How late is too late to land at MCO the day of a cruise?

[clten]

OP, from your post sounds like you typically arrive for your cruises in advance but can't for this one for whatever reason. So I'll leave all the horror stories of delays to what have already been provided, you are aware of the risks if you usually come in beforehand. If you have to come in the day of the cruise -- do a little research yourself before you commit to the time change Delta is giving you. Your 11:30 arrival time might be the best option -- and if all goes to plan be plenty of time to get t the port in time. (I'd say if you land by 1:30 you would be okay to get to the port with some breathing room.) But questions to ask yourself before you commit to the schedule change -- is it non-stop or is non-stop available (remember in airline speak direct and non-stop are different). If it is a connecting flight, do you have a good connection -- is it too close where any slight delay may make you miss your connection. Are you connecting in a city where there are a number of other options available if you are late or your connecting flight has any delays. (It might be better to leave 1/2 later to get a better connection, so look at the options.)

Good luck and as others have said, with Delta, this may not be your last schedule change before you cruise.

 

[richmo]

I'm in agreement with most here...while I think there's a high chance (maybe 90%) that you'll make it, that still leaves a 10% or so chance that you won't. For me, especially with a cruise on the line, that's an unacceptable risk. You certainly have the right to change your flight itinerary with the big shift in time...even if you can come in late the night before, I think I'd do that and book a hotel either at MCO or very close.

 

[bumbershoot]

Then, Delta went and changed our flight by two hours, and our new arrival time at MCO is 11:37 a.m. I am really nervous about this change

Any words of wisdom to offer?

Call delta. Get the flight changed. Easy.

 

[ludari]

As others have mentioned flying in on the day of your cruise could result in missing your cruise for reasons mentioned by PP. Nevertheless, I have to admit that I did fly out on the same day as my cruise twice before but I made sure I took the first direct flight, confirmed that they where multiple direct flights and airlines with the same destination that would arrive in time for me to arrive at the port in time and I only had carry-on luggage.

 

[erinsmom03]

Changed the flight. Delta was much easier to deal with than I anticipated.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Changed the flight. Delta was much easier to deal with than I anticipated.

Yay!