Rhapsody Tendering in Cayman

[Ed R.]

I will be on the Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas this summer and will be tendering in Cayman. I have a couple of questions related to tendering.

* How long after the cruise ship arrives does the first tender typically depart?

* Is there a set departure time schedule? How frequently do the tenders depart the ship (every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.)?

* From when the tender departs, how long does it take to get off the tender on the island?


Information and advice is greatly appreciated!

[Ali]

Usually they let the passengers with shore excursions booked through the cruise line off the ship first. The tenders run constantly all day long. It takes 5-10 minutes to tender over to the dock area on Grand Cayman from the ship. There really is no set departure schedule. As soon as one fills up it leaves and you will usually be passing another one on it's way back to the ship to drop off passengers and reload.

[pklopp]

Tendering in Cayman was a breeze, compared to Labadee. Like Ali said, they just about run constantly - fill em up and take off. On the Voyager I believe that there were 3 areas open from the ship to get on the tender. Have fun!
Peggy

[cfurry]

Ed,

If you're not a ship-sponsored excursion, you can still make a quick departure from the ship. Early on the morning of your arrival at Cayman, the purser will distribute tender tickets in one of the lounges. (Check your Daily Compass for details.)

My advice is to grab a cup of coffee, a danish and a book and get there early, say...30 or 40 minutes prior to the designated time. That way you'll be in line when management shows up with the tickets, which will designate a departure time.

We were on the first tender to Cayman and it was completely hassle-free. As Ali said, the tender trip takes maybe five minutes or so once you get going. And then they run all day, back and forth, between the ship and the dock.

We sailed on Rhapsody last year so if you have any specific questions, feel free to email me at cfurry@sbcglobal.net

[diverdiver]

Every time I stop at Grand Cayman, I always order breakfast from room service so that I can be at the designated area to pick up an early tender ticket. Just some advice.

[n8njulie]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't even thought about this.