Self Assist Debarkation In Bayonne?

[MrPete]

Did I read this somewhere? Did it actually start?

 

If yes, how does it work?

[sea-cruise]

They started it during our 12-14-07 cruise. It was chaotic at that time, because we were the first group to do it, but I'm sure it is running smoothly now.

We kept our luggage with us instead of placing it in the hallway the night before. In the morning we waited in Studio B Ice Arena until we were called and then rolled our luggage off the ship and onto the shuttles. The real problem was that the stairways were crowded with people sitting on the stairs so it was difficult to get through with our luggage.

[miked998]

Has anyone done the self-assist debarkation in Bayonne recently?

 

Do they limit amount/size of bags and was it a smooth process?

[MrPete]

I did it last year. It was HORRID!:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=827393&highlight=

[gerif]

I can't imagine attempting this in Bayonne - just hauling carry-ons on and off the shuttle was trying enough.

[miked998]

We had an early flight so I went against the recommendations here and elected for the express/self-assist departure.

 

The ship arrived in Cape Liberty on time at 7 AM... by 7:20 they announced that the ship had cleared and all groups holding the express tickets could depart. The hardest part was getting an elevator as they were all full with people leaving with luggage. It took about 10 minutes before we were able to get on an elevator (actually took an empty one all the way up so that we could go down). After we got off the elevator, walked right off the ship and right onto the shuttle buses... no line at all. Customs was also a breeze with hardly anyone in line. We were in a taxi headed to the airport before 8AM.

[01Sweetpea]

We were on the Explorer last year, and although we didn't use express carry off, I do remember it took almost 1 HOUR for everyone to be called. I think they called 16 or 18 groups of express before they started with the color tags.

[mlmc424]

We expressed off the Explorer twice within the last year and had no major problems. The elevator was a challenge but it eventually worked by going up to come down. The shuttle was interesting but not horrible. We were probably home in PA before the last pax got off the ship :D

[cabrioclo]

did it this morning. we really lucked out. i felt like we were probably the first ones out of the parking lot(?), in our car by 8:10am. it worked for us, but i can see how it probably was a nightmare for anyone behind us. the elevators were clogged and the stairs at a standstill. maybe there should be a true "walk-off" option where we can walk to customs instead of the 1/4 mile (1/2?) shuttle bus ride?

[ocean waves]

how do you go about the express walk off when your being dropped off at the port and picked up after? is there a certain place for being left off and picked back up?

[danp]

It is all the same place,where you get dropped off tell whoever is picking you up[if the same person]To pick you up right where you are.There is a building right there that has numbers on it just tell them look for us by number whatever.It is a brick building.

[Guest maddycat]

Be aware that you must carry all of your luggage off of the ship without any assistance. No help getting off the ship, getting on the shuttle, getting off the shuttle, etc.