Options to travel to Half Moon Cay if embarkation is missed

[toddlermom]

Hi
I am cruising on the Carnival Triumph in two weeks with my family of six. We have purchased travel insurance but don't know what our options on transportation are from Miami to Half Moon Cay which is the first port of call.
Anybody have any information?
Thanks
Latika

[Dave]

don't know what our options on transportation are from Miami to Half Moon Cay which is the first port of call

There are none. Half Moon Cay is a private resort with no scheduled transportation to it other than the cruise ships. If you miss the ship in Miami you'd have to catch up with it at the first port with air service, which would be St. Thomas on day 3 of the cruise.

Any reason for thinking you might miss boarding the ship in Miami?

[Jim C.]

And if there is a good chance someone would miss it, they should consider coming into Miami earlier (like a day early) because as Dave points out, there is not much cruise left if you miss the ship and fly to meet with it.

[penny3333]

I guess you could charter a flight to Eleuthera, then charter a boat to Half Moon Cay. However, somewhere along the lines, Immigration and the Bahamian officials would come into play. If you have serious doubts about your flight, I totally agree with Dave and Jim. Change your flight and come in a day early. It's better anyway, it gives you a chance to relax. Plus, if the airlines sends your luggage on an unexpected trip, you have a chance to get it back before your cruise.

[Dave]

I guess you could charter a flight to Eleuthera, then charter a boat to Half Moon Cay

I suppose it can be done. I just looked around and Bahamas Air flies to Eleuthera from Florida, and then you'd have to charter a boat to take you to Half Moon Cay (which is really Little San Salvador Island). The image of Lucille Ball trying to get out to the SS Constitution after she missed it comes to mind.

[toddlermom]

Thanks that helps. We have no reason to believe we won't make it but want to be prepared. It is easier to search for options and chat with helpful people like you when at home with a PC
Now I can research flight and boat options and have it in my back pocket in case I need it.

[Frase]

It is a good thing that you purchased travel insurance in case you miss the embarkation in Miami. Remember to arrive at the port before 3PM (or earlier) on embarkation day. The ship leaves shortley after 4PM, if my memory is correct.

I cruised on the Carnival Triumph back in November. I had a great time. You should too. Best of luck.

[Dave]

Actually, recent changes to the TSA rules require passengers to be "at the pier and checked in 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time."

Note that they mean processed through the check-in desk and security and not standing around at the entrance handing off the luggage.

[Frase]

[Frase]