Boarding question

[bama-mom]

We don't sail until Feb. 7, 2010, but I am trying to get the boarding process down pat. This is our first cruise, so not sure what to expect.

Can someone give me a timeline as in:
what time to get to the port (we are driving down the day before and parking at the port)
what time CM's start checking in guests
what time boarding starts and then how long until you are allowed in your cabins?

It will be me, dh, dd6 and ds3.

Thanks for any help you can give us!!

[jilljill]

Port generally opens at 10am.
Check in begins shortly after that.
They usually start boarding at 11:45 but that can vary. This past summer we boarded at 11:45 and then 2 weeks later is was noon.
Lunch service starts when boarding starts.
Cabins open at 1:30, not sooner.


You can check the FAQ's sticky at the top of the page to read the Navigator's from recent cruises. Some people have copied the Nav. you are given when you check in so you can see what is open and what you can do after boarding.

[bama-mom]

Thank you for the quick reply

I will print this out and put it in my cruise planning notebook!

[doberlady]

I was amazed at how organized the whole event was.

[mmouse37]

It really is a well oiled machine. The only thing that can mess it up is if the ship is delayed getting back into port as that would delay returning cruisers from getting off the ship, thus delaying the boarding of the incoming guests.

From time to time there is a bomb scare or some such thing that could delays things as well, but that is rare.

If you did not want to wait around the terminal you could arrive at 12:30 or so and walk right on the ship as most everyone will already be boarded.

Personally, I like to get there early and experience the terminal, the crowds, the excitement of it all. My vacation begins when I enter the terminal!!

MJ

[truck1]

I agree with all of the above on port times.

It all comes down to personal perferences, and flights etc.

I usually get to the port when it opens at 10 am, for a number of reasons, and youll hear others that will say wait till later.

For me the last 2 cruises have been with my ds,10 dd,8 and dw. For one thing, we always get a low boarding number.Also, we are one of the first to get the kids there bands for the kids clubs and most importantly we have time to correct any issue that may arise.After that we just either wait for boarding watching one of the Disney movies in the terminal, or once we are on the ship, have a nice lunch on Deck 9 aft outside, and then wander the ship until we get can get into our room.
Another thing is that if for some reason you are delayed, you dont have to rush to make the ship. The ship has a strict no later tha 4pm check in time set by customs.

[kcashner]

The terminal area opens about 10, security and check in start typically around 10:15 (although they say 10:30, it's usually earlier.) Boarding starts about 11:45.

As above, if you want to avoid crowds, show up about 12 - 12:30.

Since you are driving down the day before, have you considered staying at a hotel with free cruise parking? Parking at the port is $15 per day. Several nearby hotels offer free parking and free or low cost shuttle to the port if you spend a night there. For instance, the Radisson offers free parking and shuttle. The Residence offers free parking and breakfast; low cost shuttle. If you stay at a place that charges for the shuttle, the driver can take everyone over to the terminal then drive back to the hotel to park and shuttle back.

[Elisa and Harris]

Originally Posted by kcashner

The terminal area opens about 10, security and check in start typically around 10:15 (although they say 10:30, it's usually earlier.) Boarding starts about 11:45.

As above, if you want to avoid crowds, show up about 12 - 12:30.

Since you are driving down the day before, have you considered staying at a hotel with free cruise parking? Parking at the port is $15 per day. Several nearby hotels offer free parking and free or low cost shuttle to the port if you spend a night there. For instance, the Radisson offers free parking and shuttle. The Residence offers free parking and breakfast; low cost shuttle. If you stay at a place that charges for the shuttle, the driver can take everyone over to the terminal then drive back to the hotel to park and shuttle back.

is this true for the Wonder and the Magic? I had read somewhere that the Wonder won't board until 1.

[mom23boyz]

We have sailed twice and both times arrived at the port by 9:30. We received boarding card #2. We were on the ship, had made/changed Palo and spa appts. and were sitting poolside sipping frothy drinks by noon. We watched a steady parade of people just arriving and we truly felt we had gained something by being there so early. After all, you're paying for each day aboard the ship and that includes embarkation day! Soak it up!

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by Elisa and Harris

is this true for the Wonder and the Magic? I had read somewhere that the Wonder won't board until 1.

I sailed on the Wonder 3 times in 2009. In each case, general boarding began about 11:45. HOWEVER, the nightclub to change dining and make Palo reservations did not open till 1 pm.

[jilljill]

Originally Posted by Elisa and Harris

is this true for the Wonder and the Magic? I had read somewhere that the Wonder won't board until 1.

I was on the Wonder twice this summer and we boarded at 11:45 and then 2 weeks later we boarded at noon.