What time can we get into our stateroom?

[PurpleKomodo]

I just saw on another thread that staterooms aren't available until 2pm and started to feel panicky (or like I need to change our PAT). We currently have a 12:15 PAT. We have to hand carry quite a bit of medical equipment onto the ship and will have significant difficulty just toting it around for 2 hours if we really can't get into our stateroom until 2. Are some available early? Is it something we could request from special services? If not, I may need to change our time (even though I don't want to give up the time on the ship) to avoid a really boring couple of hours just sitting with a stack of stuff.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We just grab a table outside of the cove or cabanas and store our stuff there before cabins are open and we get lunch, go swimming, etc. . Over 25 cruises and I have never had any trouble with leaving our stuff, including electronics, booksX etc. if you need anything refrigerated you could just ask for an ice bucket and get ice. Sone tones rooms are open at 130. It just depends.

 

[lanejudy]

What do you envision doing when you first board? That may help you decide. Most folks eat lunch, that’s easily 30 minutes maybe longer if you have to help the kids get their food. We usually grab a table outside Cabanas and take turns watching our stuff. If the kids will swim next, you can probably continue alternating who sits at the table and who watch’s the kids. If you had planned to wander the ship, you may want to get a slightly later PAT.

But keep in mind a 12:15 PAT doesn’t mean you are onboard at 12:15. Assuming you are driving you’ll pull in the gates during the 12:15-12:30 window, drop checked luggage with the porters, enter the parking garage, walk to the terminal, maybe wait in line for security, maybe wait in line for check-in, then maybe another wait for your boarding group to be called. Only then do you board the ship, and even with a 12:15 PAT that could all take 30-60 minutes. Suddenly it’s already 1pm or later. Eat lunch and hopefully staterooms are available soon after.

 

[PurpleKomodo]

Those are all good points and things we have talked about. Follow-up question. How far do we have to walk to get to a lunch spot on the Wish? And is there enough room around the table for use to park a pretty significant amount of stuff without feeling like we are blocking a whole path? For perspective, with us we will have 7 people total (3 are kids and 1 of the kids is occupying a wheelchair), a large power wheelchair, a smaller manual wheelchair, a medical ventilator pole (on wheels), and probably a good handful of bags including a cooler.

 

[PAGA2003]

I think you might feel better heading to the open dining room for lunch. Then you will be seated at a table and have servers so you won't need to worry about wandering around to find a table, carrying food from the buffet, etc. We never dine in the buffet when we board. I just find it a much too chaotic and stressful start to vacation.

 

[Marthasor]

I think you might feel better heading to the open dining room for lunch. Then you will be seated at a table and have servers so you won't need to worry about wandering around to find a table, carrying food from the buffet, etc. We never dine in the buffet when we board. I just find it a much too chaotic and stressful start to vacation.

I was just about to post this suggestion as well - OP, I would definitely consider heading to Arendelle restaurant for the sit-down lunch. You will be seated at a table (won't have to find a place in Cabanas which can become difficult as more people board the ship) and will have plenty of room for everyone in your party and all of your stuff. We just ate in Cabanas on embarkation day in late April and it was mayhem. We vowed we would do the sit-down lunch on embarkation day from here on out. The menu won't offer as much selection as Cabanas would, but it will be a much more relaxing experience.

 

[enzy65]

We ate lunch in Arendelle in April and it was full, had to wait for a table. This was toward the end of the seating, so by the time we were done the rooms were open.

 

[tvguy]

I think the real question is, where are you going to store all the equipment during your cruise? The staterooms don't have a lot of room and sounds like you have a lot bulky items.

 

[PurpleKomodo]

I think the real question is, where are you going to store all the equipment during your cruise? The staterooms don't have a lot of room and sounds like you have a lot bulky items.

We have and ADA stateroom and family right next door with only 2 people in their room. So, I'm not as worried about that, but yes, we do have a lot of bulky items and they are all medically necessary. It is just our life.

 

[Snowwhyt]

We have and ADA stateroom and family right next door with only 2 people in their room. So, I'm not as worried about that, but yes, we do have a lot of bulky items and they are all medically necessary. It is just our life.

Have you counted how many outlets you will need? You can pre-request an electric extension cord. And you might need to consider a few multi outlet holders for USB recharging needs. Things that need to be recharged usually only will do so while you’re in the room also.

 

[kiford]

That's why we usually go for a later PAT. I don't feel like having a couple of extra hours on the ship is worth hauling my bags around and babysitting them. I don't like going for lunch with them because you have to put them under your table or around your feet and you keep tripping on them. I'd really rather have a more leisurely morning, take my time over breakfast, watch TV for a bit and then head to the ship, board and go right to my room. There isn't much you can do when you have your bags so I don't feel like I lose any time by not getting on earlier.

You can change your PAT or just show up later. Just because you have 12:45 PAT it doesn't mean you have to show up at that time. You just can't come earlier. You can show up around 1:30 when there is open boarding, you won't need to wait in line to get into the terminal, check-in will have few to no lines, quick check-in, and then board the ship. By the time you do all of that and get to your room, it will likely be 2 pm and rooms will be open.

 

[rainbowredpanda]

I just saw on another thread that staterooms aren't available until 2pm and started to feel panicky (or like I need to change our PAT). We currently have a 12:15 PAT. We have to hand carry quite a bit of medical equipment onto the ship and will have significant difficulty just toting it around for 2 hours if we really can't get into our stateroom until 2. Are some available early? Is it something we could request from special services? If not, I may need to change our time (even though I don't want to give up the time on the ship) to avoid a really boring couple of hours just sitting with a stack of stuff.

If you have medical equipment that the person doesn't need, speak to them at the terminal or once you board at the desk and they might be able to take it for you and store it until your room is ready. Especially if it's heavy or awkward. I wouldn't change your PAT. Thats your port arrival time, not your boarding time. You will most likely board the ship closer to 1pm so by the time you go for lunch (Cabanas or the sit down meal in one of the dining restaurants), your room will most likely be ready.

 

[Pixarfans]

You could also eat at the quick service places by the pool. Find a table off to the side and by the windows. Great view and in the shade. These tables feel less crowded than the buffet. You can you go into the buffet and bring food out. The elevators are kinda far from where you enter, but once you get to the pool deck you will be able to relax and enjoy your cruise!