Port Arrival Time

[jporritt]

Just checked in for our cruise, and the only available port arrival times were from 1.30pm onwards. I wasn't aware that these things would be limited on a first come first served basis? I presume this means we'll be give a high boarding number? Can we not turn up earlier and get a better boarding?

Out of interest if we arrive at the terminal sooner, is there anywhere to grab lunch at the port?

 

[mesaboy2]

There are many threads on this topic. Hunt around for the answers you're looking for. Bottom line is that DCL is confusing the boarding process with these boarding times.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Some people said they have turned up earlier and gotten a high number-

Some have said they turned up earlier and gotten a low one-

Some have said they turned up earlier and gotten a high number but where able to charm their way into getting a lower one.

Good luck- hopefully it will be figured out by the time I cruise.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Arriving at 1:30 means you will most likely be able to walk right onto the ship. The buffet and one sit down restaurant will be open for lunch when you board. There is no where really close to the port to eat, but lunch on board is free and good.

If you get to the port before your time, you may or may not get a better boarding number, there are reports here of people getting to the gate at 10 and being given a very high number and the people behind them getting a very low number. Remember, the rooms are not available until 1:30, so you will have to keep your carry on bags with you until then, too.

Personally, I like arriving later, I don't like to be in a big crush of people if I can avoid it

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Arriving at 1:30 means you will most likely be able to walk right onto the ship. THe buffet and one sit down restaurant will be oen for lunch when you board. THere is no where really close to the port to eat, but lunch on board is free and good.

If you get to the port before your time, you may or may not get a better boarding number, there are reports here of eople getting to the gate at 10 and being given a very hight number and the people behind them getting a very low number. Remember, the rooms are not available until 1:30, so you will have to keep your carry on bags with you until then, too.

Personally, I like arriving later, I don't like to be in a big crush of people if I can avoid it

To me the extra couple of hours on the ship before it becomes full isn't worth getting up extra early..the reason I would want to get on board early is to try and get reservations that might be available on board that weren't available on line. Some have also said that ere early getting thit might give them an advantage of being able to upgrade at port.

 

[jporritt]

Arriving at 1:30 means you will most likely be able to walk right onto the ship. The buffet and one sit down restaurant will be open for lunch when you board. There is no where really close to the port to eat, but lunch on board is free and good.

If you get to the port before your time, you may or may not get a better boarding number, there are reports here of people getting to the gate at 10 and being given a very high number and the people behind them getting a very low number. Remember, the rooms are not available until 1:30, so you will have to keep your carry on bags with you until then, too.

Personally, I like arriving later, I don't like to be in a big crush of people if I can avoid it

Sounds good advice, thank you. Our primary concern is arriving in Barcelona in the morning and between getting through the airport and transfers to the port, we're not in any position to get food anywhere. A late boarding time sounds like it could exacerbate things.

 

[beeadude]

I picked my port arrival time-do I get any kind of confirmation or proof of this time that I need to present once we get to the terminal? Thanks

 

[lbgraves]

DCL will have it in their computer system.

 

[Mason3]

There seems to be no rhyme or reason. Ppl are posting that they were given one number, and their relatives in another line (checking in at the same time) were given either a much higher or lower number. At this point, it seems like chaos and just the luck of the draw. Maybe DCL will figure this out soon.