1st Cruise

[mort1331]

We are on our first cruise ever on 03/17/17. I know online check in is 75days out. But what are the advantages of checking in early? This is a short 4 night cruise. So just CC and Nassau, so not looking at excursions. But is there any other benefits?
Rookie here. Thanks

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are on our first cruise ever on 03/17/17. I know online check in is 75days out. But what are the advantages of checking in early? This is a short 4 night cruise. So just CC and Nassau, so not looking at excursions. But is there any other benefits?
Rookie here. Thanks

Well, all the information you submit before actually showing up at the port will speed up your port check in time. You can pre-book character meet & greets (Frozen, and Princess Gathering). Also, if you're interested in adult dining, you can do it then.

Or you can just wing it.

 

[Geomom]

You choose your port arrival time when you do online checkin.

 

[clten]

For short cruises, if you want to board as soon as possible, you have to do your online check in to get your Port Arrival Time, which is tied to your Boarding Number.

 

[jrabbit]

and the sooner you do your online check in, the earlier your PAT (Port Arrival Time) will be. If boarding the ship ASAP is important to you, then you should do the online check in sooner rather than later.

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ETA: wow, I was slow in responding between the time i opened this up to the time i type and hit Post Reply. Everyone else all had the same thoughts

 

[TrySomethingNew]

Of course, many people report that general boarding begins by (or before) 12:30. Less people in terminal, and resort busses have not arrived yet (usually around 1:30pm). Rooms are not open till 1:30pm usually, so any luggage you have with you that is not checked will have to stay with you till rooms open. Have a fabulous cruise!

 

[mort1331]

Thanks for the quick response, very quick jrabbit. What is the earliest onboard you can be. We are staying at the BW prior and driving. Just trying to time when to leave the World at.

 

[Dug720]

The earliest PAT that is available for PC is usually 10:30/10:45 - whether that is available at 75 days or not is always a question.

Boarding usually starts around 11:30 or so with Concierge, then Platinum, then Boarding Group 1. Your Boarding Group is tied to your PAT and NOT what time you arrive (there have been reports of exceptions being made, but I would not count on it) - so if your PAT is significantly after the time you actually arrive, you may well see people who arrive after you but at their PAT boarding before you.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Of course, many people report that general boarding begins by (or before) 12:30. Less people in terminal, and resort busses have not arrived yet (usually around 1:30pm). Rooms are not open till 1:30pm usually, so any luggage you have with you that is not checked will have to stay with you till rooms open. Have a fabulous cruise!

To clairfy: The terminal opens at 10:30 (or thereabouts) for checking in. The Port Arrival Time you select during the online check in process is tied to the boarding number you get when you check in at the port. Around 11:30 boarding begins with Concierge guests, followed by Platinum Castaway Club members. Then boarding numbers are called. The time period from 10:30 to around 12:15 it is usually very busy/full inside the terminal. It's often difficult to even make it to the front of the group crowding around the boarding entrance. Once the boarding number being called catches up with the one being issued at check in, Open Boarding is announced. This is typically around 12:30-12:45. The buses from the resorts typically begin arriving shortly after 12:30 until around 2:00.

Thanks for the quick response, very quick jrabbit. What is the earliest onboard you can be. We are staying at the BW prior and driving. Just trying to time when to leave the World at.

With the above scenario, the best window to arrive during would be around 12:15-12:45. The bulk of the guests who arrived at the first available opportunity have boarded, and the buses from the resorts are only just beginning to arrive.