Arriving at port for the first time

[mort1331]

I know in 6 days I will do online check in and get our PAT. We are staying at Beach Club the night before and from what I am told its approx. 1 hour drive to port.
Wondering how much time needed from parking onsite to the port gate? If we arrive before our PAT would there be a chance on early boarding? If there isn't we would stay at Boardwalk and enjoy until our time comes.
Thanks

 

[lanejudy]

If your PAT is earlier than maybe 12 noon, I would say likelihood of boarding early is unlikely even if you arrive at the port much earlier. Boarding begins in Port Canaveral around 11:15 or 11:30am, and those with the earlier PATs will get the lower (earlier) boarding numbers. Even if you arrive early, you will get the boarding number associated with your PAT, so you'll sit and wait longer.

If your PAT is after 12:30pm, then arriving earlier is likely to get you onboard sooner since "open boarding" is called around that time and boarding numbers no longer matter.

Enjoy your cruise!