Will we make it on time or are we in trouble?

[Frankwarren]

We, along with another couple are scheduled to arrive at the Orlando Airport at 1:10 p.m. on July 8. The ship is scheduled to sail at 4:30. This is our first cruise and our TA secured a shuttle for us from the airport to the pier. I realize the drive time is approx. 50-55 minutes. Any of you experts think we'll have any trouble. Our Flight is non stop from Memphis.

[shelby]

I forget how long it took us to get from the airport to the port. If ou've already booked your tickets theres not much you can do..but you will be cutting it close- even if your plane is on time. Is it a reservation you got through RC- if so I think they have some kind of guarantee. I'd wait and see what the pros on here say.

[drlivingston]

Forget the shuttle. Spend the extra money and hire private transportation i.e. limo or taxi. When you depend on shuttles, they are going to wait until the vehicle is filled to capacity.

[Chef Ken]

It is closer then I like to cut it but probably ok. Any chance of booking an earlier flight or the same flight on the day before? You are missing part of your cruise from my view point since you can board as early as 12:00 usually and have a nice lunch in the buffet.

[shelby]

Ken - you are SO right. Our first cruise we went at the prescribed time and by the time we found our bearings it was muster drill and then 6pm dinner. Before we knew it the first "day" was over. The second time we were there at 11:45 and we were already familiar with the ship, or cabin location, lunch, and spa reservations by the time many people were parking. It made the first "day" like a bonus day compared to the last cruise.

[Frankwarren]

Thanks all for the sage advice. I'll pass this information along to our travel companions. Hopefully they will want to book a flight the previous day, but the reason we took this one was to save $$$$. Again, thanks to all for your help.

[Cruise Fanatic]

This flight isn't going to save you much money if you miss the ship. I would feel very uncomfortable with a flight arriving this late into MCO and having to travel to Port Canaveral. First of all if your flight is delayed at all leaving Memphis you will really be cutting it short. Have you considered how long it also is going to take for you to get off the plane, take the tram to baggage claim, wait for your luggage, and then be escorted to the shuttle for transfer to the pier. I wouldn't like getting in at that time at all.

[TrvlPro]

Didn't your TA warn you when arrenging the shuttle that you were way too tight? I'd also like to know what shuttle he/she arranged? The cruiseline transfers require your flight arrangements. If your TA gave them your actual itinerary the cruiseline would not sell the transfers to you. You have to meet their flight guidelines to add them. Also, if you have travel insurance and don't follow those flight guidelines it voids your coverage for missing the ship.

I always recommend to clients a minimum 4 hour window for ports like Ft. Lauderdale or Miami where the pier is very near the airport and 5 hours minimum for Port Canavral, Galveston and other piers where ground transportation will be lengthy. I also add that if it were my vacation I'd add an extra hour to those minimums to feel comfortable or fly in the day before if nothing was available or affordable within those time frames.

Cheers, Neil

[TrvlPro]

If you'd like a good reason to be early read the thread on RCI/Delta airlines. And they followed the flight guidelines and even booked air with the cruiseline.

[Sonny V]

Sometimes I have to wonder if some TA's have ever been on a cruise. I know I'm pushing it by booking a flight into Orlando arriving a 11:30 AM. I normally fly in a day or two before my cruise date. I'm fairly sure Frankwarren's arrival will be within the time frame for RCCL's shuttle. His TA will have to confirm that. A cab will probably get him to the ship a little quicker.

Sonny