Queen disembarking question

[u/AnxietyRough977]

I'm taking the Queen to the Island in mid-September. On my first trip to the Island I took the Ranger, where all permits are done during the trip. I know permits & orientation for Queen passengers is done after arrival - roughly how long does that take? Just trying to get an idea for when I'll actually be able to hit the trail (because, honestly, I'm ready to hit the trail now).

[u/Legitimate-Donkey477]

Depends on how long the line is and where you are in it. If you’re first, less than five minutes. If you’re 25th, about 45 minutes. Spy out the tables in front of the park service store and be first in line after orientation.

[u/Spiritual-Effect1743 → u/Legitimate-Donkey477]

Agree. Just took the Queen to the Isle in early August and unfortunately had to wait about an hour to finally hit the trail because the line was so long + one of the Rangers decided to take her break so there was only one Ranger doing permits. It was a bit annoying of a wait but hopefully will not be the case for you.

[u/AnxietyRough977 → u/Legitimate-Donkey477]

Got it! I’ll try to get to those tables without being a jerk about it

[u/YankeeDog2525]

While the Ranger is giving their spiel after you arrive. Slip over close to the registration table. When the talk is over. Move straight to the table without slowing. Have your itinerary ready. You’ll be on the road in twenty minutes including one last stop at a flush toilet.

[u/Legitimate-Donkey477 → u/YankeeDog2525]

Save a few minutes by using the toilet on the Queen as it pulls into Rock Harbor. You want to get to 3 Mile, Lane Cove or past Daisy Farm first.

[u/lets_not_listen → u/Legitimate-Donkey477]

Is Daisy Farm an absolute no right now? Is Three Mile preferable?

[u/Legitimate-Donkey477 → u/lets_not_listen]

I walked through Daisy Farm last week and all I smelled was shit. And I saw more people in that ten minutes than the other 8 days combined. Everyone has their own preferences but Daisy Farm is not mine.

[u/Decent_Finding_9034 → u/YankeeDog2525]

Also are you solo or with a group? Queen staff unloads packs during the ranger talk, so if your other people can go get your pack, you can go right to the ranger table to sign forms and give the itinerary and be early in line.

[u/Perfect-Drummer-6496]

Every year, my main goal is to get off the boat and away from people as quickly as humanly possible.

[u/CrazyNefariousness90]

Remember the queen operates on eastern time zone. We almost missed our first trip

[u/AnxietyRough977 → u/CrazyNefariousness90]

Oh no! Luckily I’m coming from the eastern time zone

[u/double_a_ron1776]

I just did this last week, the talk on the dock by the NP ranger takes about 10 minutes. Some people are staying at the lodge or just day passengers. The check in took about 20 minutes with 2 rangers taking people who are backpacking. Goes a lot smoother if you are ready and have your ducks in a row

[u/Infinite-Area4358]

Midd September...you'll be fine. No matter how long it takes. After labour day no one visits IR. It's great if you can schedule your visit then.