What is your ideal time to get to port on boarding day?

[psimon]

What time is the best time to get to port? Or better yet, what time do YOU like to get to port? Given that departure isn't until 5PM, how early do you get there? Do you like to stand on line and wait to board, or do you like to get there as they are pulling up the gangplank?


-----Paul in Southern NJ

 

[Princess49]

I was so nervous about getting to the port ontime from the airport. I read that I should sit in the front of the bus, go directly to the bus area- I was a nervous wreck!!! WHen we got there we had to wait to be checked in as they didn't start for 10 min, then we checked in, & were among the first few on the line to board! While we were there I never saw the huge lines people spoke of, maybe it's later in the day! I wikk try to stay over night the next time to avoid the stress of our plane being delayed though!! This time we flew in May & the weather is great here in may, but I wouldn't change it in DEC with a snowstorm we could never make it!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I voted for 9am--I would rather wait in the terminal than risk the unknown. However, we only live 40 minutes from the terminal, so that might change when we take our cruise....I don't like to feel rushed and I don't like to wait forever in a seemingly slow moving line.

On our honeymoon--we were one of the first to arrive at the port and it was so nice to be one of the first on board.

I've gotten to port past the debarkation for one cruise (with a phone call to hold the boat after our vehicle broke down)--so I vowed NEVER again--my parents just cut it too close for me!!!

To each his own I guess.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

we like to get there early to take lots of pictures and try to be one of the first onboard. and we are excited about our vacation after waiting 15-18 months

 

[TikiGirl]

We made the mistake of using Disney transfers which got us to the port WAYYYY too late (close to 2pm).
As a result, we missed going to Palo for dinner and had to take the bottom of the spa reservation barrel.
After doing the ressie rush, we only had like 15 minutes to get to Beach Blanket to eat. It was extremely rushed and chaotic and left us very concerned that the rest of the trip would be that way also. Luckily, it wasn't - we will just do it a bit differently next time - arriving the night before in order to get to the port as early as possible.

 

[psimon]

Just for the record, when we took our cruise in Nov '02, we stayed at the hotel at the airport the night before. Consequently, we had a leisurely breakfast and went to the spot where they were pulling everyone together at about 9:30, as requested. We were sent to a large conference room where they were showing videos, while making sure everyone had their paperwork filled out. We got the second Disney bus heading to the port (about 10AM) and there were still easily 100 people ahead of us. I want to try to get there earlier this time.


-----Paul in Southern NJ

 

[mmouse37]

The first and last options on the poll really don't fit....they will not let you in the terminal until at least 10:00 sometimes later and everyone must be onboard by 3:30 pm unless there is a problem.

I just don't want people thinking they should come really early (like 9:00 am) or that it is alright to come really late. Either one of them will give them problems.

We always like to get there at 10:00 and wait for the door to open.

MJ

 

[psimon]

Originally posted by mmouse37
The first and last options on the poll really don't fit....they will not let you in the terminal until at least 10:00 sometimes later and everyone must be onboard by 3:30 pm unless there is a problem.

I just don't want people thinking they should come really early (like 9:00 am) or that it is alright to come really late. Either one of them will give them problems.

The only problem I see by coming before 10AM, which is before the doors open, is that you have to stand in line OUTSIDE! If someone wants to do that, who's to stop them!

As for the last option, guess that explains why no one chose it!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by psimon
The only problem I see by coming before 10AM, which is before the doors open, is that you have to stand in line OUTSIDE! If someone wants to do that, who's to stop them!

Actually, this may not be the case. Depending on the departing guests from the previous cruise, DCL may not even open the terminal gates (to let you pull your car in or be dropped off) until 10:30 or later.

We were on the May 1st cruise and arrived at the port just at 10:00. They told us we would need to park in the day-lot until 10:30. It was actually closer to 10:45 by the time they opened the gates and the doors to the terminal.

Now, if you don't mind waiting in your car (or outside) in the day parking lot until they open the terminal, then I guess you could show up as early as you wish.

 

[jlawall]

My advice.......last summer, we arrived around 11:30am - noon, we waited in short lines, my DDs waited in the boarding line and we were onboard around 12:15pm............this day was really relaxing and enjoyable, I really felt like I got an extra day of cruising!

 

[Tluvs2talk]

WE arrived to the terminal around 10:30 and checked in with no lines. We then had time to take pictures. My hubby and Nephew waited in line while I watched tv with my Niece. When the line started moving we met my Hubby in the line and we were onboard by 12:00. We had the pools to ourselves for about an hour. We didn't care about the buffet. we enjoyed the pizza, burgers and chicken fingers without waiting in any lines.




Teri

 

[Ratt45]

I voted for the first choice, 9-10. Both cruises so far we have arrived at the port around 9:45am. No particular reason othe than possibly because of excitement. Both, DW and myself, like to people watch as well. The only problem with getting in the line to board first is after a while you backside gets very sore.

We are going again in December and will get there early as well.

 

[cinder1407]

I chose 9 am I like getting there nice and early more time in the boat~~

 

[mrsltg]

I'll be there bright and early (10am or so!). I am a planner and I am always early for everything. Not to mention, getting on the ship around noon gives you extra time on your vacation.

Erin

 

[RSJC]

we are going to shoot for 10:30

 

[courtney]

I think mid-range is best... you beat the risk of rushes at both ends of the time spectrum. We got to port at maybe 12-12:30, and it was perfect. No lines at all, no ressie rush and we got the times we wanted for Palo and our spa appointments.

 

[msh8675]

I got to port just after the big rush, just about 12-1pm.
No hassles, no lines, no waiting.....
The only people that were there with me basically was a few stragglers taking pictures from the last bus and a coupla in betweens who got a ride, along with the people on MY bus!

It was great...highly recommend waiting til then.

I also got to the pool and it was not too crowded.

I wouldn't get there later than that as there is a lot of signing up to do and plenty of hanging around makes it for a whole extra day!!

Good luck!!