Tenders On Wind

[glenda g]

We have been considering going on this ship,but have read there are long lines for tenders,those with booked tour get first priorty, is it really a two hour wait if you go on your own?

[mfanderso]

We just got back from the Wind. We never had any problems getting on the tenders. Some ports we had shore excursions so no tender was needed. However on Maui and Fanning Island we did not sign up for anything. We were some of the first off the ship. They handed out the tender tickets at the shore excursion desk. We usually went early and there wasn't a line.

[Neon Coaster]

The answer to your first part is ...yes. Shore Excursions gets first priority in tenders due to constraint of time ashore to make the tours. Those with Concierge service (and not on tour) usually get an option to leave first thing in the AM (check with the concierge).

 

For the rest, the wait can be long if there is a little roughness as it takes longer to safely load a tender. Pier congestion (if there are other ships in port also tendering) can cause delays. With the exception of Fanning (they have some larger tenders based there) Wind's tenders hold 70 or 90 (depends on the tender) persons each. Once the "majority" (usually 1,100 or so) are ashore they will go to "open tender"..meaning no tickets required.

 

Many people grab tickets...then go eat breakfast. That messes up the system. If those ppl aren't finished eatting that means "X" number of seats will be empty. So only get tickets when you are truly ready to go ashore.

 

Unless it is something pressing ashore...just enjoy a leisurly breakfast...then (if they are still passing them out) grab a ticket about 9:30am or so and avoid the "cattle drive".