Just incase you think the ship will wait...

Reasons why we always make sure we're back on board 30 minutes-1 hour before departure!

Pier runners are fun to watch, and I really hope we aren't the ones running, ever! Both DH and I wear a watch and always make sure it's on ship time, so unless we decide to take an excursion that isn't booked through the cruiseline, we have no excuse to be late. I can't imagine what it would feel like to watch the ship pulling away from the pier, knowing I should have been on it.

While responding to another topic about 3 important tips for new cruisers, it suddenly dawned on me...I was a pier runner!! First cruise in 2003, on the Seawind, in Barbados, and decided to take a taxi to go shopping. Trying to negotiate a bargain on a duffel bag, I heard the ship's horn blow. I looked at my sister and said "Oh no, what time is it?" 3:50pm and ship was scheduled to leave @ 4pm. Just so happened this little market was by a waterfront and we asked these 2 guys in a little boat if they could get us to the ship. He's got this little boat going as fast as it can and we round the front of the ship as the horn is blowing again. I never prayed so hard in my life! I thanked them profusely, gave them ALL the money I had in my pockets, climbed up onto the pier and started running for the ship. As I look up the first person I see is my DH...he'd stayed behind for tea time and was looking down, munching on a sandwich, laughing his head off. It took a couple of drinks before I could laugh about it too. That was the first, last and ONLY time I've ever lost track of time while off the ship!

We have seen pier runners in Hawaii, they missed the ship after we waited an hour for them. It was our last port before heading back to Los Angeles.

I would call the wealthiest most powerful person I know and beg for their help.

I've seen pier strollers. No hurry.

The best pier runner we have seen was in Cozumel. It was a college age guy who was feeling no pain :) He was trotting along the pier pumping his fists in the air. He ran right off the edge of the pier into the water He climbed back on the pier, waved and continued his run to the ship.

I cannot even begin to imagine the feeling in the pit of your stomach as you watch the ship sail away with all your stuff. Guess that raises the question...What do you do if you miss the boat? I for one, do not take credit cards or bank cards in port with me, just cash. What would you do?

We almost left some table-mates in Cozumel. They rented a car and it had a flat. What saved them, was a late Carnival shore tour. They arrived as the last of the tour passengers got off the bus. They were so very lucky!!!!