Time to board ship?

[mshuck]

Another ? from a first timer!
Our cruise doesn't leave till 4pm on a Thursday. What time can you board ? I've noticed that everyone talks about 10am but their DC leaves earlier. Thanks for all of you input and ideas!

 

[crisi]

They tend to open the "ears" at around 11:45. By 11:30 the line to board can be kind of long.....if you get in line at 11:30, you'll probably board by 12:00 however. If you get in line at 12:00, you'll board by 12:10. The terminal opens at 10:00, and there is probably ten or twenty minutes worth of pre-boarding check in that needs to be done. So if you arrive at 10:00, you'll hang at the terminal for an hour and a half or so before boarding.

We got to the terminal around 11:15. We were checked in by 11:30. Rather than get into a long line, the kids watched cartoons, met Snow White and Mickey Mouse, and we got in line around 11:55, boarded by 12:10.

You won't be able to get into your stateroom until 1:30 - pack your daybag light. Lunch is served the moment you board and the pools are open.

 

[KennyK]

mshuck,

Also there is a manditory life boat drill, where you meet at a designated location with your life vests on at 4:00pm. This takes all of about 15 minutes. Then off to your room, put those vest away and up to deck 9 for the sail-away party as the ship leaves at 5:00pm sharp unless there is bad weather or some other reason for the delay.

As far as check in. You can always have one person stand on line and rotate each waiting while the others sit and watch tv or mingle with the characters. You only need one person to hold your families place. As mentioned earlier, the "ears" open up around 11:45. Just a note for first time cruises also. Parrot Cay which is the normal lunch dining room, fills up preety fast, so late arrivers will be diverted to topsiders or beach blanket for lunch.

Don't forget, Spa and Palo's ressies also take place pretty much right away.

Hope this helps in your planning on departure day.

Kennyk

 

[mshuck]

Thanks for the info! I understand there is an additional charge for Palo. What is the charge and is it worth it?

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by mshuck
Thanks for the info! I understand there is an additional charge for Palo. What is the charge and is it worth it?

The charge for Palo now is $10 per person(plus tip). It is worth it alone for the atmosphere(no kids) and view. We did the dinner on the Feb 22 cruise..........and next time we will try the brunch.

 

[RLAlden]

Have a great time...

Enjoy the free shakes while laying at the pool... To do it, go to the ice cream / fresh fruit counter and get a bowl of ice cream. Then go to the beverage center and get a large cup of milk (half full). Dump the ice cream in and bingo, you have an awesome shake on a hot day. We ended up doing it every day of our 7 day cruise...

 

[mshuck]

Originally posted by Nick@ VB+OKW
The charge for Palo now is $10 per person(plus tip). It is worth it alone for the atmosphere(no kids) and view. We did the dinner on the Feb 22 cruise..........and next time we will try the brunch.

Is the tip and $10.00 added to the room charge? Does the brunch cost the same amount and what times are the brunch?
Thanks for all of your help!
Marilyn