Is boarding really not until 1pm?

[Aimeedyan]

In the cruise documents, it states our port arrival time (11:30) but then states that boarding does not typically begin until 1pm.

How accurate have you found that to be? I'm sure it varies some, and that they need time to prep the ship between groups, but wondering what average tends to be.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

In the cruise documents, it states our port arrival time (11:30) but then states that boarding does not typically begin until 1pm.

How accurate have you found that to be? I'm sure it varies some, and that they need time to prep the ship between groups, but wondering what average tends to be.

Practically all cruise lines state that boarding is at 1:00. That allows them time, if there are issues with the ship docking early enough in the morning, to get docked, and debark all passengers, leaving time to clean up and prep for the next lot.

That said, most cruise line typically start boarding around 11:00 (some a bit earlier). DCL boarding usually starts around 11:30-11:45.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Practically all cruise lines state that boarding is at 1:00. That allows them time, if there are issues with the ship docking early enough in the morning, to get docked, and debark all passengers, leaving time to clean up and prep for the next lot.

That said, most cruise line typically start boarding around 11:00 (some a bit earlier). DCL boarding usually starts around 11:30-11:45.

That's what I had in the back of my mind so I'm glad I hadn't dreamed it! Thanks!

 

[mktt]

Last year on the Fantasy we had a port arrival time of 11am, were assigned a boarding number of 7 when we checked in, and boarded around 12:30.

So for sure it starts before 1pm.

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

The room likely won't be ready until then though. Also if it's your first cruise know that luggage is delivered later in the afternoon so pack anything you'll need early in a carry on (e.g., bathing suits).

 

[ChicosWife]

That's true. You will most likely board early, but you can't get into your room until the afternoon.

 

[mom2brooke76]

The room likely won't be ready until then though. Also if it's your first cruise know that luggage is delivered later in the afternoon so pack anything you'll need early in a carry on (e.g., bathing suits).

Rooms typically aren't ready until 1:30. In fact on our recent Dream cruise, they were running later than that in our area.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Practically all cruise lines state that boarding is at 1:00. That allows them time, if there are issues with the ship docking early enough in the morning, to get docked, and debark all passengers, leaving time to clean up and prep for the next lot.

That said, most cruise line typically start boarding around 11:00 (some a bit earlier). DCL boarding usually starts around 11:30-11:45.

This is 100% right. I just want to add that if you call DCL directly and ask them this question, they will swear up and down that 1:00 is hard and fast. They just don't want to get your hopes up. My sister had this experience, and after she talked to them, she didn't want to arrive until then. I assured her that there was a good change we could get on earlier, since the DIS boards people told me that. They were right, which means I was right. We were on the ship long before 1:00.

Have fun!

 

[Amanda129]

I just got off the Dream - our arrival time was 10:45, and we were able to start boarding the ship at about 11:30. Our room was ready right at 1:30, but some decks were a little later than that.