Hi All
I had this post under another forum and was advised to post it here. I appreciate any of your opinions, suggestions etc. on this.

Message: I need some opinions on the following potential problem. We are planning to go on a cruise out of San Juan on the 18th of December. Getting there on time for departure is not a problem. However, getting back may be. According to the schedule we disembark at 8:30 on the morning of the 24th. Our flight out of San Juan back to the states departs at 10:47. I understand that Royal Carribean will allow those with short flight connections to disembark first. Considering a 20 minute cab ride to the Airport, do y'all think we can make our flight? A later flight is not an option due to the arrival time back in Dallas on the other end. Haven't been on a cruise in 10 years or so and never out of San Juan. Please give me your best advice. Thanks for your time.

Shrink

Now for a little additional information. I have spoken to Royal Carribean and they think I might be able to disembark early if I let the right people know. Since this is an anniversary cruise (we were married in St. John a couple of years ago on the 21st of Dec) and we need to be back in Dallas Xmas Eve evening to do the family thing, I cant move either way.
Have any of you been in this or a similar situation and how did it work out? Should I look forward to spending Xmas in San Juan?

Shrink

Hi-

Sorry that we are not on the same cruise. I leave out of San Juan on the 19th but flying down a day early.

When you go through imigration on the ship they have early checkout which I think you must let them know at the meeting for disembarking. My brother in laws Mom had an early flight and they got called early off the ship by 8 am. You will usually start going through disembarking about 6:30 depending on the deck that you are on. But in your case it will be different.

There is no way for a direct flight? Plus I am sure that you want to get back for xmas eve.

My gut reaction is it's going to be very tight! Not impossible, as we've made it to an 11:00 flight before. I think if you're one of the very first off, you should be OK but it's close! It's much better if you can have a flight leaving noon or later.

Remember that you are travelling during a major holiday and all airports will be bustling. What about the usual security delays?

We are also cruising during the holidays and our return flight does not leave unril 2:30. I hate to rush.

Oh boy...I have been in your situation before. It was before 9/11 though, and you need more time now. We debarked in Miami and our flight was at about 1115am. We did get off first, but there was a slight delay due to immigration or something and this can happen at any time on any cruise. Well, we barely made it to the airport with 45 minutes to spare and I had to run like hell to get to my gate (to hold the plane for the others). I fell on my face and my makeup bag went rolling. And I thought I was going to have a heart attack from running so fast. Well, we were the last ones to board the plane. Just in time to hear that they had delayed our plane so the pilot could get there from the other side of airport due to late arrival on his connection!!....I would like to add that airlines have now added standby fees that they did not have before to standby for a later flight. I realize you are in a bind, and it may be worth it to take a chance. You could get lucky, but I would have a plan B in place!