Let me describe the phenomenon of “pier runners” among cruise passengers. These individuals are often at a port, having fun at the beach, shopping, or participating in other activities — frequently at popular spots like Margaritaville and Senor Frogs — and they lose track of time. If they realize they’re late in time, they dash back to their ship before it sails to the next destination. If they aren’t so fortunate, the gangway is already lifted, and the cruise ship departs without them.
These unfortunate individuals create compelling content on social media. Look up “pier runners,” and you’ll understand.
You definitely don’t want to end up in their situation. Missing your cruise ship’s departure can be expensive. Here’s how to ensure you don’t get left behind and what steps to take if you do.
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How to make sure your ship doesn’t depart without you
Adjust your watch to the ship’s time.
Lesson one: Check your daily newsletter, which is either delivered to your cabin or available on your cruise line’s app. Pay attention to any details about the difference between ship time and local time on shore. When disembarking at a port of call, ensure your watch or smartphone is adjusted to ship time.
Be aware of when it’s time to ‘all aboard’.
Your ship will establish an “all aboard” time by which everyone must return on board. This differs from the sail-away time, which typically occurs roughly thirty minutes later. At this time, the crew begins retracting the gangways, preventing latecomers from boarding the vessel.
This does not imply you should arrive at your ship exactly at the all-aboard time. Savvy cruisers strive to return at least an hour before the designated time, to account for potential traffic delays or other issues while returning to the pier. (If you venture far, allocate additional time.)
Related: 6 quick ways to spoil your cruising experience
The expected return time to be back on board will be listed in the daily schedule, which will also include an emergency contact number. It is advisable to take a photo of this information. Additionally, the cruise director will make announcements and there will be a sign posted when you disembark, indicating the “all aboard” time.
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Because it’s simple to lose track of time while relaxing on the beach or negotiating for a cherished keepsake, it’s wise to set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time to return to the ship. Remember, there is no honor in being the last person to board.
Reserve a shore excursion sponsored by the cruise line.
If you are participating in a shore excursion arranged by the ship and it runs late, there’s no need to stress. When you book a tour through the cruise line, the ship guarantees to wait if the tour bus hasn’t returned by the designated all-aboard time.
It’s a question of logistics. The ship aims to avoid leaving numerous passengers stuck at the port without any fault on their part, and subsequently incurring costs to transport them to the next destination.
Related: Steer clear of these 10 errors when reserving cruise shore excursions.
Plan for solo trips to conclude prematurely.
Booking a tour through an independent tour company doesn’t provide the same assurance that the ship will wait for you. However, reputable tour operators are usually aware of the ship’s schedule and often ensure to return you early. Additionally, if many other passengers have also booked the same tour, there is less need to worry about the ship’s presence when you return to the pier.
Certain operators assure timely arrival at the ship, providing compensation for reaching the next port if delays occur. When booking with an independent operator, it’s wise to look for these guarantees and review customer feedback online. Pay attention to comments about hurrying back to the ship, as these can be warning signs.
When planning a personalized private tour, it’s important to inform your guide that you need to return to the pier well in advance of the all-aboard time. This extra time will be beneficial if you encounter any unforeseen delays.
The same principle applies if you secure a last-minute tour deal at the dock. Upon disembarking from your ship at a port of call, you may be inundated with proposals from independent guides, taxi drivers, minibus operators, rickshaw chauffeurs, and others offering to show you around the area. Before committing to a tour, ensure you are aware of the distance from the dock and that your guide understands the ship’s schedule and the time by which you wish to return.
Steps to take if you miss your ship (or believe you could)
If you’re running late, inform the ship.
Each time you embark or disembark the ship, you’ll use your keycard or RFID device at the gangway. This process allows the security team to track who is currently on or off the ship. On very small vessels, a manual pegboard might be used instead, where you shift the peg to red to indicate you’re off the ship and green to show you’re on board.
As the departure time approaches, the ship’s security team will keep track of those who have not yet returned onboard.
If you find that you are running behind schedule, contact the number provided in your newsletter or the cruise line’s 24/7 hotline and request them to relay a message to the ship. This will inform the crew that you are on your way back.
Rephrased: What should you do if you miss your cruise?
As the ship’s all-aboard time nears or passes, guest services will attempt to reach you in your cabin via phone. Your name will be announced over the ship’s public-address system, requesting that you contact guest services if you are on the ship. If there is no response, your name will be called again through the ship’s emergency announcement system, which is audible throughout the entire ship (potentially disturbing fellow passengers who might be resting in their cabins).
If your phone number is included in your guest profile, a staff member may attempt to contact you directly by phone.
Simultaneously, security staff could be deployed to locate missing passengers in the vicinity of the port. They are familiar with the search areas. (Hello, Senor Frogs.)
Find a port agent
Passengers who return to the ship too late will be left behind on shore, but the ship staff has protocols in place to assist you.
Should you not be on the ship as the departure time approaches, a security officer might enter your cabin and access your safe to retrieve your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, or any other essential items you have left behind. They will also gather your medication and any other necessities you might need because the ship is on the verge of leaving you ashore, requiring you to find your own way home.
Similar: Which documents are essential for a cruise? From passports to printed materials, here’s what you need to bring.
If you are a pier runner and the gangway is still accessible when you arrive at the ship, you will be allowed to board, scolded, and that’s where your ordeal will conclude. However, if the gangway is closed, your passport and other key items will be handed to a port official, who will await your arrival at the pier.
In the event that you return to the pier and see your ship departing, locate the port agent. It’s advantageous if the port agent has your passport, as you will need it to either fly to the ship’s next port of call or return home—whichever you prefer. However, if your passport hasn’t been given to the port agent, you’ll need to reach out to your home country’s embassy or consulate for help.
Plan to either reboard the ship or return home.
You missed the ship and located the port agent. Now the “fun” starts. Hopefully, you have enough room on your credit cards because you’ll need them. Although the port agent may assist with arrangements, you’ll be fully responsible for covering any travel costs associated.
Taking into account the elevated prices of last-minute airfares and the potential necessity of booking a hotel room before your flight, the expenses to return to your ship or travel back home will be substantial. Should you choose to conclude your trip early, be prepared to pay the cruise line to send your remaining belongings home. Additionally, don’t anticipate any refunds for the days you missed on the cruise.
Related: Cruise travel insurance: Coverage details and its importance
What causes ships to depart without their passengers?
The captain decides to depart by considering port rules, schedules, and various other factors. For example, the cruise line incurs high docking fees and aims to avoid additional charges that apply if the ship departs late. Delays can also result in increased fuel costs if the ship needs to speed up to reach the next destination on time. The cruise line will not allow your error to lead to significant financial losses for the company.
It’s important to keep in mind that you are just one out of hundreds or even thousands of passengers, and cruise ships have regulations and timetables to adhere to.
Pier runners often appear quite foolish, dashing and yelling while waving their arms as the ship’s horn announces its departure. Although you don’t want to be the subject of amusement on your cruise, it’s preferable to sprint and attempt to board the vessel before it departs. Failing to catch the ship will spoil your holiday and result in significant expenses. Adhere to the strategies outlined here to ensure you return to the port with ample time to spare, thus avoiding being left behind by your cruise ship.
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