Good morning,
As we were preparing to depart Ocho Rios, Jamaica, I walked down to deck four of
Freedom of the Seas to watch the departure.
It was a warm, overcast day...
...and most of the guests had returned to the ship.
A tour boat was returning, but tours booked through our ship had all returned already.
A few more guests came down the dock...
...as the Hotel Director and Port Agent...
...paced and waited for the last two guests until the last possible minute.
Suddenly we heard, "We have two runners!"
And, sure enough, those last two runners were trying to beat the clock and the ship as they ran past a man waiting to release
Freedom's lines.
Oh, it's such a long way!
People on the entire port side of the ship on deck and balconies were cheering and applauding...
...as the runners kept running...
...and the security officers were ready to move the gangway onto the ship.
This was definitely a close call!
A crew member signed off (the lady with the luggage)...
...and the gangway was pushed onto the ship.
Dockside workers and those in that little white boat way out there were ready to release the bow lines...
...while another man released stern lines.
Giant winches pulled the lines aboard...
...as
Freedom of the Seas sailed off to her next port of call.
If you are on a cruise and take a port excursion sponsored by and booked through the ship, the ship will wait if the tour is late in returning. There is contact between the tour operator and the ship. If, however, you book your own excursions or take a walk on your own and do not return to the ship in time for sailing, the ship will not wait for you. Then the ship will leave any documents found in your cabin with the port agent who will arrange for you to fly to meet the ship in the next port of call. Of course, required hotels and air fare to the next port would be at your own expense. Hopefully, you would be wearing more than a swim suit and towel!
So, the moral of the story is: Don't Be Late!!!
Enjoy,
Lois
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10 comments:
I remember that fact very well! Jake and I made sure that we wouldn't be late returning to our ship! Love all of the photos Lois. I wonder if that couple needed a stiff drink after their close cal, LOL! Love Di ♥
I think that they probably did need a good stiff one. Big Dopes! Bet they were one of the first ones on at the next port!! lol...debbie
Giant "Wenches" or Giant "Winches" pulled the line aboard?? LOL.
Hi Lois...Love it...I would be the first one back ...I would be so worried I wouldn't be back in time!!
Beautiful picture and funny one too!!
It's snowing again here another 8-10 inches...but after all this is Maine!! lol
Hi Lois...Love it...I would be the first one back ...I would be so worried I wouldn't be back in time!!
Beautiful picture and funny one too!!
It's snowing again here another 8-10 inches...but after all this is Maine!! lol
Hi Lois...Love it...I would be the first one back ...I would be so worried I wouldn't be back in time!!
Beautiful picture and funny one too!!
It's snowing again here another 8-10 inches...but after all this is Maine!! lol
Thanks for brightening up a drab winter day here in Western New York with a snow storm warning in effect! Isn't it amazing that some people just don't think time lines apply to them?
My goodness, Montanagirl, you are so right! We have very large machines, not very large women pulling those lines on board. ;) Thanks for finding my spelling error so I could fix it.
Lois
How embarrassing. I guess it would only have to happen once and you would be cured of tardiness for the rest of your life.
Good morning,
This happens more often than it should. I guess once would be enough for most people, though. It's wise to always keep your watch on ship's time, too, and not depend on clocks ashore.
I am watching the news of snow at home, my friends, and will be back there in a few weeks. We will be able to "enjoy" the end of winter with those of you who are already in the snow zones. ;) Seriously, we are looking forward to seeing the family and sitting in front of the fireplace with our two dogs.
Thank you so much, everyone, for stopping by.
Very best,
Lois
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