HOW CLOSE HAVE YOU COME TO MISSING EMBARCATION DAY?

On our last cruise, security stopped 2 late passengers right at the ship. The gangway had already been taken in and it didn’t look like they were going to be able to board. They were “counseled” by security and ship’s personnel. We were actually disappointed because the passengers were over an hour late and they sauntered down the pier. We have also seen a whole family left behind as the ship was already pulling out when they arrived at the port.

I feel terrible that I find evil pleasure in her misfortune. Maybe another cream puff will assuage my guilty conscience! ;)

I understand STEVERK...we have been alongside several other ships at the same time too. sometimes I think some folks are so besotted they may try to get on the wrong ship!. Nevertheless...you would think that SOMEBODY from any of those ships, or local security (heheheheh) would be down there. apparently not. given those circumstances, I think it could have been avoided. and I have very little sympathy for self-centered folks who show up late, and cause delays for everyone else. It can be entertaining tho.

The bridge could definitely see the length of the pier. After all, I could and I was just above the bridge!

However, with three ships tied up, it wasn't clear this person was bound for the Triumph until it was too late. I also couldn't tell if the ship had already slipped the mooring lines when she entered the pier or not. The ship was so smooth that I didn't realize we were free until she reacted.

Never occurred to me to search U for that. I looked at about 6 of em. Its hard to be sympathetic. we usually line the rails when we leave a port. Theres usually a few hundred (or more) people watching.. sometimes folks are running, sometimes strolling..(and its a loooong run too)..once some guy in his swimmies obviously blitzed, strolled his way back to the ship..last person, and late, there were cheers and boos...he gave everyone on board the finger as he made his way onboard. I still don't understand how someone physically ON the pier gets left. Granted, the security entering the pier can be lax, but you can't tell me they can't see the length of the pier up on the bridge.

You tube is full of peer runners with a variety of looks on their faces from shock to horror to outrage

Description of the event...

We were on Carnival Triumph and it was an hour past our sail time. There were two additional ships tied to the pier at the time, so there were tons of people on the pier. We were the first to leave.

My kids and I went up to an observation area above the bridge wing to see them cast off. Everything appeared normal, except that we were pretty late. One person we saw was a woman, about 40, with a whole bunch of shopping bags. She ran about 100 yards down the pier and then slowed down and sauntered the rest of the way. The ship didn't realize she was so close or thought she was bound for a different ship or just got sick of waiting, and cast off.

She turned the corner on the pier and saw that the ship was 20 feet from the pier. I will always remember the look of total shock on her face as she realized the situation.

Embarkation day is generally taken to mean the day you initially get on the ship..or, "embark" on the trip. However, we have had a number of threads about "getting left" on the pier during the cruise. I suppose that counts. Having been to Cozumel more times than I can remember, I would love to read your description of the incident. I have never actually seen it happen. Most piers aren't arranged that way. I always assumed that if they let you on the pier to begin with, you're going to get on board..no matter how late or sloppy stoned you are.

Great question!

I can honestly say that I've never missed one. However, I have seen someone left behind at Cozumel once.

I have some memories I wish WOULD fade..nevertheless, its interesting that these embarkation day problems and adventures now belong in the past for what are now experienced cruisers. I guess you have to "pay your dues". Embarcation can be a zoo...as a matter of fact, I believe its almost the norm. We have had some go so quickly and smoothly I actually got suspicious.(and spoiled)..now when they don't, oh well....I kinda feel sorry for those newbies who basically have NO CLUE what all the hubbub is about. I DON'T feel bad for the folks who ought to know better, and don't. I wonder if we'll ever hear from anyone with the honesty to admit they actually missed the ship.