Best Time To Board The Ship

[walter]

What is the best time toboard the ship. Is it much easier to use the Castaway Cay Club line? Thanks!

 

[inkkognito]

Actually, the Castaway Club line is often longer than the other lines. Just look for the shortest one. You can enter the terminal building beginning at around 10:30 a.m. When we have done this, there was a sign saying that check-in began at 11, but there was one window open. Boarding of the ship itself generally begins at 12:15, although than can vary. It's good to board early to be able to eat lunch first and then get your Palo and spa ressies without too much of a rush. One member of your party can hold your place in the boarding line while the others explore the terminal.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[rae519]

Yup! Get on as soon as possible - then it's sort of a mad rush (at least for me) I always drop off my handcarried stuff in my stateroom, head out to eat, make reservations (Palo/Spa) and if sign DS up at the kid's club!
THEN I RELAX!!
After all, this is a vacation!

Happy sailing!
Rae

 

[BabySam99]

Just experienced all that you are asking about...came back Thursday...we arrived at the teminal at 11:00 and checked in which only took about 5 minutes no lines and about 6 windows were open to check-in...then went and got in line to board...we were about 5th couple from the front...the ship started boarding at 12:15 sharp...you can't go to your stateroom until about 1:15...so we went straight to the buffet at Beach Blanket Buffet on deck 9...we ate and then went to the room...you can start making ressies at Palos at 1:30 so I did that once again no lines or waiting...I made them for 7:30 that evening which was a great thing to do...start the trip off right...relaxing!!

Went and made my spa ressies...once again no waiting...I didn't rush at all...I never experienced the so called "ressie scramble" everything I wanted to do I did without one bit of trouble! It was great!! The only thing I would recommend is getting in line to board and having one person from your party save your spot...the line to board did get really long...so get your spot!

Hope this helps...I had the time of my life and I know you will too!

 

[kasar]

Does anyone happen to know when the first bus leaves the airport to go to the port? We're arriving the night before our cruise and staying at the Hyatt right in the airport. Since we're right there, we'll just grab the first bus and hopefully be there before (or at least close to) the 11:00 check in time. Just wondering if we should wait or consider limo/taxi instead! Thanks so much!

Caryn, Rich, Kate, Sarah

 

[YooHoo]

I don't know about most of you guys, but my husband hates to stand in lines. We were at the port early last year and of course waited in line. But this year we decided to wait until 1:00 to try to check in and it was wonderful. There were no lines and straight to the ship. It was so relaxing and started our trip off great!

 

[TChrist05]

Third year of cruising...first on the Wonder and last year on the Magic...doing the Magic again....and to tell ya the truth...I will wait in line every time to get on one of those beautiful ships....cause my worst day on a cruise is better than my best day at work....so let the lines begin...as a matter of fact I wish I was waiting in that line right now....20 days to the Magic!
Tom

 

[rae519]

Tom - great answer! Must be because you are from NY!! I can relate but been in Indiana too long!

Unfortunately, we are subject to the airlines and then the DCL transportation to get to the terminal and hence, the "scramble" and "line wait" but Tom, thank you for the best answer - it really puts things into perspective.


Rae

 

[GoBlueGuy]

We stayed at the Hyatt Sept. last year for a Magic cruise. When we came back from breakfast, we noticed they were just starting to check people for the buses. This was 30 mins. BEFORE they said check-in was to begin. We checked in, and waited for a while 30-45 mins. or so, and they started boarding the buses (I think it was around 9:30-9:45.) Anyway, we were on the first bus, and it was the first bus to the terminal. I don't think there were more than 5 people ahead of our bus. I think we were third in line to board. Don't worry! you'll get there with plenty of time, if you catch the first bus from the Hyatt!

GBG