Early Online Check in vs Later?

[Maesa]

On my first cruise this year I had the normal online check in date to reserve onboard activities and checking on board time. But since this is my 2nd cruise I am eligible for early online check in if I pay my cruise off by that date. I was able to get an early onboard check in even though I checked in online later. Is it a real difference if I do the online board reservations earlier or later? Or did I luck out last cruise in getting an early onboard check in time?

What is the earliest time we can onboard?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

On my first cruise this year I had the normal online check in date to reserve onboard activities and checking on board time. But since this is my 2nd cruise I am eligible for early online check in if I pay my cruise off by that date. I was able to get an early onboard check in even though I checked in online later. Is it a real difference if I do the online board reservations earlier or later? Or did I luck out last cruise in getting an early onboard check in time?

What is the earliest time we can onboard?

It's not unusual for first time cruisers to get an early Port Arrival Time. Sometimes it's more difficult, but not EVERYONE goes for the first available PAT.

The terminal opens at 10:30 for check in.

 

[NS8VN]

The only benefit I can think of to waiting is putting off your final payment by a couple weeks. You may not stay up until midnight like we did (made a party out of it), but checking in the first morning you are able to does give you a better chance at getting everything you wanted. PAT is just one thing, there are also the gatherings, tastings, BBB, and excursions that you might want to get locked in. As well, if you are hoping to stalk the site for someone cancelling a cabana then you get an extra two weeks to keep an eye on things.

 

[darnheather]

If you want princess tickets or if your cruise has special characters you will want the early booking.