share

Recommended Posts

IME what actually matters is how early the ship is cleared by officials. Just because it arrives before sun up is no guarantee that it is going to get cleared any sooner than those officials decide to do so.

 

IMO the better question would be: do those clearing officials usually arrive at work and start early?

 

Now a whole bunch of people are undoubtedly going to chime in and tell you about that time THEY got off at 0-Dark-thirty and how your 9:30 flight will be fine because there is going to be a ride at the boat waiting to take you to the airport.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would not book a 9:30 flight. Unless you have TSA pre check, security at MIA on Saturdays/Sundays are a nightmare. If you get off the boat anytime after 7:30am you're chancing missing that flight. MIA is a NIGHTMARE.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the responses. I guess with some things I'm willing to take some risks. Especially when the goal is a non-stop and getting home early! But, yeah, it probably is not worth the all the stress and doubt that will that hang over me that week :confused:. Thanks again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My wife and I only use carry on luggage. We have never sailed a mega ship, and we always walk off once the ship is cleared by customs. With that said, the earliest flight we have taken was 11:10, with no problems, but it wasn't on a weekend, nor were there 4-5 ships in port. Hope this helps! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really depends on the day. We were off Getaway and in the car by 7:15. Our escape experience is not applicable because it was an unusual case. BUT this last week were were on Oasis (which has generally the same amount of people) and they only had 3 agents working that morning. We were in line at 6:15 and did not leave the port door until after 8:15. That could absolutely happen at ANY time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My wife and I only use carry on luggage. We have never sailed a mega ship, and we always walk off once the ship is cleared by customs. With that said, the earliest flight we have taken was 11:10, with no problems, but it wasn't on a weekend, nor were there 4-5 ships in port. Hope this helps! :D

 

Thanks, good point!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really depends on the day. We were off Getaway and in the car by 7:15. Our escape experience is not applicable because it was an unusual case. BUT this last week were were on Oasis (which has generally the same amount of people) and they only had 3 agents working that morning. We were in line at 6:15 and did not leave the port door until after 8:15. That could absolutely happen at ANY time.

 

Three agents for a mega ship? Awful!

 

I guess it could go either in our favor or not. Just not worth the risk and frustration if it doesn't. Well...., it's back to flight searches... Thanks, all, I think I knew the answer all along I just needed a little push toward reality. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was on the Escape in September. I carried my own bags and got in line at 7:00 am. At 7:30 am they started letting us off of the ship and it was the fastest I have ever gotten off a ship. I walked out front and got transportation (not pre booked) and arrived at the airport early. Security was not too bad at that time. I could have made that flight. My flight was at 11:15 though. I don't think I could bring myself to book a flight earlier than 10:30. That's too stressful to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One time we cruised out of Long Beach and were surprised when we found ourselves docked at San Pedro. We heard the gangplank mechanism broke. So they had to shuttle folks to Long Beach. Anyone with flights before 2 pm were frantic. You just never know what could come up.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am considering booking a 9:20am flight from MIA debarkation day. It's nonstop. Does the Escape generally arrive early? We would try to be first in line, say 7am-ish...

 

Thanks!

good luck: do you have any idea how many people want to be first in line? Our experience has been yes, most ships do arrive early but the secret is the ship being cleared. the larger ships, like the Escape are notoriously slow at getting people off and through customs. I know, we all love non stops, but me, I would take the chance of trying for a flight before 10am at the earliest and even that would be chancy. The secret is 1-how fast the ship is cleared and how many agents are working customs. Sometimes there are several, it has been our experience it is more likely to only be a few. Yes, we can read stories from those who did get off in plenty of time but that really isn't the point; the point is: how likely is it we will make the flight. Remember, not only can it take a while to disembark but MIA can be a zoo.

Edited by newmexicoNita
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We just got off the Escape on Saturday. We had breakfast at O'Sheehans at around 7:10 and the ship hadn't cleared - I think. When we finished eating, the line of people waiting to get off stretched as far as I could see. We had to walk up to deck 14 from 8 because the elevator situation was ugly. We got to see people nearly come to blows over elevator access. The elevator landings were a mess.

 

We had the second non-preferred time slot (8:00 AM, Pink tags) and the mayhem was over by then. There is no way I'd intentionally involve myself in the early walk off mess.

 

Add to that the stress trying to get through MIA fast, and you'll completely undo any vacation relaxation you may have achieved.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the responses. I guess with some things I'm willing to take some risks. Especially when the goal is a non-stop and getting home early! But, yeah, it probably is not worth the all the stress and doubt that will that hang over me that week :confused:. Thanks again.

First, I would not recommend it.

 

That being said, if you do, make sure to be in the walk off line around 6:00. Walk off will start as early as 7:15.you have to get through ship’s security, walk down the gangway, walk through the terminal, get down into the baggage hall, and the to and through immigrations.

 

On a cruise last month (NCL, but not Escape), we were on the curb by 7:30 and through airport security by 8:30. Everything has to go right. I would add that his included checking a bag at the airline counter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the responses. I guess with some things I'm willing to take some risks. Especially when the goal is a non-stop and getting home early! But, yeah, it probably is not worth the all the stress and doubt that will that hang over me that week :confused:. Thanks again.

 

If ICE is slow you might not be off the ship pby 9:00. No way that you should risk a 9:20 flight.

 

BTW the issue is getting off the ship in time, not getting through the airport. If you could be assured of being off the ship by 7:45 you can easily make a 9:20 flight at MIA, the problem is that you don't know if you can be off the ship that early.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the latest responses ... and POA1, I'm following your cruise, just on page 17, can't wait till I get spare time to read on. You are a hoot! Love those laugh-out-loud names - Mr. Hugh Jass :') Thank you so much for all the helpful info - really helping me plan my cruise days!

 

Regarding the early am flight...this just dawned on me... I am going to call the airline to see what their policy is on a missed flight. (I guess I'm still willing to live a little dangerously.) Also, there are 2 non stops out of FLL. One is around 7 pm and is only $88! Would have to get a day room.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the latest responses ... and POA1, I'm following your cruise, just on page 17, can't wait till I get spare time to read on. You are a hoot! Love those laugh-out-loud names - Mr. Hugh Jass :') Thank you so much for all the helpful info - really helping me plan my cruise days!

 

Regarding the early am flight...this just dawned on me... I am going to call the airline to see what their policy is on a missed flight. (I guess I'm still willing to live a little dangerously.) Also, there are 2 non stops out of FLL. One is around 7 pm and is only $88! Would have to get a day room.

 

Regarding your flight. Unless you are on a full fare ticket you will have issues with a missed flight and the ticket could have no value if you miss it. I suggest you look at what kind of ticket you are buying. A cheap non-refundable ticket has a lot of restrictions, a full fare ticket does not have the same restrictions but will cost 2-3-4 times as much. Buying a same day ticket is not a cheap option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Usually one or two elevators are blocked for the exclusive of Haven passengers, but that only gets you into the terminal NOT through Customs, which can really be an issue sometimes.

 

Do not know the specifics of your cruise, but you might be able to book a tour through the ship that will drop you at the airport mid afternoon or so.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok so I've always been to the airport by 9:20am but that's to catch my 10:00am direct flights!

 

This is the only way it can be done....and then of course everything has to go your way! You'd have to be in the Haven and self disembark. Haven guests are escorted off first. Haven guests are first in line thru immigration and then first to the line of taxis. This way you are off the ship and in a taxi by 8:15 - 8:20.

 

This will have you to the airport by 8:50- 8:55. When you arrive at this time, no other cruise passengers are there yet! You will sail thru airport security if you are at the airport before 9am.

 

then you run to your gate as they are already loading.

 

this is the only way you could do it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Haven't called airline yet... but one more thing, we have some bids in for a Haven suite. If we're awarded a suite, isn't there a crew staircase we'll be whisked down so that we'll be able to bypass the crowds.
In Haven, you should be able to use the service elevator.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

One other thing that came up from this Saturday's disembarkation is they had a Breast Cancer 5k or walk/run going on downtown. That had a lot of streets blocked off and our taxi driver was very frustrated trying to find a quick way out. You just never know when something like that will happen. Let us know if you make it!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're so right! Too many variables that may come into play. We still haven't booked any flights. I'm too busy working on excursions and perusing menus and dailies ...sorting it all out. Probably will end up with a nonstop out of FLL in the afternoon or evening. I appreciate all the help steering me in the right direction. Thank you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...