If a cruise lists for example "8:00 am - 5:00 pm" as time in a port do you actually get that much time off of the boat? I just read something about being back on board two hours before sailing and taking two hours to disembark. Is that accounted for in this time? Thanks.
Time available in port
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Typically what that meant is the ship should be able to let passengers get off starting at 8 a.m. and the ship will depart shortly after 5 p.m. If the ship is actually docked, you may be able to walk out around that time.
If it is a tendered port, there will be some delay and potential line up menaing you will be lucky if you get off the boat by 9, unless you have prioirty (example: elite level customer) or booked an excursion through the ship.
Typically, you want to be back at least 15 minutes to half an hour before that time to avoid line ups.
2 hours before sailing is only on the first (embarkation) day. It's usually 1/2 to 1 hour depending on the port.
Varies a lot, but usually you want to be back at the ship an hour before leaving. If you are on a ships excursion they will get you off and on when they are ready and you don't have to worry about it. That's the only advantage to booking an excursion through the ship. Getting off in the AM can be a challenge as there are many who have priority. But on the over all there is plenty of port time. If it is not enough, consider another form of travel.