What is the average boarding, not terminal opening time?

[madelinesmum]

On our 1st cruise, we did not arrive as early as we would have liked so were able to board immediately after getting check in and our photos taken.

Also, DCL say boarding time is 1:00 but, if the ship is ready we can board early.

How early have you seen it open for boarding? We don't want to get to the port too early and have to sit around.

Btw. Doing the happy dance!

 

[mmouse37]

On our 1st cruise, we did not arrive as early as we would have liked so were able to board immediately after getting check in and our photos taken.

Also, DCL say boarding time is 1:00 but, if the ship is ready we can board early.

How early have you seen it open for boarding? We don't want to get to the port too early and have to sit around.

Btw. Doing the happy dance!

11:45 has been the norm for our last few cruises....rarely earlier than that. An average is 11:45-12:00 noon. But, sometimes, if there is a delay getting the current guests off, it could be later.

MJ

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

On our 1st cruise, we did not arrive as early as we would have liked so were able to board immediately after getting check in and our photos taken.

Also, DCL say boarding time is 1:00 but, if the ship is ready we can board early.

How early have you seen it open for boarding? We don't want to get to the port too early and have to sit around.

Btw. Doing the happy dance!

11.30AM 11.40AM and 11.45AM on my last three cruises..

On at:-

11.45AM 11.45AM and 11.45AM each time, (2) was boarding card 2, and the last one concierge.

I have never been on later than 12 noon in six cruises, but people report it moves quickly after 12 noon and wait is less than 20 mins.

 

[madelinesmum]

So what time do you arrive for an 11:45 boarding?

 

[mmouse37]

So what time do you arrive for an 11:45 boarding?

I like to get there at port opening....10:00 ish. I find the time go by very quickly and I love checking in as soon as I get there and just people watching. Two or so characters come out for photos, there are TV's playing cartoons, seating, etc. The terminal is beautiful and I feel like I have started my vacation when I check in.

MJ

 

[jilljill]

I like to get there at port opening....10:00 ish. I find the time go by very quickly and I love checking in as soon as I get there and just people watching. Two or so characters come out for photos, there are TV's playing cartoons, seating, etc. The terminal is beautiful and I feel like I have started my vacation when I check in.

MJ

In addition to all this, you can register your child for the kid's club if they are in that age range. This saves you time once you board the ship.

 

[kcashner]

In 2009, on each of our (way too many!) cruises, boarding started right at 11:45. Prior years, it was 11:45 +/- 10 minutes. Yes, it is always possible that if they have problems with disembarkation, it could be later.

 

[calmpets]

If you get there around noon for checkin, the line will probably have cleared by the time you are ready to board.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm thinking about going on a cruise this Thursday....I just found out that I'm off work for at least a week and now I'm trying to find a last minute trip to take.....if my flight arrives at MCO at noon can I make it to Port Canaveral and board the ship in time?

 

[jilljill]

I'm thinking about going on a cruise this Thursday....I just found out that I'm off work for at least a week and now I'm trying to find a last minute trip to take.....if my flight arrives at MCO at noon can I make it to Port Canaveral and board the ship in time?

First you would need to see if you can book a cruise 2 days before it leaves.

 

[dancin Disney style]

First you would need to see if you can book a cruise 2 days before it leaves.

As best I can tell...I can. There is one cabin available on a site that I was looking at. I'm not sure if there is any rule that would prevent a last minute booking.

 

[SaratogaShan]

Were you able to book?

 

[kcashner]

The shortest notice I ever booked was Thursday for a Saturday sailing. Yes, they'll take your money if they have space. As to a noon arrival at MCO...yes, if you really get in at noon, you can make it. My concern would be connecting flights, weather delays, etc. It is about a 45 minute drive normally from MCO to the port. DCL bus transportation normally runs till about 2 pm (yes, they run later if someone who booked air thru DCL is getting in late!) If you're on a DCL bus and there is a problem on the Beachline, they will get you there before the ship leaves. Private transportation is your problem......

 

[dancin Disney style]

The shortest notice I ever booked was Thursday for a Saturday sailing. Yes, they'll take your money if they have space. As to a noon arrival at MCO...yes, if you really get in at noon, you can make it. My concern would be connecting flights, weather delays, etc. It is about a 45 minute drive normally from MCO to the port. DCL bus transportation normally runs till about 2 pm (yes, they run later if someone who booked air thru DCL is getting in late!) If you're on a DCL bus and there is a problem on the Beachline, they will get you there before the ship leaves. Private transportation is your problem......

I just checked and the flight arrives at MCO at 11:21am...it's a non stop direct flight.

I'll make my decision tomorrow morning. This seems to be my best option since I will be traveling with my 10yo....DH couldn't get the time off on short notice. I wanted to go to an all inclusive but I'm not sure I would feel safe without another adult. Anyway...I'm waiting until the morning so that DH can ask again if he can have next week off....if they say yes then we will book an island.

 

[jilljill]

DCL's site is showing Sunday's cruise as the first available cruise for 2 people.
I know cruiselines have to submit a manifest to Homeland Security a day or 2 ahead and then that has to be reverified before sailing, thus the need for being onboard by 4:00. That's the reason I thought you had to book a cruise at least 2 days out.

 

[acourtwdw]

The buses from the resorts starting arriving between 12 and 1, so that can make the check in process a little longer at that time.