Checking in times

[leighi123]

We just finalized our cruise yesterday, and we leave on the 24th!


Our boarding time is 12:30 and were told by the TA to show up at 12, we live around an hour from port, and my grandparents are staying in a hotel near port. What happens if you show up earlier than your assigned time? Will they let you check in or will you just have to wait around until your time slot?

We were hoping to get on the ship and get settled as soon as we possibly can.

[PrincessShmoo]

Originally Posted by leighi123

We just finalized our cruise yesterday, and we leave on the 24th!


Our boarding time is 12:30 and were told by the TA to show up at 12, we live around an hour from port, and my grandparents are staying in a hotel near port. What happens if you show up earlier than your assigned time? Will they let you check in or will you just have to wait around until your time slot?

We were hoping to get on the ship and get settled as soon as we possibly can.

Are you talking about Port Canaveral?

If so, if you arrive earlier than your selected Port Arrival Time, and the terminal is full, you will be asked to wait until either your PAT or the terminal is less busy.

Even if you are allowed in earlier than your PAT, your actual boarding number (which you receive when you checkin at the port) is tied to your PAT. You will receive the same boarding number regardless if you checkin early, or not. So you could see others (arriving at their correct PAT) who arrive after you boarding the ship before you do.

That said, once the actual boarding process begins, the line goes fairly quickly. I would say arriving at 12:30 would be your best bet for minimal hassle getting into the terminal and minimal wait time to board.