WaggesAZ Posted October 8, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I have sailed from Long Beach more times than I can count (team building trips) on the 3 day sails. When I did, we were ALWAYS back really early and it seems to me debarkation started much earlier the printed time. That said, we will be sailing out of Long Beach on Splendor next May and I have 2 questions: Does debarkation really not start until 9 am or so there about? We booked flights at 2pm but if that will have us sitting at the airport for 4 hours, I'd like to move up our flight time. There next earlier flight is at 11:40 and I was concerned it may be pushing it. At embarkation, we have 8 cabins that all passengers are either Platinum or have purchased FTTF what time is reasonable for us to head to the port? Previously I have been on the ships around 11-11:30 but with the port return time of 9am, I didn't want to head that way at 10-10:30 if it would be a hurry up and wait situation. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted October 8, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Hi, We've done lots of 7/8 day cruises out of Long Beach but not on the Splendor since she's been gone for a few years. With Platinum/FTTF we have been off the ship by 8AM the latest. You will get a note telling you to meet somewhere like one of the dining rooms at about 7:30AM and then you will be escorted off the ship(first those carrying their own luggage and then those who left their luggage outside their doors) when customs is ready for us. We are often the first off since we carry our luggage ourselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted October 8, 2017 #3 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Getting onto the ship is a different story as they are enlarging the building at the port and I don't know if that is affecting embarkation procedures yet. We'll be there in March so can tell more at that time. Usually we are there around 11AM and with FTTF/Platinum are on board around 12-12:30 . On occasion we have been later than that but you never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaggesAZ Posted October 8, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Hi,We've done lots of 7/8 day cruises out of Long Beach but not on the Splendor since she's been gone for a few years. With Platinum/FTTF we have been off the ship by 8AM the latest. You will get a note telling you to meet somewhere like one of the dining rooms at about 7:30AM and then you will be escorted off the ship(first those carrying their own luggage and then those who left their luggage outside their doors) when customs is ready for us. We are often the first off since we carry our luggage ourselves. Thank you! I think I can confidently move up our flights then. I will just do my family of 3 and not concern myself with the whole group rearranging their flights. I don't want to be stressed about someone not being ready to go. My husband is not one of those people who likes to hang around until they throw you off. Once it's over, he's ready to go! :') I see you will be sailing 2 months ahead of us. Hope to see a report when you're able! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted October 8, 2017 #5 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Miracle has had the same 9am arrival time. Most cruises pax were getting off starting around 8:15a (Diamond Self debark). Only one cruise (Alaska Journeys) that I know of has gotten off a bit late, starting around 9:15a. 2pm is fine but 11:40 could be pushing it. Never know with our freeways, lately Saturdays have been as bad as Monday-Friday. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moviela Posted October 8, 2017 #6 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I have used the Long Beach port twice this summer and have not seen any delays caused by construction work. Getting on and off has been the same. You biggest problem will be getting to LAX through the West Side traffic and TSA at the airport on time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted October 8, 2017 #7 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I agree that traffic from the port to LAX is the real issue! Too bad you can't fly from Long Beach Airport! That would make it really easy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaggesAZ Posted October 9, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted October 9, 2017 I agree that traffic from the port to LAX is the real issue!Too bad you can't fly from Long Beach Airport! That would make it really easy!! Unfortunately, the flights to PHX on SW are not non-stop and the flight then is about a 5 hour trip time and a change of planes typically, in lieu of an hour and a half from LAX...I think we will stay put on our current flight either way. I didn't realize it, but I got a SMOKING deal on that flight and to move it to an earlier time is not worth the difference in price (to me-no consult of the DH as a I am certain he would disagree). I will just have to see about what we can do to get off at a normal hour and try to avoid feeling like a cattle being herded through the chute! ;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riclop Posted October 9, 2017 #9 Share Posted October 9, 2017 I have sailed from Long Beach more times than I can count (team building trips) on the 3 day sails. When I did, we were ALWAYS back really early and it seems to me debarkation started much earlier the printed time. That said, we will be sailing out of Long Beach on Splendor next May and I have 2 questions: Does debarkation really not start until 9 am or so there about? We booked flights at 2pm but if that will have us sitting at the airport for 4 hours, I'd like to move up our flight time. There next earlier flight is at 11:40 and I was concerned it may be pushing it. At embarkation, we have 8 cabins that all passengers are either Platinum or have purchased FTTF what time is reasonable for us to head to the port? Previously I have been on the ships around 11-11:30 but with the port return time of 9am, I didn't want to head that way at 10-10:30 if it would be a hurry up and wait situation. Thanks in advance! LAX or LGB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaggesAZ Posted October 9, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted October 9, 2017 LAX or LGB. We are flying to into and out of LAX but sailing from Long Beach - Since we are out of PHX, the flights on SW are direct to LAX. SW doesn't offer nonstop to/from Long beach and always has at least one stop, often with a plane change. We are sticking with our original flights. We are flying in the day before and staying in Long Beach, so I think we will plan to Uber over to the port around 10:30 the morning of the sailing. Based on the responses, when we return, we will not ask for a low number to leave and have breakfast in the dining room prior to heading out to our designated area to disembark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdemps Posted October 9, 2017 #11 Share Posted October 9, 2017 Unfortunately, the flights to PHX on SW are not non-stop and the flight then is about a 5 hour trip time and a change of planes typically, in lieu of an hour and a half from LAX...I think we will stay put on our current flight either way. I didn't realize it, but I got a SMOKING deal on that flight and to move it to an earlier time is not worth the difference in price (to me-no consult of the DH as a I am certain he would disagree). I will just have to see about what we can do to get off at a normal hour and try to avoid feeling like a cattle being herded through the chute! ;p We always end up staying out late the last night, leave our suite at 9am, have breakfast on lido, then leave around 10am. That puts us at LAX around 11am or so with a few hours to wait. We fly to Denver so I think the last few times we had 1:30 flights. I download netflix episodes on my phone to kill the time. I hate being stressed about missing a flight so we just wait it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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