port arrival 12:15 - what time do I aim to arrive?

[andrews_dad]

Rental car so I control my time. Reserved 12:15, first available for the Dec 3 cruise. So do I aim to pull in at noon? Earlier?

I want to get on ship as fast as possible.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Rental car so I control my time. Reserved 12:15, first available for the Dec 3 cruise. So do I aim to pull in at noon? Earlier?

I want to get on ship as fast as possible.

The terminal opens at 10:30 (Port Canaveral). The Port Arrival Time you selected is tied to the actual boarding number you get at check in the terminal. You'll get the same boarding number, regardless of when you actually check in.

Boarding begins around 11:30 with Concierge guests, followed by Platinum Castaway Club members. Then they start announcing boarding numbers. Once the boarding number being announced catches up with the number being issued at check in, Open Boarding is called. Anyone holding any boarding number may board at this time. This typically occurs around 12:30-12:45.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

First thing I'd say, if you really want to board ASAP, is periodically check back for a new PAT. Sometimes earlier times open up later in the process once people work out their transportation choices.

Next question: Is it a one way rental or week long? If it is a one way rental, you can probably get there even 30-45 minutes prior to your PAT, at the very least this gives you time to drop off your people and return your car so that they won't be waiting for you to check in. There is a chance that if the building is too crowded they won't let you in, but even if your family has to wait outside the building, it still gives you time to drop off the car. If it is a week long rental and you are parking the car there, then 15 minutes before your PAT is probably enough.

As Shmoo said, even if you get through security and check-in, you still have to wait for them to call your boarding number and that is tied to your PAT, not the time you finish check-in.

Still, if you REALLY want to get on ASAP, and you don't mind lines and waiting, you could get to the port earlier so that you will be certain to be finished with check-in and security as soon as your boarding number is called.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Rental car so I control my time. Reserved 12:15, first available for the Dec 3 cruise. So do I aim to pull in at noon? Earlier?

I want to get on ship as fast as possible.

Are you parking the rental car at the port or returning the rental car and taking the rental company shuttle?

If parking at the port, noon sounds about right. You'll be able to park, get into the terminal as the crowds are lessening, get checked in and likely board either right away or with minimal wait. If you are returning your rental car before the cruise, I'd suggest stopping by the port before to drop off the luggage you'll be checking with the porters so you'll only have to deal with your carry on bags on the rental shuttle. In that case, I'd suggest dropping luggage off around 11:30.

 

[andrews_dad]

No earlier arrivals open. I just checked online. I doubt that will change as the cruise departs Saturday.

Which rental car companies have a return spot at the port? I need to book the car.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

No earlier arrivals open. I just checked online. I doubt that will change as the cruise departs Saturday.

Which rental car companies have a return spot at the port? I need to book the car.

None of the rental companies are right at the port terminal. All will require a shuttle to get from the rental location to the port.

 

[andrews_dad]

Just booked a car out from Dollar at .... assume or hope they have a shuttle. Website does not say and they will not answer their phone...

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL DLE (MLBC01)
6799 NORTH ATLANTIC AVE
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL UNITED STATES 32920
321-799-2945
Neighborhood Location

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Dollar has a shuttle. I think they have pickup right at MCO also. So are you doing two, one-way rentals, or parking it for the week?

 

[andrews_dad]

Dollar has a shuttle. I think they have pickup right at MCO also. So are you doing two, one-way rentals, or parking it for the week?

Two one way, one day rentals.

Flying down this Friday for the Saturday 12/3 cruise on the Fantasy. I booked a room at Country Inn and Suites near the Airport.

Spending the day after disembark at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.

 

[andrews_dad]

And just got a car from MCO to drop off at Astronaut Blvd via Budget. Budget clearly states cruise shuttles.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Budget is who I used. There is a gas station right next to the Budget place at the port. No worries there. Gassing up near the airport is more challenging.

So since it is two, one-way rentals, if you want to get on ASAP, definately get there at like 11:30, drop off your family, and then return your car. That way (crowds permitting) they can go through security and wait inside, and by the time you get back on the shuttle you can all check-in. You filled out all the pre-boarding info on your computer right, and signed the printout? That saves you time in check-in. They will say, "is all of this info correct?" then take your picture, hand you your cards and you'll be set.

You will love the Grand Cypress. I remember you now from earlier posts.

 

[Quellman]

Depending on how many people you have to transport, you may want to drop them and the luggage off at the port before returning the rental car. This way you have less the shelp about. Useful also if you have younger kids. This of course eats up more of your time.