Time ok for pick up

[Dznypal]

Right now we’re in London. Tomorrow we have a car service picking us up for the cruise. We have a PAT of 1230 to 1245 with a pick up time of 945 to allow for any delays I know we can’t go into the terminal until 1230. Should we see if they can make it a bit later or keep it the way it is. DH won’t do good in the heat if we have to wait outside. Any thoughts. Thanks all

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

This was embarkation experience on Wednesday 30th August for the 4 night cruise to Bilbao. Like you I was at Queen Elizabeth II Terminal.
I stayed locally and had pre booked with Radio Taxis for 11.15am pickup. My PAT was 12pm.

The taxi was directed into a big covered warehouse area which was divided into different sections for taxi drop off and pick up.

The entrance building was at the the far end. There a big signs and lost of port staff so its organized and easy to find where to go. I was first directed to the luggage drop area. They checked I had the DCL luggage tag and then a porter took my bag. You do not tip the luggage porters in Southampton.

Then I was directed to the entrance queues. Port staff checked my PAT form and I was directed into the 12pm queue. It was now 11.35am.

At 11.40 our queue was allowed into the main check in hall and into the switch backs. It moved fast as there were alot of desks open. At the check in they checked my PAT form and my passport and that I had done the Health Questionnaire. I was given a wristband and then told to go up stairs. On the way to the next level was the DCL Embarkation Photo OP.

Up the escalator to the next level and I was in the final holding area before security and walking onto the ship. It was now about 11.50am and this area was crowded as they hadnt called Boarding Group 1 yet.

Boarding Group 1 was called at 11.55am and they moved quickly though and soon it was Group 11, my boarding group.

When the boarding group is called there a switchback to get to the security area. They have 3 security lanes, so they get through people fast. Just like at the airport, bags in the scanner, walk through the scanner.

It was a bit slow walking through the glass corridor onto the ship, there seemed to be a bit of a back log. But I checked the time after my welcome onboard announcement and it was 12.15pm.